Wedding Forum - Who is paying for bridesmaid dresses?...

Lots of people ask their bridesmaids to pay for dresses now, so if you want to do that then I don't think it would be completely wrong of you to do so, but I do think that because you asked them to be your bridesmaids, you should be prepared to soak up some of the costs. I bought all my bridesmaids dresses and their accessories, but I have asked them to pay for their own shoes.

Generally if you ask people to be bridesmaids you should be prepared to pay for their outfits, unless you're up front with them from the start and say you'd like6themto be but you cant afford their dresses.

Also if you're expecting them to have a particular style and colour and hairstyle you should be prepared to pay as they are unlikely to wear the dress again.

I paid for both bridesmaid dresses and flower girl dress. I also paid for the bridesmaids hair and makeup because I chose the style and look. However they provided their own shoes as I wanted them to be comfortable so wasn't bothered about matching, same with jewellery, they wore their own.

The other thing to consider is whether they can all afford their outfits.

I agree with the others, if you ask them to buy it and they cannot afford it they may say they cannot be bridesmaid any longer.
Also they will want more say in their dress.

if you want them to wear a specific dress then you should pay in my opinion.

My sister has offered to buy her dress (only bridesmaid I have) to help us out with costs but still wants me to pick the dress. so a slightly different scenario. May be this is what your sister is thinking too.

We're paying for our bridesmaid and flower girl dresses - well my Mum has stumped up the cash, but I've only got one bridesmaid - my sister, and OHs sister is insisting she will pay for her daughter's flower girl dress.

Generally though I would expect the bridal party to pay - it's no different to paying for the hire of the grooms party wear.

i don't see anything wrong with asking but be prepared for them to say no, not everybody can afford it. I bought the bridesmaid dresses. I did ask for them to buy their own but they wouldn't, im not complaining because at the end of the day its my wedding and I chose them to be bridesmaid they didn't ask me if they could. they are, however, buying their own shoes & jewellery x

Thanks for the advice ladies! Have decided I will get dresses and ask them to get shoes/accessories. I'm a hairdresser so all our hair etc is being done for nothing so can't ask them to pay for anything there. Was helpful to get all your opinions though :) xx

I just assumed that if you are asking someone to be your bm you pay for it all, which we are doing. I have been BM twice before and I have never paid a penny for anything. I think its up to you and your situation though :) x