Who Pays for the Bridesmaid Dresses?

Getting invited to be a bridesmaid may be one of the most thrilling and enjoyable experiences you will ever have. Not only that, but you get to spend it with your bestie on one of the most important days of their lives. Therefore it's a no-brainer to say yes! Yet, when it comes to money, the lines might get a little hazy. Who pays for bridesmaids' dresses? Regrettably, there is no one-liner response to this topic. Brides and bridesmaids, don't worry; in five minutes, you'll know who should be paying for the bridesmaids' dresses and what else bridesmaids pay for.

In the US, as a bridesmaid, you usually purchase your gown for the wedding. So asking to pay for the outfit isn't unusual. After all, being invited to be a bridesmaid comes with certain expenses. There is no reason why you shouldn't offer to pay, especially if your outfit is reasonably priced, off the rack, or something you would wear again. Making bridesmaids pay for the outfit, on the other hand, might make some brides uneasy. Brides may frequently offer to pay for the cost of the dress if they are prescribing a color or style that the bridesmaid will never wear again, it is something the brides enjoy but the bridesmaid is unhappy with, or if brides have picked an expensive gown.

Brides and bridesmaids are sometimes on the same page and will even consider dividing the cost of the bridesmaid's dress. We propose dividing the expense if the dress is being custom-made for the occasion, there are many extra expenditures for the bridesmaids, such as travel or lodging, or the bride is aware that the bridesmaid may not have much money. If brides invite someone to be a bridesmaid, and brides want them to be there on their wedding day. So spending a little money on it shouldn't be a problem. Generally speaking, a bridesmaids dress under $200 is seen as fair. If the cost of the dress is between $200 and $500, you should talk about dividing the cost; if it is more expensive, the bride should volunteer to foot the tab.

No matter who pays for the bridesmaid dresses, keeping communication is very important, talk bride about what you think and make sure to communicate with the bride about what you’re comfortable with. And know what the bride thinks.

What Else Do Bridesmaids Pay For?

As a bridesmaid, you may have to pay for more than just your bridesmaid dress. Additional festivities that take place before the wedding day should also be budgeted for. So, what else bridesmaids pay for?

Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is usually organized or hosted by a bridesmaid, close friend, or relative. The shower can sometimes be a joint endeavor, although often there is just one host. It may take some time to arrange, and depending on the venue, theme, catering, and other factors, it may require teamwork. The bride's mother, sisters, and wedding party may likely need or want to participate in the planning as well.

Working together has the advantage that more than one bridesmaid won't have to foot the bill for the entire shower. This also applies to the fact that everyone often brings a unique gift to this gathering.

Gifts

Gifts are an important aspect of a wedding, and if you're close to the bride, you'll hear about them at other events, such as the wedding ceremony and reception. For example, a wedding shower gift is typically something smaller and less expensive but it's important for the bride. You'll want to make sure it doesn't overshadow the wedding present. After all, you know the wedding gift is the most important.

If you know that additional festivities will take place before the wedding, include room in your budget for the presents. One advantage of wedding gifts is that, while they will be more expensive, they will be easier to select owing to the register.

Hair & Make up

If a bride has a specific style in mind for her bridesmaids to dress up in, she could cover the expense of new shoes or accessories. On the wedding day, brides may also present their bridesmaids with jewelry or other thank-you gifts. Depending on the kind of hairdo and level of makeup the bridesmaids want, some additionally cover the expense of professionally applied hair and cosmetics, while others charge the girls.

Wedding Day Hotel and Travel

If you have to across regions to be a part of the bridal party, you as a bridesmaid will probably be responsible for covering travel expenses like the ticket. The wedding party and guests often divide the cost of the hotel room with whoever they are staying with if it is for the wedding night. The couple getting married, however, is responsible for covering the guests' accommodation costs for the night before the wedding if the rehearsal dinner is held at the wedding location. It doesn't harm to discuss it with the bride if this is not the case. It's best to resolve these difficulties a few months in advance to prevent any last-minute surprises.