Photo: Love Be Photography

It's no secret that being a bridesmaid is an expensive role for your friends to take on. They will find themselves paying for pre-wedding events, transportation costs and, of course, the dress you'd like them to wear on the big day. So if you're looking for a way to pick up some of the expenses your bridesmaids may incur, here are 6 things you should pay for, if you can, for your bridal party.

1. A Wedding Survival Kit

Whether it's a bowl filled with travel-sized toiletries from the drug store or a personalized tote bag filled with emergency items for the day, be sure to equip your bridesmaids with any last-minute must-have items.

2. Their Transportation Home

Since the average wedding day for a bridal party is 10+ hours, be sure to provide your wedding party with transportation home or back to the hotel. You can do this through a taxi service or a scheduled shuttle for all of the guests.

3. Hair and Makeup

If it's in your budget, a great treat (and gift!) for your bridal party is to pick up the tab on the glam squad, paying for them to get both their hair and makeup done on the wedding day. If you can't manage to pay for both beauty fees, opt for one or the other. They'll definitely apprecaite the gesture.

4. Bridesmaid Accessories

Any and all items you'd like your bridesmaids to wear on the wedding day to accentuate the dress can be items that you buy for each bridesmaid as the ultimate thank you gift.

5. A Mani/Pedi

There's no better way to relax and pamper your bridal party before the wedding than with a group outing to get a mani/pedi, especially when you're paying for it! Treat your girls to a fun day at the spa and get wedding-ready while doing so.

6. Alterations

If you're asking your bridesmaids to buy their dresses themselves, one thing you can do to help keep the costs down is offer to pay for any alterations that they might need. That way you can be sure the dresses fit optimally and look stunning in photos on your big day.

This article was written by Jen Glantz for Brides.com.