Traditionally it was bridesmaids who paid for their dresses or if flower girls were involved, then their parents would pay for their dresses.
Times and financial situations have changed…as we are all aware, and there are options.
Keeping in mind that the bridesmaids are probably your closest friends so you should feel at ease discussing anything financial with them in regards to the dresses, but there are some things to consider and take it from there.
Bridesmaids should pay for their dress:
- If the price is reasonable.
- It’s off the rack and fits perfectly.
- The dress could be worn again.
You should pay for their dress:
- If it is expensive and you particularly want them to wear that dress.
- If you know they cannot afford the dress and you want them to wear it.
- If it is a style or colour that they would never wear again.
- You like it and they don’t.
Why not split the cost:
- It is custom made, pay half each. or, one pays for the fabric and one pays for the dressmaker.
- If you are aware the total cost will be to much for the bridesmaid.
- If the bridesmaid in having to pay for accommodation and travel then you could suggest paying for half the dress.
If someone has not been a bridesmaid before they may not be aware of the tradition of paying for their dress, so you could either come right out and discuss it, or be a bit more subtle with the help of the internet and find some picys and email them and ask if the price is within their budget.
Ultimately if you are good friends, you should be able to just discuss it, don’t over think it.
Wedding Vendors UK is here to assist with everything weddings and we hope you will visit us many times during your wedding planning journey.
