I asked my bridemaids to buy their own dresses, not sure if its the way i said it or just the general idea of it but 2 of them got in a right state about it! even after an apology and further explanation from me I haven't heard anything...
but for the remaining 2 bridemaids that are ok with it, I'm paying for everything else like hair/makeup and jewellry and flowers, however I said they could buy their own shoes that way everyone can wear something they will be comfortable in. It's a tricky subject!

I was only going to have my kids as bm's and pageboy so was trying to think of things for my 3 nieces to do but kept coming up blank :-( Talked to my sisters and they both said (one after a while) that if i wanted them to be bm's they would be happy to pay for their outfits, shoes and everything as they know im on a budget. I cried lol.
Younger sister said no when other sister came out with this but my mum had a word and now she is too. Gotta love mummy's :-)
As for sisters one is doing my hen night and the other is an honory MOH without actually being one lol

Im definitely not buying shoes because like you say pinkalice they should all be comfortable, but if i say ill pay £100 for a bridesmaids dress if they want a more expensive one then they have to put the money in, does that sound mean? ill pay flowers, hair and make up, but not sure about the jewellery or thank you gift as ill be paying near enough £200 per bridesmaid already.

were getting the the groomsmen hip flasks with there fav drink inside but there paying for thier own suit hire or to buy the suit. as a little something any suggestions on what to get bridesmaids? x

phew! blimey tiggs! i just dont want to spend huge amount of money on the wedding. especially as the bridesmaids get to keep thier dresses, my hubby and i have a couple of important things we want to spend our budget on, we want a rolls royce phantom, and i want pro decorators for reception, and a proper wedding breakfast, so were saving money else where, ive found gorgeous cake for £200 compared to £450 and all flowers for £230 cos its all out of season. my entire outfit including shoes and underwear is £290. Im even making our wedding iinvitations, all stuff for £50. so i just dont want to spend £500 on bridesmaids when i only spent £300 on my entire outfit...... hmmm decisions.

Im paying for 2 of my BM's dresses but not H2B'S sisters dress because I didnt want her to be a BM so told her she had to pay herslef as the caused such a fuss about being a BM. Im not paying for shoes and Im not paying for the hair to be done either. My cousin is a beauty therapist so will be doing their make up for them so they are all happy paying for their hair. And yes I will be buying them a little gift.

We are buying our 5 bridesmaids and 2 flower girls their dresses and shoes their flowers and paying for their hair and make up to be done. Also bought them a necklace to wear on the day and got them a thankyou gift to give them at the wedding reception too We have been an absolute fortune for it but 2 of my bridesmaids are my lil cousins so couldn't possibly ask them to pay anything as they are still at school and if not asking them wouldn't dare ask the others as it wouldn't be fair. The only thing I have said I won't pay for is if they want their nails and spray tan etc they will have to get this done themselves. xx

im actually rather shocked at how much iv spent on the 2 bridesmaids,,i had no idea it was that much!!!

dont get me wrong i dont mind but im just shocked at the amount of money iv put out for it lol

We have paid for ours for dress and alterations my sister bought her own shoes althoug i did want to pay for them she would not let me, I would be willing to pay for make up and hair but dont think she will let me again lol. I have bought her a chain from tiffany as a thank you but could not hold my own water and have shown her it already xx

I bought my BM's dresses having 3 older one's and bought their dresses at T K Max £25 each bargain or what lol.. plus im having 2 smaller BM's and im buying their dresses as well.. although if I know my SIL like I think I do, I reckon she will offer to pay for her daughter (my neice) but I don't mind buying it for her!

I'm making my bridesmaid dress, we've chosen a style together, and its something that she would be able to wear again. I'll probably make her a gift of something small. xx

I've asked my MOH and BM if they could buy their own dress. They were very cool about it and no problem, they know that the only must is the colour. The style is up to them so that it will be something that they feel comfortable in and then will be more likely to use again. As for the bm gift we've gone for a Jade glass with our personal message for her. I've put the link on my page, it's not expensive but is really beautifull. I think you should give them a gift just to say thank you even if you are paying for their dress, it doesn't have to cost he world to be special. That's just my opinion. Tell me what you think of the gift btw. x

i am having 6 bms and 2 fgs. i am lucky because my mother has offered to pay for my sisters, my MIL2B has offered to pay for my SIL2Bs and the rest have said they would pay for themselves. they have all set a budget between them. they have chosen 4 dresses in this budget that all work with my dress and are in the colour scheme they are now all going to have a vote on their favourite. I have brought them alk swarvoski crystal angels on silver chains in display boxes. all the wings are the same colour as the dresses for them to wear on the day as a thankyou. my grandma is making all the head dresses and coursages so that is taken care for and they are all sorting our their own shoes!! (matching shoes wouldnt work as my MOH is over 6ft tall and my SIL2B is only 5ft 3) long dresses to the floor should cover the mis-match shoes. what is nice is they are all getting on and shopping for them together for similar colours and styles so all should be well ... and just to add the necklaces are only costing £5 each and i will get further discount when they are ready for buying in bulk. gorgeous little things do not need to cost a fortune.

Oh I am also having Chris's niece, and Chris's mum is paying for that, and one of my bridesmaid's sons who already has a little suit. aaawwwww!

I suppose it seems more like a personal choice rather than a rule. I dont think my BM's would mind buying thier own dresses or at least putting money towards it, my flowergirl is my daughter so obviiously were paying for all that.

thank you ladies for your thoughts and opinions xxx

I've got 2 adult bm's & we've paid for everything dresses, shoes, bags, flowers, hair, hair clips & i've bought them jewellery which I will give to them on the morning of the wedding & also got them a small jewellery box & personalised keyring. Yikes!! Don't want to add it all up & shock myself!! :-O

I am buying ALL my wedding parties outfits - after all I asked them!

My MOH/BF asked me if she could be a 'big bridesmaid' lol - I didn't ask her as I really thought she would not want to be 'frockified' lol. As she asked she has TOLD me she will buy her dress etc...I am paying for her hair and acessories though..we compromised!

ALL my wedding party will be receiving a 'Thank you' gift for being part of our day.

My MOH is making the dresses, but I'll be paying for all the material etc. They'll get their own shoes etc - well, except my daughter :) Plan to get them all a little something to say thanks - especially my MOH!!