Is it customary that the bridal party pay for their own attire?

Question

I am getting married in a little less than 6 weeks. I bought the clothing for the wedding party (bridesmaids, MOH, groomsmen, ushers, and the BM) isn't it customary that they reimburse me the cost. I budgeted really well and it's only costing the guys $32 a piece (5 guys) and the females $12 a piece. We are using red Docker's dress shirts for the guys and black ties that I purchased from Penney's so they would all match. The shirts were on sale and so were the ties. The females are wearing black skirts, which they all already had and white dress shirts that were on sale for $12 a piece. Is is wrong that I expect them to pay for their clothing?

something that was not metioned, I am paying for my entire wedding on my own. The flowers, centerpieces, cake, food, gift favors, candles, my dress, manicures and pedicures for the females, and the hair salon costs. I tried to make the clothing elegant and inexpensive as well.

Answer 1

I've never been in a wedding where the couple paid for the outfit of the bridal party-I never even heard of that. However, I never had the bride purchase the clothes up front, then ask for reimbursement. Usually the bride picks out a dress or whatever, then tells the bridal party to go and get it, or they all go together (depending on location issues)--if you were going to do it your way, you should have called them and said you found what you want them to wear and it will only cost $12 or $32-then they'd expect to pay. They will be giving you gifts (probably money) worth more than the $35 in most liklihood, so you will regain that money in the long run.

Congrats.

Answer 2

Yes, it's customary for the bridal party to pay for their attire. However, sometimes the couple will pay. They may be confused because you purchased the items originally. If you have one bridesmaid who you're most comfortable talking to about this, mention your confusion to her and she'll be able to make sure the others pay up! Your conversation could go something like this: "You know, there are just so many rules for wedding. I can never keep straight who sits where, who pays for what parts of the wedding, how many toasts are too many..." You get the idea. Then mention the wardrobe mix-up.

This said, if you can afford to pay for the outfits and it might cause a problem if you mention it, pay.

Answer 3

Well, ordinarily they pay for themselves; but do they think that you are paying, since you already bought them? Did you tell them initially that you wanted to be reimbursed? I think if they are thinking you are going to pay, it would be kinda cheap to go and demand $12 from each girl ($32 from each guy is a little more reasonable, but you can't take from one and not the other).

That being said, I know how expenses can add up when planning your wedding. Could you get them a smaller thank-you gift? Have the outfits be part of the bridal party gifts.

Answer 4

Yes it's customary, and not wrong that you expect them to reimburse you for the costs.

Besides, it's not like they are spending an arm and a leg. The amount you mentioned, is a fraction of what most in the bridal party have to spend, including the kids who participate!

So, I think it's only right that they reimburse you. You already have a lot of expenses to take care of as the bride. Friends in the bridal party should be happy to reimburse you since they should also be happy to share in this special moment of your lives!

Hope this helped, CONGRATS, and wish all goes well! ♥

Answer 5

Absoulty the wedding party should pay for their own attire. You need to make it clear to them that they will be paying you for this. Because if you dont, and you already went out and bought the clothes the girls than will automaticaly think you are paying for them. Just bring it up when you have them all together and tell them that if possible to have their money for their clothes by the end of two weeks. Your going out of your way and paying for everything else, you shouldnt have to spend anymore money of things that you shouldnt be paying for such as the wedding partys clothes!
Congrads!!

Answer 6

the girls do purchase their very own clothing and footwear, yet lots of the time the adult men basically lease a experience or tux. they could get the tie and cummerbund to verify the bridesmaids clothing, so which you do could desire to coordinate that section. And confident, do supply them a marvelous, small present. i replaced into the spouse of the appropriate guy, and the bride even gave me a marvelous pearl necklace basically for being the spouse of the appropriate guy. and that i sat on the table with the different spouses of those interior the bridal social gathering. The groom provides his appropriate guy and ushers a small present too, generally marvelous cuff hyperlinks or tie tacks. If the bridal social gathering needs to furnish you a separate present, it rather is their determination. and don't ignore presents for the flower lady and ring bearer and their mum and dad for allowing them to be on your wedding ceremony too.

Answer 7

It kind of depends on whether you told them that you expected to be reimbursed for the cost of their attire. They should have bought it straight out, but you fronted the cost. If, at the time, you said "Oh, don't worry, I got it," then you gave the impression that you are completely taking care of these costs. In this case, you can't go back on what you said and ask for money. But, if you said "Pay me back later," then it's perfectly appropriate of you to start asking for that money.

Answer 8

The bridal party usually pays for it's own stuff. However if you offered to pay and never told them to reimburse you, it would be tacky for you to just now tell them that. Very tacky.

Answer 9

Yes, but only if you would have let them know when you asked them to be in the bridal party. Too late now; it's not too much of a cost for you to absorb.

Answer 10

Think that it can go either way but communication is the key. If your intentions were to be reimbursed you may need to let them know prior. As far as budgeting and six weeks before your wedding think that if I were you I'd be letting this one slide and cutting my losses. It cause more trouble than its worth.