BY GLORIA IRANKUNDA
When Ritah Nampijja, a resident of Lyantonde, received a WhatsApp message from her best friend in Kampala asking her to be a bridesmaid, she was thrilled. The honour of standing beside her friend on such a special day filled her with excitement. But as the initial joy settled, reality began to sink in. The cost of the dress, hair, makeup, shoes, and transport started to pile up.
“By the time the wedding came around, I had spent close to Shs700,000. What started like a beautiful gesture was turning into a financial strain,” she recalls.
Nampijja’s experience is not unique. Weddings in Uganda have become grand affairs, and so have the roles of the bridal party. For bridesmaids, especially in urban settings, the financial demands are rising from customised dresses to professional beauty packages, travel, gifts, and a packed calendar of pre-wedding events. While the title of bridesmaid once implied moral support and cheerleading, today, it often comes with a hefty price tag.
Hire, buy or sew?
The number one item on the list for any bridesmaid is the dress for the day. While some brides opt to have the same design tailored for all maids, others prefer each bridesmaid to find a dress in a particular colour palette. Both options cost money.
Bridesmaid dresses on platforms such as Jiji Uganda range from Shs25,000 for hiring to Shs150,000 and above for purchase. If the bride provides the fabric, commonly satin or lace, maids are still responsible for tailoring costs, which can range from Shs60,000 to Shs200,000 depending on complexity.
“I chose to sew mine because I wanted something that fit perfectly and could still be worn again,” says Rachael Nabirye, who has been a bridesmaid three times in the last two years. “But the tailoring fee was Shs180,000, and I still had to pay for lining material.”
For brides on a tight budget, hiring might seem cheaper, but some bridesmaids argue that tailoring gives them more value for money since they can reuse the outfit for other events.
Hair, makeup and nails
The bridal entourage is expected to shine, and beauty professionals have capitalised on this. In Kampala, full bridesmaid beauty packages, hair styling, makeup, and nails can cost anywhere between Shs760,000 to Shs2m, depending on the vendor.
“I paid Shs350,000 for a one-day makeup session and hair styling,” says Sarah Atuhaire, who was a bridesmaid at her cousin’s wedding in Mbarara in 2023. “The bride had hired a team from Kampala who charged urban rates even though the wedding was in a rural area.”
Many bridesmaids are now opting for DIY makeup or asking friends for help. Some also braid their hair or wear wigs instead of getting expensive salon hairstyles.
“I learnt basic makeup skills from YouTube,” says Angela Kirabo. “It saved me at least Shs200,000 each time I had a wedding.”
Still, for many urban weddings, there is pressure to maintain a ‘bride-worthy’ look.
“You cannot be the one looking ‘off’ in the photos,” Kirabo adds.
Accessories, shoes and more
Beyond the dress and glam squad, there are accessories, matching heels, jewellery, handbags, and sometimes headpieces. These can cost anywhere from Shs100,000 to Shs300,000, depending on the style and source.
“I bought gold sandals and earrings,” says Bridget Nakayenga. “The bride was very specific. It cost me Shs110,000.”
Some thrifty bridesmaids now turn to second-hand markets or borrow items from friends, while others repurpose what they already own. Still, the bride’s vision often dictates what is acceptable.
Pre-wedding events and travel expenses
Today’s Ugandan wedding calendar is often filled with activities: bridal showers, dress rehearsals, kwanjula (traditional introduction ceremonies), and hen parties. These events, while fun and bonding, come at a cost.
Maids are typically expected to contribute financially to the bridal shower, with contributions ranging from Shs50,000 to Shs200,000 or more, not counting attire or food. Then comes travel if the bridesmaids reside in another district. Transport and accommodation can add another Shs200,000 to 500,000.
“I had to spend on a hotel room for two nights and fuel for the carpool,” says Fiona Anek, who participated in a wedding in Gulu. “The bride had asked us to be present for rehearsals a day before.”
In some cases, brides try to ease the burden by organising shared rooms or helping with fuel, but this is not always possible, especially when the couple is already financially stretched.
Wedding gift
Even after all the spending, bridesmaids are still expected to present a wedding gift. The amount varies, but many spend upwards of Shs50,000. Some contribute as a group, while others prefer to buy something personal.
“I got her a personalised frame for Shs85,000,” says Anek. “It was the only thing I could afford after all the other expenses.”
This part of the process brings up an emotional challenge of how to maintain generosity without breaking the bank. “You want to show love and support, but you are also thinking about your rent and other bills,” Anek adds.
Friendship vs financial pressure
Bridesmaids often find themselves stuck between loyalty and their financial limits. “Some girls feel they cannot say no to a close friend,” says Phiona Musoke, a wedding planner in Kampala. “But by the end of the wedding, they are broke or resentful.”
She advises brides to consider the financial situations of their friends. “Be realistic. Do not expect your maids to fly out for a bridal shower or get professional makeup if they are students or just starting to work.”
Some couples are now adjusting expectations, even providing financial help. “We gave each bridesmaid Shs100,000 to help with tailoring or makeup,” says Sulaiman Turwomwe and Mariam Birungi, who tied the knot in 2024. “We felt it was unfair to demand too much.”
However, not all brides can afford this. The pressure continues to grow with social media showcasing luxury weddings, increasing expectations around aesthetics and coordination.
What vendors are doing?
Vendors are not blind to the financial crisis. Some are offering group discounts for makeup packages or shared transport for maids. Tailors now offer simplified styles that cost less without compromising on elegance.
Online platforms such as Jiji Uganda are also fuelling a shift towards renting rather than buying. “More women are asking to rent dresses and accessories,” says Stella Muwanguzi, a bridal fashion vendor in Kampala downtown. “It is practical and sustainable.”
Urban vs rural expectations
There is a growing contrast between urban and rural wedding expectations. In towns such as Kampala and Entebbe, the standards are often higher with makeup, themed events, and hotel venues. In rural areas, the culture is more relaxed.
“In my village, maids wear Gomesi and simple sandals. There is no need for nail polish or wigs,” says Clare Nakintu, who has attended weddings in Masaka. “But in Kampala, it is a different ballgame.”
The challenge arises when rural brides want the same experiences they see on Instagram or TikTok. “They end up importing city expectations.
Musoke suggests more transparent conversations between brides and their bridal parties. “Have an honest budget discussion early on,” says Musoke. “Let maids choose what they can afford, or give them the option to say no without guilt.”
The role of a bridesmaid should be joyful, not financially draining. As Nampijja says, “I love my friends and want to celebrate with them. But I also need to be able to pay my rent after the wedding.”
Practical tips include:
·Reusing or borrowing accessories.
·Sharing transport or accommodation.
·Keeping pre-wedding events modest.
·Offering financial support if possible.
·Choosing dresses and styles that can be worn again.
