Bridesmaids' Dresses: Who Pays And Why?

Being a bridesmaid can be a costly affair. From bridal showers and bachelorette parties to hair, makeup, and accommodation, the expenses can quickly add up. One of the most significant costs for bridesmaids is often the dress. So, who should foot the bill for the bridesmaid dress?

Traditionally, in the US and Australia, bridesmaids are expected to cover the cost of their wedding day ensemble, including the dress, shoes, and accessories. However, this tradition varies internationally, with the bride or couple typically paying for the bridesmaids' dresses in the UK and Ireland.

While it is customary for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, there is no hard and fast rule. Brides with a generous budget or a small bridal party may choose to pay for or contribute to the cost of the dresses as a thoughtful gesture. This is especially considerate if the bride has selected an expensive dress or knows that a bridesmaid may struggle financially.

Ultimately, open communication is key. Brides should be upfront about expected costs, and bridesmaids should be honest about any financial constraints. By discussing budgets and expectations in advance, a compromise can often be reached, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and happy with the arrangement.

Tradition and expectations

Traditionally, bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories. This is the case even though the bride typically chooses or sets guidelines for the style, colour, and cut of the dresses. However, this tradition varies around the world. In the UK and Ireland, for example, the bride or couple usually pays for the bridesmaids' dresses.

If the bride can afford to, it is considered a thoughtful gesture for her to pay for the dresses or contribute to a portion of the cost for each bridesmaid. This is especially true if the bride has chosen an expensive dress for her bridesmaids to wear. However, this is still an exception to the norm.

The cost of a bridesmaid's dress can range from $100 to upwards of $800, depending on the lavishness of the wedding and the store. It is essential for brides to carefully consider the cost of the bridesmaid dresses, as well as the heights and body types of their bridesmaids, to ensure that everyone can afford and feel comfortable in their ensemble.

If a bridesmaid is unable to afford the dress, it is recommended that the couple step in to help cover the cost and work it into their wedding budget, if possible. This should be done discreetly so as not to cause awkwardness or resentment among the other bridesmaids. Alternatively, the bride can select a different role for the bridesmaid, such as giving a reading at the ceremony or greeting guests.

It is important for brides to communicate all financial expectations to their bridesmaids upfront, and for bridesmaids to be honest and upfront about any monetary strain. This will help to avoid conflicts and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

The bride's role

Traditional Wedding Etiquette

In the US and Australia, traditional wedding etiquette dictates that each member of the bridal party is expected to cover the cost of their wedding day ensemble, including the dress, shoes, and accessories. This is usually the case even when the bride directly chooses or sets guidelines for these outfits. However, this tradition varies internationally. For example, in the UK and Ireland, it is more common for the bride or couple to pay for the bridesmaids' dresses.

The Bride Pays

If the bride has a generous wedding budget and a small bridal party, she may opt to cover the costs of the bridesmaids' dresses herself. This is especially considerate if the bride has chosen expensive dresses, as it lessens the financial burden on her attendants. It is also a thoughtful gesture if a particular attendant cannot afford the dress but the bride wants them to be part of the wedding party. In such cases, the bride may choose to discreetly cover the cost to avoid making the situation awkward for the bridesmaid or causing resentment among the other attendants.

The Bridesmaids Pay

It is generally acceptable for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, especially if the bride communicates the expected costs upfront. To minimise financial strain on her bridal party, the bride should select versatile and affordable dress styles or allow each bridesmaid to choose their own dress within a specified colour or style palette. This approach ensures that no one is forced to purchase an outfit outside their budget.

The Bride Helps with Costs

The bride may also choose to help with costs on a case-by-case basis, such as offering to pay for alterations or contributing to the dress expenses of a student or unemployed bridesmaid. This approach demonstrates the bride's appreciation for her bridal party and ensures that financial constraints do not hinder their participation in the wedding.

Average Costs

The average cost of a bridesmaid's dress typically ranges from $100 to $500, but prices can go up to $800 or more, depending on the lavishness of the wedding. To avoid unexpected expenses, bridesmaids should start saving for their dress and other wedding-related costs as early as possible, ideally immediately after accepting the invitation to join the wedding party.

Budgeting

Bride Pays

If your budget allows, you may want to cover the costs of the bridesmaids' dresses. This is a thoughtful gesture, especially if you have a small bridal party or have chosen an expensive dress. It is also an option if a particular person you want in your bridal party cannot afford the dress. However, this should be kept private to avoid any awkwardness among the bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids Pay

It is customary and expected for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, and this is implied when they accept the invitation to be part of the bridal party. If you go with this option, be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets and choose versatile dress styles that won't blow their budgets. You can also give them freedom by choosing a single colour or palette and letting them pick their own dresses.

Bride Helps with Costs

You can also ask your bridesmaids to pay for their dresses but offer to help with costs on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you know a bridesmaid is a student or between jobs, you can offer to pay for all or part of her dress or the alterations.

Other Costs

Regardless of who pays for the dresses, there may be other costs to consider, such as hair and makeup. If you require your bridesmaids to have professional hair and makeup, it is customary for you to foot the bill. However, if it is optional, covering these services is a generous offer.

To budget effectively, it is essential to select bridesmaids' dresses early, giving everyone enough time to save up and make alterations. You can also opt for mismatched dresses within a colour scheme, allowing bridesmaids to choose more affordable options and styles that suit their body types.

Additionally, be upfront about all expected costs from the beginning, and encourage your bridesmaids to be honest about any financial strain. Remember, the cost of being a bridesmaid is often a source of conflict, so choose dresses that are comfortable and within an agreed-upon budget to avoid any upset or frustration.

Cost-saving options

Being a bridesmaid can be expensive, so it's important to keep costs in mind when choosing dresses. Here are some options for keeping costs down:

• Discuss budgets early: Before choosing a dress, talk to your bridesmaids about their budgets and try to choose something they are comfortable with. You can offer a few price ranges to choose from, such as $100 to $200, $200 to $350, or $350+.
• Offer to pay the difference: If the dress you want is a little outside of someone's budget, you could offer to pay the difference. Alternatively, you could cover alteration costs or gift them accessories, hair styling, or makeup services.
• Choose mismatched dresses: Allowing bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a specific colour or style guideline can help them find something within their budget. It also ensures they will feel comfortable and confident on the day.
• Rent dresses: Renting dresses from sites like Rent the Runway is a more sustainable and cost-effective option. It's also a good choice if your bridesmaids don't want to buy a dress they'll only wear once.
• Shop second-hand: Look for pre-owned dresses on sites like Poshmark, eBay, or thredUP. You might be able to find the dress you want for a lower price, and it's worth checking if you're on a tight budget.
• Buy from budget-friendly retailers: Many bridesmaid dress retailers, like Azazie, Kennedy Blue, and Revelry, offer at-home try-on services so you can find the right style without having to buy multiple dresses.
• Give plenty of time: Picking the bridesmaid dresses as early as possible will give your bridesmaids more time to save up for the dress.
• Check for payment plans: Some stores may offer payment plans, which can make a more expensive dress more affordable.

Remember, it's important to be flexible and respectful of your bridesmaids' budgets. No matter what they wear, your wedding day will still be special.

Other expenses

Being a bridesmaid can be an expensive endeavour, with numerous costs to consider. Here are some of the other expenses that bridesmaids may need to cover:

Travel and Accommodation

Bridesmaids are typically expected to cover their travel costs and accommodation for the wedding night or weekend. This can be particularly costly for destination weddings or if the bridesmaid has also travelled for a bachelorette party.

Bachelorette Party

Bridesmaids usually cover most of the costs of the bachelorette party, especially if it is budget-friendly or close to home. However, for more expensive or far-flung celebrations, it is common for the bridal party to pitch in for the bride's hotel costs, rather than covering all her expenses.

Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is often hosted and paid for by the maid of honour or a group of bridesmaids. However, there are no fixed rules, and sometimes the mother of the bride or the couple may contribute.

Hair and Makeup

If professional hair and makeup artists are provided on the wedding day, it is considered good form for the couple to pay for the bridesmaids' services. If these services are optional, covering the costs is simply a generous offer. However, if professional styling is mandatory, the couple should pay.

Day-of Transportation

Transportation to and from events on the wedding day, such as the rehearsal and photoshoot, should be covered by the couple, along with the bride's transportation. This ensures everyone stays together for logistics and photos.

Meals

Couples are expected to provide meals for their wedding party, including the rehearsal dinner and food while getting ready on the wedding day.

Gifts

Although not mandatory, bridesmaids may also choose to give gifts to the couple, such as at the bridal shower or bachelorette party.

Frequently asked questions