Who Pays For The Bridesmaids' Bouquets?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. There are a lot of expenses to consider, from outfits to gifts and surprises for the happy couple. One of the biggest expenses is the bridesmaid bouquet, which is considered part of the wedding decor and can be quite costly. So, who pays for the bridesmaids' bouquets?

Who pays for the bouquets?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it can also be a major financial commitment. Bridesmaids traditionally pay for their dresses, shoes, hair and makeup, and gifts for the couple. However, when it comes to bouquets, it is generally expected that the bride and her family pay for the bridesmaids' bouquets, as they are considered part of the wedding decor.

While it is not unheard of for bridesmaids to pay for their bouquets, it is not common and can be a significant expense, especially if the bride chooses an expensive option. In such cases, it is not unreasonable for a bridesmaid to decline to pay for the bouquet, especially if it is outside of their budget.

Ultimately, there are no steadfast rules dictating who pays for the bouquets, and it is up to the individuals involved to decide what works best for them. However, it is important to have open and honest communication about financial expectations to avoid any misunderstandings or resentment.

How much do bouquets cost?

The cost of bridesmaid bouquets varies depending on several factors, including the types of flowers, the size of the arrangements, the season, and the location. On average, a bridesmaid's bouquet costs around $75, but this can range from $50 to $3500 or more.

The bridesmaid bouquets are typically included in the overall floral budget, which is usually covered by whoever is paying for the wedding. It is not customary for bridesmaids to pay for their own bouquets.

• Opt for seasonal and locally sourced flowers to reduce transportation costs and take advantage of flowers that are in bloom.
• Choose flowers that are in-season during the wedding month, such as peonies and lilies of the valley for a spring wedding.
• Select a few varieties of flowers instead of a wide range to keep costs down.
• Mix affordable flowers or greenery with more expensive blooms to create a balanced and cost-effective arrangement.
• Repurpose bridesmaid bouquets after the ceremony by displaying them in bud vases on cocktail tables or other areas that need a floral touch.

Bouquet alternatives

While it is traditional for bridesmaids to carry bouquets, some brides opt for alternative options. Here are some unique ideas for bridesmaids to carry down the aisle instead of bouquets:

• Lanterns: A romantic option, especially for winter weddings or ceremonies held in the evening.
• Books: Choose meaningful, beautifully bound books as a gift for your bridesmaids and a unique alternative to bouquets. Wrap them in delicate lace or a rich velvet ribbon for an extra touch of elegance.
• Baskets: Instead of having your bridesmaids carry flowers by the stem, they can carry their petals in a basket for a rustic, storybook-inspired touch.
• Parasols: Delicate parasols can lend a Victorian-inspired look to your wedding, especially if you're going for a "black-tie and sneakers" tropical theme.
• Ribbons: Even if you want to include some florals in your bridesmaids' bouquets, you can tie a unique ribbon to each bundle to accentuate the flowers.
• Sunglasses: Lean into the cool-girl aesthetic and provide each bridesmaid with a pair of glamorous sunglasses.
• Fans: Perfect for a retro or deco-inspired wedding, fans come in many colours, materials, shapes, and sizes.
• Corsages: Corsages are a great, budget-friendly option that incorporates real flowers and leaves your bridesmaids' hands free.
• Hoop bouquets: Hoop bouquets can complement any wedding theme. Consider metallic options, wooden hoops, or even acrylic.
• Dried floral cuffs: Comprised of dried flowers, these cuffs offer a beautiful bohemian-inspired vibe and can be customised with fresh blooms, dried grasses, or dainty flowers.
• Bags of flowers: For a quirky but cute alternative, your bridesmaids can carry bags of flowers, perfect for a spring or summer garden wedding.
• Flower crowns: This fashionable trend for brides has now extended to bridesmaids, adding a bohemian touch to your wedding.

Do bridesmaids pay for other things?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. While there are no steadfast rules dictating what expenses fall to the bridesmaids, there are several costs that they usually cover.

The Bachelorette Party

Bridesmaids typically plan and pay for the bachelorette party. This includes covering the bride-to-be's travel, lodging, decor, and activities, so she doesn't pay anything out of pocket. However, it is not necessary or assumed that the wedding party will foot the bill for the bride's expenses. It is considerate to be mindful of everyone's budget and plan accordingly.

The Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is traditionally hosted and paid for by the maid of honour and bridesmaids. However, it can also be hosted by other loved ones, like family members or family friends. The bridal party may want to reach out to the bride's family to see if they are planning a shower and coordinate with them. While the host often covers the bill, extra costs for food, decor, and activities may be split among the bridesmaids.

The Wedding Shower Gift

It is generally considered good etiquette to buy a bridal shower gift, and traditional wedding etiquette indicates that a separate wedding gift is also expected. However, if you have already spent a lot of money on the party and other elements like a destination bachelorette party, it is understandable if you cannot afford another gift.

The Bridesmaid Dress and Accessories

Bridesmaids are typically expected to pay for their own dresses and additional wedding-day accessories. However, if the bride requests specific accessories or shoes, it is considerate to discuss budgets beforehand. It may be more affordable to allow bridesmaids to choose their own dresses or shop second-hand.

Pre-Wedding Event Attire

There are often several events leading up to the wedding, such as engagement parties and themed bachelorette parties, which require great outfits. While you may not need to invest in a whole new wardrobe, you will likely need to budget for some new looks or accessories for these occasions.

Wedding Day Hotel and Travel

Traditionally, how the bridesmaids get to the wedding and their accommodations are their responsibility. However, some brides may offer to split the costs or set up hotel room blocks at discounted rates. It is best to finalise these details a few months in advance to avoid surprises.

Wedding Day Essentials

Bridesmaids are responsible for bringing their own wedding day essentials, such as toiletries, medicine, touch-up makeup, and a change of clothes. While the couple may provide emergency kits, it is always good to be prepared.

Wedding Day Hair and Makeup

The topic of bridesmaid hair and makeup is open to discussion and depends on the couple's budget. If the bride wants the bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup professionally done, it is considerate for her to cover the bill as a gift. Alternatively, they can split the bill or leave it to the bridesmaids to organise and pay for themselves.

Wedding Gift

Even after paying for all the above, traditional wedding etiquette indicates that bridesmaids are still expected to give a wedding gift to the couple. If money is tight, consider getting something small from the couple's registry or pooling funds with other bridesmaids for a group gift.

Other Surprises and Gifts

Throughout the wedding planning process and celebrations, there may be other financial expectations, like gifts and surprises for the couple. It is essential to be honest about what you can afford to avoid financial stress and resentment.

What if the bridesmaid can't afford it?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour but it can also be a major financial commitment. If a bridesmaid can't afford the bouquet, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to be honest and transparent about financial circumstances. Having open communication with the bride will help alleviate any financial stressors associated with being a bridesmaid. The bridesmaid could offer other forms of support, such as assisting with planning duties or day-of tasks, instead of purchasing the bouquet. Alternatively, the bridesmaid could suggest making the bouquets herself, which may be a more affordable option. If the other bridesmaids are also facing financial constraints, they could collectively suggest alternative options to the bride, such as artificial flowers or smaller bouquets. Ultimately, it is the bride's responsibility to pay for the bridesmaid bouquets, and if she is unable to do so, she should be understanding and flexible regarding potential solutions.

If a bridesmaid is unable to afford the bouquet, it is important to prioritise honesty and transparency with the bride. Open communication will help manage expectations and reduce financial stress. The bridesmaid could offer non-monetary contributions, such as planning support or day-of tasks, to demonstrate their commitment to the wedding. Alternatively, the bridesmaid could propose creating the bouquets herself, which may be a more cost-effective option. If the financial constraint is shared among multiple bridesmaids, they could collectively suggest alternative solutions, like artificial flowers or smaller bouquets, to the bride. It is worth noting that the bride is traditionally expected to cover the cost of the bouquets, so if she is unable or unwilling to do so, she should be empathetic and flexible in exploring cost-saving measures with her bridesmaids.

Being a bridesmaid comes with financial responsibilities, and it is important for individuals to carefully consider their ability to take on these commitments before accepting the role. However, if a bridesmaid finds herself in a situation where she is unable to afford the bouquet, it is crucial to be transparent and communicative with the bride. By offering alternative forms of support or suggesting cost-saving measures, the bridesmaid can still actively contribute to the wedding without incurring excessive financial strain. Ultimately, the bride should be understanding of her bridesmaids' financial limitations and work collaboratively with them to find a suitable solution that respects everyone's boundaries.

If a bridesmaid is unable to afford the bouquet, it is essential to maintain open communication with the bride and offer alternative solutions. Being a bridesmaid entails both financial and non-financial contributions, so the bridesmaid can propose alternative ways to support the wedding that align with her financial capabilities. It is important to remember that the bride is traditionally expected to cover the cost of the bouquets, so if she is unable or unwilling to do so, she should be empathetic and flexible in exploring cost-saving options with her bridesmaids. Open dialogue and a willingness to work together will help ensure a positive experience for all parties involved.

Frequently asked questions