I am having a bit of trouble with a couple of the bridesmaids who want more expensive dresses but say they are willing to pay for them, but the others can't afford it. I am happy to have them all in different styles, but I don't want them to massively differ in price from one another. I really did ask for all these problems and dilemmas with ten bridesmaids didn't I?!!!
CommentAuthorEllenH27
edited
10 BM's wow. I have 4 and decided that as I wanted them to all wear the same that I would pay for them. I set aside a budget of £100 each and got mine in a highstreet store for £43!!! absolute bargins.
My sister sat down with all her BMs and they agreed to pay half, and another who just told them a colour and let them buy their own. It is really difficult, but IMHO, I think if you want them to pay for their own, it must be something of their choosing, and if they differ in price then so be it.. I know I wouldn't mind if I was a BM, who paid for my own dress, and mine dress was cheaper than another or vice versa.
Good luck. Us girls can be a handfull sometimes x
CommentAuthorLH
There are lots of great ideas here... perhaps you could go a step further than a colour / length / style and start gathering together a scrapbook of images of dresses you like, either a physical book or in a group email to all the adults BMs? Make it a broad range so they have plenty to either choose from or get something different but similar, inspired by your examples, and that they would feel comfortable in and could wear again. Include images of BMs in different colours and styles to show how that can still work together (do an image search online).
Perhaps consider buying a matching sash, shoes and accessory for each of them. The sash can be something they can then choose to wear on their waist or wherever they like and it will bring them all together even though their dresses are actually different.
This way I think it is reasonable to ask them to pay for their own, or at least contribute (if you are paying a bit then give them a budget).
Whatever you decided remember that communication is the key here so that everybody is understanding of your budget, but also of how much you value them all and want them to be a part of your special day, without putting them out of pocket or having them wear something they are not comfortable in.
The little ones could match each other and should be simpler to buy cheaply for, and could also have the matching sashes.
