bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

i'm recently engaged and just starting the planning. I'm the first out of most of my friends, so i'm learning! i've read in some mags that the bride should at least help pay for the bridesmaid dresses? is this true?

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

If it is, I'm not doing it. My BM's will be paying for their own gowns. The only thing I'm doing is paying for whatever changes I make to it for my Jr. BM.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

Generally the bridesmaids pay for their own dresses, shoes, accessories, etc. Some brides give the BP the jewelery as a gift for being in the wedding or pay for their hairstyle. If your budget allows, feel free to offer, but you are not obligated to buy their dresses.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I paid for every BM dress I ever wore (some really ugly ones too) and my girls are paying for theirs. But it all depends on your budget, I suppose. Good luck with your planning.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I paid for one of my BM's dresses only b/c she had to pay for airfare from CA in order to attend my wedding. I offered to pay for another BM's dress b/c she doesn't have much $$ to spare (she ended up dropping out so I didn't have to pay for hers!). I think you should offer if you really want the person in you BP and they cannot afford to at that time in the lives...

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

thanks for all the info! I'm glad it's definitely not an obligation b/c it's not in my budget. i'll just make sure that nothing too expensive is picked out. i'm giving them the choice of the dress so i'm sure they'll pick out something they can afford!

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

Since I'm not I decided to take all the girls shopping and let them pick the dress they all love. I figure if they pick it out then they will have control over the price. (If any of them have a real problem which I don't think they will since they all have jobs and I don't right now I will try to help them out a little)

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

All of my BM's are paying for their own dresses.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

all my girls are paying for there own stuff

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

All of my girls are paying for their own stuff too.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I think it is really important to consider your BM's financial situation prior to picking out a dress. You can ask them what they feel is a fair price to stay under, also ordering online will save $$$.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

the first thing i did when looking at dresses for my girls, i looked at prices. i didnt want to have them rob a bank for me so i made sure the dresses were within reason and i am in the same financial boat as my girls so i said to myself would this be a dress i would be able to purchase if i was a BM.

So i made sure to look for inexpensive dresses. I dont want my girls to go into debt because of me.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

all my girls paid for their own dresses.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

When I asked my girls I told them what price to expect. That way they don't fall out later from shock.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I have heard of any of my friends or family, getting there bridemaids dreeses paid for by the bride. When i get asked to be in a bridal party, I expect there to be extra expenses ie: dress, hair, shoes etc, that will need to be laid out than if I was just a guest at the wedding. I would think your BP would expect that.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

Well I do know people that paid for their BP attire. The majority of bride and grooms don't.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

No, you don't have to pay for their dresses. I took them all out for dinner after we picked the dress out and they got measured. Then bought them a nice little gift and gave it to them at the rehearsal dinner.

You have enough to pay for.....

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I am not paying for their dresses, or anything...wish I could but it isnt an option.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I am probably going to pay for one of my BM dress because she is flying here from Europe, so it is a big expense for her. The others are paying for it themselves.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I only paid for one of my BM's and the two flowergirl dresses b/c they are my cousins and when I was in their parents weddings they paid for my flowergirl/junior bm's dresses. I am just returning the gesture

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I also paid for every single ugly BM dress I ever had to wear
My BMs are paying, most of them got married already, and are now returning the favor. I got them dresses all reasonably priced anyway. I am though buying their jewlery.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I totally agree w/ Lizlen! I've been in 5 weddings where i've spent a fortune on dresses, shoes, gifts, travel expenses, etc... so now it's their turn!

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I also had to pay for the BM dresses I always had to wear. I did shop around & tried to find something that wasn't too expensive.

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I wish I could but I can't afford too But I don't think they would expect you to..

Re: bridesmaids pay for their dresses?

I paid for a little bit of my BMS dress...I also took them for a nice message, manicure and pedicure...plus jewelry to wear...