I have 5 bridesmaids and I'm wondering what I should and shouldn't pay...

It's a hard one, I just can't afford to pay so I'm asking my bridesmaids to buy their dress. But I've only got 2 and it's my sister and his sister. My sister is more than happy to buy hers (and I know money is tight for her, and she has to pay to fly from Canada) but not sure how his sister is gonna feel about it!! I feel like if you give them flexibility on the style then it's not unreasonable to ask them to pay. But that's just my opinion.

I think it is traditional to buy the dresses,
I've bought mine but they are paying for any alterations needed. We are doing our own make up but I'm also paying for their hair.

I'm buying the dresses for mine but asking them to buy their shoes and hair/makeup.

I'm buying dresses for mine but with the exception of my maid of honour they will all be paying for their own hair makeup shoes and accessories xx

I'm paying for dresses, hair, make up and accessories, the only thing I'll ask them to sort are shoes ...personally I just think that's the way it should be

This is a very personal choice, however I paid for everything for my bridesmaids. I only had 2 bridesmaids and 2 flowergirls so I could do this as I feel you shouldn't ask so many people if you can't afford to buy the dresses, shoes etc... As i say it's only my opinion x

Traditionally you should pay for every thing!

I personally don't think you should ask someone to be your bridesmaid and then expect/ ask them to pay for a bunch of stuff - especially the dresses.

I've paid for dresses and hair and they are paying for the shoes and make up. Xx

I have 4 bridesmaids. They are kindly paying for their own dresses but it'll be under £65. And I'll be paying for the hair... I paid for my bridesmaid dress before and mine were happy too. You don't have to do traditions these days!! Xx

I'm paying for everything except shoes! X

Hi I'm paying for the dresses, hair & makeup - we're getting married abroad so wanted to pay for dresses etc as they're paying a lot to come away with us, if you're on a tight budget maybe say you'll put so much towards their dresses? Xxx

I've got 5. I've paid for dresses, some don't want their hair/makeup done and have agreed to pay themselves for it.

I think I comes down to you, your budget and your bridesmaids! Everyone is different, and so are the views of your bridesmaids.

I'm paying for everything since I asked them to be part of my day, wouldn't ask anybody to join my special day and pay for it, if you cannot afford 5 don't have them! Wouldn't expect them to pay for what I want.

When I asked My maid of honour when to be part of my wedding I hadn't mentioned dresses and she just said you have so much to pay for with a wedding I will buy the dress you want me in

Im paying for everything apart from shoes. I want them to be comfortable so would prefer they wear whatever shoes they want to. I think if youre asking them to be a bridesmaid you should pay really. Its like asking someone to pay for the privilege of being your bridesmaid when really it should be your privilege having them there. Especially if you expect them to wear a specific dress of your choosing!

Dresses Shoes Flowers and hair accessories paid for by us....
Hair makeup and bag paid for by them x

I paid for everything for mine. But when I was a bridesmaid I paid for my own hair & makeup & shoes ... I don't think they are any set rules or expectations x

I got my bridesmaids off ebay monsoon originally £115 got 4 for less than £50 and 2 were brand new. 2 fairy dresses for £10 each from china that are being blinged up and my fiances 7 month old granddaughter has a completely bespoke dress made for a huge fairy net skirt and the top part of one of these pink dresses. My chief bridesmaids mum is a seamstress and done all the alterations free. I bought all the shoes and that was it. 2 big bridesmaids and me and my seamstress going for a spa day the day before they were more than happy to pay £35 for it and didn't expect it to be paid for. They are happy to sort each other's hair n make up out. Xxx

Hello lovely
I'm having 6 bridesmaids and I have paid for their dresses, shoes and jewellery :) not all of them what their make up done so they will do it themselves but the ones that do will be paying for it themselves and are happy to do so :) xx

I paid for dresses. They paid for their shoes. They all wanted to do their own make up. So I just bought an eye shadow & lip stick and they did their own. A friend of mine did my hair and bridesmaids as my wedding present. I was really lucky. X

We had 7 adult bridesmaids all bought their own dresses I just bought my sister and my neices in a sale £30 for the both all were happy to do this

A paid for half of dresses and deposit on hair and make-up they paid rest xx

I have four bridesmaid paying dresses shoes nails and shoes but it's up to you what you can afford

I'm paying for dresses and hair but everything else they are doing like shoes etc x

My bridesmaid's are paying for their own dresses, they are my 16 yr old twin cousins so my auntie insisted that shes paying for them, and my sisters paying for hers as i paid for mine on her wedding. But im going to pay for hair and make up

I did it so if I picked it or stipulated they had to have it I paid other than that they paid.

I bought my bridesmaid her dress,paid for make up trial and make up on the day and sorted hair, but asked bridesmaid to provide own shoes and accessories. Everyone has different budgets,so don't feel like you can't ask the person to sort their own hair and make up. Some people may prefer to do own make up or choose own hairstyle.

I have 6 including 3 sisters and 3 daughters. I've paid for their dresses and for their hair to be done but that's all. They're providing their own shoes and bag as I think that's personal choice, I'm paying for their hair as its a bit much expecting them to do fancy hair for a wedding and I've given them
Choice if they want my make up artist but they'll pay for that themselves - they wear make up every day so felt I didn't need to sort that. 3 paying three doing their own and I'm providing gypsophilia for their hair x

My opinion. Anything you want them to have you should absolutely pay for. Personally I think it's ridiculous for people to expect bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses etc. Shoes traditionally they should buy themselves but you can't then dictate exactly what they buy. And I agree with you on the makeup. If they choose to have it done then yes that's fine that they pay for that but their attire definitely not! And for anyone saying they just simply can't afford to (don't assume your bridesmaids can - after all it's not their wedding and you'll probably expect them to buy you a wedding present too) then you have 2 options, don't have so many or scale down what you're having.

I have 4 bridesmaids and they've all paid for everything themselves. I'm a bridesmaid for my sister next year and I've paid for all my own. A friend got married a last year and all hers paid for their own too xxx

I'm paying for dresses and hair. They can choose which shoes they wear as they have long length dresses. Make up is an option that they can pay for if they would like to x

I bought dresses, hair up, hair accessories and jewellery. They had to buy shoes and if they wanted their makeup doing they had to pay (but they all did their own)
As long as you specify what they need to purchase when asking them to be bridesmaid I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, as then it is their own choice if they want to become a BM x

I bought bridesmaid dresses and paid for alterations but they bought their shoes, jewellery and are paying for their hair and make up xx

I have 7 I bought dresses and paid for hair they are wearing own shoes and paying for own make up

I had 11 bridesmaids and paid for everything and to a budget I think if you have asked them to be part of your day then you should be footing the bill

I personally can't stand the trend of buying everything for your bridesmaids, think it's insane, but I think you should do whatever you want and not be influenced by what other people are doing

I also had many bridesmaids I paid for dresses and hair and they paid for their shoes and we all helped doing make up, I was the only one who had it professionally done xxx

Originally I was only buying the dresses and jewellery because I've made the shoes and handbag into marvel I've paid for that too shrugs their paying for and if they want their hair and make up done. It's personal choice my one bridesmaid shouted because she wasn't paying but I have got a lot of their stuff off eBay x

I'm paying for dresses and hair . Make up I've given them the option of whether they want it or not xxx

I had 4 bridesmaids and I paid for their dresses, their shoes and all their accessories (jewellery, clutch bag etc). There wasn't enough time for them for have their hair done by a professional because my hair took so long and my ceremony was at 12, so they did their own (I did my sister in laws for her as she was staying over with me). I did pay for them to have their make up done professionally though and they all looked gorgeous. All in all I spent quite a lot on them but it's only fair as you have asked them to be your bridesmaids x

It was tradition to pay for dresses, but nothing more

I paid for everything x

I'm close with all my bridesmaids and they no money is tight at the moment so they didn't mind paying for their own dresses I've paid for their hair doing flowers and accessories ect and I've bought the flower girls dresses, I've been a bridesmaid 3 times and I've always paid for my own dress! X

My bridesmaids dresses are coming out of the wedding budget- and being made for a fraction of what I could buy them for! I did ask at beginning if they would buy their own shoes which they were fine with. I'm getting their jewellery as a thankyou. Hair I'm paying for and one bridesmaid is doing bridal party make up as she's a beauty therapist.

I am paying for dress and hair i told them if they want there makeup done they will have to pay for it x

I'm have a budget per bridesmaid and I am going to buy the dresses and hopefully shoes with that money however I have asked that if they do not like what I picked and what they like is more would they mind contributing to the shoes. I have bought the hair accessories for them. I'm not paying for them to have their make up done because I'm not paying for mine to be done. One of my bridesmaids was shocked when I said I'm buying the dresses she thought she would be paying for it and was pleasantly surprised. So not everyone expects the bride to buy everything. If someone asked me to be a bridesmaid and considered what suits me like I am with my bridesmaid I really would not mind paying for it especially if I would wear it again (my bridesmaid are going to be in navy so it suits everyone)

My bridesmaids are paying for their own xx

I bought the dresses. They got the shoes etc. Did there own makeup.

I had 5 I paid for their dresses shoes and hair they are doing their own make up. Bridesmaid dresses from eBay 35 pound each shoes from Dagenham market managed to get 5 pairs for £30 and hair was done in a bridal package

Youre best friend/sister is getting married.. are you more offended and upset about
1. Being asked to contribute a little to your own attire, i.e. Hair/make up/shoes
2. Not being asked at all because the bride cant afford to cover the costs for absolutely everything

I'm paying for dresses, alterations and make-up then paying half of the cost for hair and shoes.

If you have the luxury to pay for everything then it shouldn't be an option. If you can't then it is the bridesmaids option. Family and friends accept circumstances and are not offended by paying for their own. Usually they are happy to chip in on being part of your big day, its likely to mean something to them

I also have 5 bridesmaids! I have paid for their dresses, alterations, hair and makeup and shoes. The only thing I have asked them to pay for is to get their nails done!

I bought the dresses, paid for the hair and make up, and accessorised my 5 bridesmaids. I asked that they pay for their shoes and then paid for them to be glittered. It can be done within a reasonable price if you set a limit x

I will be getting everything they need for the day. Only thing they will pay for is hotel for the night of the wedding, and night before if they want to say. I would say if your not buying it then you cant really tell them what to wear x

If you can't afford them, don't have them.

I asked this question a few months ago and majority of responses said that I should pay for everything. I spoke with my bridesmaids and gave them the options (I also have 5) they were all really lovely about everything and decided to buy their own dresses, I am however being 'untraditional' in the sense of not having matching dress styles so they all wanted to choose something they'd be comfortable in. I'm now paying for everything else though so shoes, bags, make up etc everyone seems fairly happy. Honestly, I would talk to your bridesmaids and do whatever makes you feel the least stressed xxxx

I have 6, ill pay for hair, make up and dress, theyve offered to pay for their shoes, which is fine by me, its hard when u have so many! But its ur big day and u want them there so i think its only right that u pay for them xx

I only have one but that's my sister and she bought it but we have paid for best man suit

I think lf u have asked them to be bridesmaids u should buy the dresses, but maybe set a budget and lf they all like a dress above the budget then they have to pay the difference or something? X

I've paid for everything except underwear and shoes. I've asked them to support me, didn't want them paying for anything x

we payed for all their dresses (we had 3 older and 3 younger with 1 flower girl) they brought their own shoes and my mum decorated them if needed, hair we only paid for the three older bridesmaids but they only had it up slightly in a plait with curls cost £10 each :) make up my three older bridesmiads did themsleves why pay for make up if you can do it yourself and make yourself look normal :) was less stree with us doing our own make up to and saves alot x

I have paid for dresses and hair. They have done there own shoes. All different heights. All of mine offered to buy there own dresses as they would buy an outfit. But it should be something the bride pays for. Come to a decision together about other stuff. Good Luck xx

I paid for everything for my maids except for their shoes and that's only because they wanted to wear ones they already had. I asked them to be maids so the way I looked at it it was me who was to pay. However I know not everyone looks at it like that. Speak to your maids and see what they think? Xx

I had 6 bridesmaids I paid for the dresses and they paid for their hair make up and shoes. Xx

I paid for my 4 bridesmaids dresses including alterations, plus their hair and make up. They bought their own shoes as wanted them to be comfortable. They also decided to buy the same bag as each other. As their 'thank you' gifts I gave them their jewellery and hair piece x

If you want them to wear a specific colour or dress then it's only fair for you to pay for them. On hair and make up you don't have to pay in my eyes.

Im having 5 bridesmaids 1 moh and a flowergirl and ive brought their dresses hair and make up.
I just asked them to buy their own shoes so they felt comfortable in them and for any dress alterations. They were happy with that x

I'm paying their dresses, hair and make up. They've got long dresses so I'm not really fussed about shoes.

I'm MOH for my best friends wedding next week, and all I've paid for is towards my dress alterations! She even bought my underwear (her choice!). I think if you are asking them to be a part of you're wedding party you shouldn't ask them to pay to be able to say yes! If you really want them to be bridesmaid but can't afford to pay for everything you should give them a heads up on paying for themselves before they say yes :)

I am telling mine that as long as their dresses match the colour scheme, they can wear any kind of dress they want, I dont care if they match I want them to be comfortable. But because of this I have said I will give them all the same amount of money and then if they choose anything more expensive they will have to put the rest in. That way they all get the same but they get to choose what they want to wear. I'm paying for their flowers but asking them to pay for their shoes/bags (again dont have to match). So far this hasn't been a problem. X

I've paid for my own dress and accessories before as the bride was on a tight budget - I was included when she asked, I had no problems with this.
I'm buying the dresses for my 3, they have all said they will pay for the hair and make up plus shoes - which they have free reign on, personal styles etc. The accessories (jewellery) will be my gift to them.

I'm paying for the dresses and hair it's just the make up they can decide if they want to done by the same person or not at all. They are also getting there own shoes. They've got long dresses some like wearing heels others don't. Some people may get funny about being asked to help out but my bridesmaids have be fine they know I'd be the same to them. I would be offended if I didn't get asked because weddings are expensive I'd pay for everything if I was a bridesmaid and i wouldn't care if I didn't get the option on what to wear!

I have 6 bridesmaids and we have paid for everything bar makeup Xx

When My sister got married she paid for dresses, hair and make-up. Then bridesmaids paid for alterations, shoes and jewellery

Ive paid for my 2 bridesmaids dresses hair n make up. They inly did their shoes. With my 3 flowergirls i also paid for heir dresses shoes n hair accessories. X

I've paid for my girls dresses £130 each. And have asked them to pay for their hair and make up should they want it done and also their shoes. :)

I just don't understand why this is asked so often. And I'm staggered how many people do ask their bridesmaids to pay for their dresses. If you say it's because of budget you should cut back somewhere else. If you are asking someone to be in your wedding party you pay for their bloody outfit. Wether it's a dress or a best man's suit. You shouldn't expect other people to cover costs of your wedding. Even if your bridesmaids say they're fine with it, I guarantee they do actually feel a little put out.

If it's an option - they pay. If it's a must - you pay. That's my opinion. Traditionally,in the UK,the bride and groom pay for the attire of their bridal party. My sister paid for my dress,hair and make up,jewellery for the wedding and handbag. I bought shoes and a petticoat. I kept the dress and gave her the handbag because I didn't really like it. Think outside the box regarding dresses - lots of department stores now do suitable dresses for under £100,and websites like Asos are pretty good too. Again,many styles come in under £100. My dress was from Lindy Bop and cost £35 inc P&P. I'll be paying for my MOHs dress,hair and make up. Best thing to do is sit with your maids and have a conversation with them about what you want vs what they want

My bridesmaids are buying their dresses, I'm buying their jewellery as a thank you gift. Their dresses will be something they can wear again and they love them.

I'll pay for their hair do on the day.

I am paying for all my bridesmaids and flower girl. I have got some bargains by searching the internet.

I've got 3 bridesmaids, my sister and two best friends. My mum and I are paying for their dresses, shoes and accessories and I've given them the option in regards to hair and make up as they are all very different people. One bridesmaid doesn't wear make up, my other hardly wears make up and my sister prefers her own. I don't want to force them to look like something they are not.

We've mutually agreed that they can do them as they wish and pay for what they like and when it comes to their weddings I will pay for my hair and make up in return. That's the great thing about bridesmaids. They are super understanding when it comes to a tight budget xx

When i was a bridesmaid the dress was bought for me as itwas the style that the bride wanted andI was asked to buy my own shoes and handbag. I was given jewellery and makeup doneas a thank you. I think thats what I will probably do with my wedding too.

I paid for shoes, hair, dress.. but I asked the girls to do there own make up. It was important to me for them to all feel comfortable and to look like themselves! They are all so different!!

I paid for the bridesmaid dresses, the jewellery and make up. They paid for there own hair and shoes x

Bit of inspo ladies xx

You buy it all..you asked them so it's all up to you x

I paid for hair and makeup, they paid for dresses, and I bought them bracelets as their thank you gifts x

I have 6 I'm paying for dresses shoes and hair. I've asked them to do own make up.
And will be getting them a gift

Wow some people are actually being quite nasty about this! I only had 2 bridesmaids and planned on paying for everything, dresses, shoes, hair and make up etc. The dresses we ended up finding in the colour we needed were Jenny Peckham, the girls fell in love with them but they were more than double my budget. So I had a chat and said I could pay for everything and find a cheaper dress or, they could contribute and have the dreamy dresses. Both of them were more than happy to contribute and offered to pay for alot of other things for themselves aswell! I think if you are really close to them then they will do what they can to help, mine were my sister and my best friend and they went above and beyond helping out and I had a shed load of unexpected gifts off them the night before the wedding. I did them both gift hampers of their wedding jewellery, bags, hair accessoroes, flat shoes to change in to, dressing gown/slippers etc. It's each to their own there is no right or wrong way to go about anything, if you can afford to splash out on 5 bridesmaids then do, if you can't but feel like you have to pay then have less bridesmaids, or have a chat with them and ask for contributions. Mine didn't have any complaints atall and even offered more and I know if I was their bridesmaid I would have no problem paying for things. Don't feel pressured in to things just because people say "that's how it's supposed to be done"

I don't think there is a right or wrong way.
I have 4 bridesmaids (1 adult and 3 children) I've bought all their dresses, and I'm paying for MoH hair and make up (she paid for the trial) they have all paid for their own shoes. My MoH is doing the 3 little ones hair and little bit of make up so saved on cost there x

I paid for everything (hair make up jewellery dress etc) apart from shoes. I paid for them to stay with me the night before the wedding because I wanted them with me but they paid for their own hotel on the night of the wedding as they didn't have to stay x

Surely this should have been decided before you asked? In your budget? Hmm ...

I've bought / buying my 6 bridesmaid dresses and paying for hair and makeup for 4 of them . Two of them will be 5 and 2 at the time of the wedding so don't need make up and have a family member doing their hair

I paid for it all, I asked them to be my bridesmaids so I don't see why they should pay. I had 3 bridesmaids x

I bought dresses, shoes, hair and eye makeup then got them a thank u gift (jewellery, pjs and dressing gown and selfie stick) I didn't got mad on the dresses they only cost £60 each which enabled me to do the rest x

Dresses and hair also their gift. If they wanted their makeup done they payed. Let them wear what ever they wanted on feet for comfort as dresses were long so you couldn't see them anyways.

I also have 5 bridesmaids and 1 flower girl. I think some people have actually been really nasty on this thread but I think it's really down to you and your bridesmaids. I've been a bridesmaid and paid for everything and another time paid for nothing but both were close family and I would rather be asked than Not just because of money. I will be paying for the girls dresses and flowers but still not sure weather to pay for hair and make up xx

I'm having 3 for my wedding. I bought the dresses & paying for hair and make up. They bought their own shoes - not at my request - as each of them have their own preference of style & needed a pair of sandals anyway. If you ask someone to be bridesmaid, be prepared to pay for everything they need for your day.

You pay for dresses at least, if you're specific about anything else, i.e. Shoes, hair, makeup or accessories you pay for them to. If you want them to choose any of the above themselves then it's ok to ask them if they can afford it.

I feel like this is asked every week. Can we not just pin one of these questions at the top of the board to save on snide comments and disagreements?
It's an individual thing, like mos aspects of a wedding, and I don't think there's a right and a wrong, not that that helps the questioners I'm afraid.
The first question to ask yourself is CAN you afford the dresses? If the answer is yes (even if it means budgeting and moving money around etc) then I think it would be rude NOT to buy them. You are asking them to help with you big day and wear a dress you decide on after all. If the answer is no then you need to ask yourself why. Is it because you are really struggling with costs for the wedding or is it because your budget is prioritising other expenses and not taking into account the wedding party? Are you aiming for a bigger wedding than you can afford? If money really is tight and you really cannot make the budget stretch then its a conversation you need to have with them - gently explain that they mean a lot to you and you want to involve them but you cannot afford to pay 100% and try to help with cost as far as you can. if you are spending money left right and center on other things but will not reallocate to pay for their dresses then I'd personally say you need to reassess hour priorities.
Every family/group of friends is different though. You might be the least well off of your friends and family and may be in a position where people are keen to pay for theiur stuff and allow you to focus on oterh aspects. On the flip side the ladies you are asking might be tight on money thesmselves and already struggling to pay to come to hen party wedding etc in which case they might feel bad refusing and you might be putting them in an awkward position.

I paid for dresses, shoes, and tiaras the makeup they done them selves and asked to have hair nicely done but I didn't mind on style depending on when wedding is look in the sales xx

It depends on what you want, if you want it all done a certain way then you should pay, if you're leaving the choice up the them then let them pay, if they're comfortable. I personally believe if you can, you should try to pay for as much as you can since you're asking them to be in your day but it's all circumstantial.

Consider yours and also their budgets. Maybe if you can't stretch to all
Of it, ask them to buy half or all of their dress but be conscious of their outgoings too :)

My sister is my maid of honour and she is paying for her own dress, shoes and hair (doing make up she self) she offered to pay to help us out as less cost for us, we offered to pay but she insisted on paying herself, everyone is different if they don't mention it I wouldn't say ask them to pay but if they offer there's no harm in it xx

I also have 5 bridesmaids. They are my sister and my childhood friends who i love all so dearly and my wedding would not be complete without them.
We have all decided that me and h2b are paying for their clothes. They can choose any shoes they want.. either a oaur they already have or they can choose to purchase new and they are paying for accessories.
Weddings are whatever you want... tradition went out of thr window years ago. Lol xx.

I had 4 bridesmaids and a flower girl.
They were all close family or friends and I asked them to pay half of their dress, and my mum paid the other half. I paid for hair, shoes and accessories. I also bought them all gifts.
I don't think it's wrong to ask, especially if you're close to them and they know your money situation. None of mine complained, if they had we would have had to change things and I'd have had to cut back on other aspects.

I think its unfair asking bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses etc. I bought all 3 of mine their dresses, paid for hair and make up and also bought them a bag, a hair accessory and a goody bag with personalised dressing gown and personalised hanger etc. I asked them to get their own shoes so they could wear whatever they wanted.

Everyone here is saying they shouldn't have to pay for your wedding. Every single guest that attends pays to get hair and makeup and an outfit. It's actually cheaper being a bridesmaid if the bride pays for everything than an actual wedsing guest

I'm having 7 .... One of my girlfriends is doing their hair & I am asking them to do their own make up ..... Managed to get their dresses cheaply in january sale & charity shops brand new , unused with tags on ( designer) really cheaply at £7 , £14 & the most I have spent is £30 .... So I have worked out my 7 is equivalent to 1 brand new dress at £200 !! So it can be done if you have time to hunt out a bargain ... Think outside the box .....
Some good websites to help are lindybop ( vintage )
& chi chi clothing. com
Warm wishes all the best ...
P.S. Visit posh areas for charity shops they throw away unused really good quality dresses ....
I visited cookham & Hartney Witney , Hampshire ... & Gerard's cross , bucks

I brought the dresses and paid for hair. I asked them to buy the shoes and jewellery was a choice. Make up was also a choice but we did our own make up as none of us really wore much make up so didn't want to waste budget on that. It's really up to what you can afford.

I'm buying their dresses and jewellery and 1 of my bridesmaids is a beautician/ hairdresser so she's doing all of our hair and makeup but all they need to pay for is their dress alterations and shoes xx

I've paid for their dresses & gone halves on hair & make up & paid for their own shoes.
My bridesmaids knew i was on a tight budget & were more than happy to pay 50% towards hair & make up.
I didn't ask them To be bridesmaids because I wanted them to be all dolled up I asked them because their my best friends.
P

My bridesmaid is my best friend, we sat down and worked out what we both could do, I think by being open and upfront without having expectations you get everyone being a bit happier. It worked out that my bridesmaid really wanted to contribute and it meant I could do more. However this was a conversation we both had together before any big plans got underway.

I have a maid of honor and 2 bridesmaids, I'm paying for their dress and alterations, I told them from the off they were to get their own shoes so they knew they'd be comfy and that if they wanted their hair and makeup done they were to get it sorted themselves and I wasn't bothered if they matched, I just wanted them to be happy with how they looked. They don't need to have their hair and makeup the same in my eyes so if they want it done, that's their choice, I personally wouldn't expect to have everything paid for me as a bridesmaid! But that's just me

My sister is getting married and she asked the bridesmaids to pay for the trial but she is paying for the actual day.

I've got 4 bridesmaids all significantly younger than me as I'm in my 60s but I've set a budget per girl. I've found a dress we all like online. Included in my budget I've sourced a clutch bag, pashmina, necklace and bracelet all on a theme. As one of the bridesmaids (grand daughter to be) and her mum are hairdressers that's sorted I've even got the sparkly Kirby grips all online. The only thing they will need to pay for are their shoes. My fiancé has bought their earrings as gifts to them from the best man.....sorted

I have only 2 bridesmaids so I paid for the dresses and hair and nails.

Explain your on a tight budget and as there is five of you say I'm very sorry and want them all but can only afford the dress and would they mind getting there shoes I'm sure they will understand they must be very close to you for you to ask them to a bridesmaid so just tell them how your feeling x

My mother is paying for my two sisters dresses and my mil will hopefully pay for my sister in laws dress, I personally think it all depends on who is paying for the wedding and how much money you have spare, they shouldn't just assume you are paying

I have 5 aswell iv payed for dresses makeup jewellery and shoes iv asked them to pay for there hair tho.

I've told my bridesmaids the colour I want and told them to pick their own dresses. That way they're setting their own budgets and finding something they feel comfortable in