2007-06-06 02:13:52 · 30 answers · asked by Lisa O 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
The bridesmaid pays for her dress, shoes, alterations, hair/makeup, etc. She's also expected to help contribute for the shower, bachelorette party as well as gifts for both the shower and wedding. Expensive, huh?
In some cases, the bride will pay for the dresses, or the hair/makeup. That's the exception, and at the sole discretion of the bride. It's not proper to make the assumption that any of this will be paid for by anyone other than the bridesmaid.
I've been in enough weddings to know. It's an honor to stand up for your friend or relative, but it's a HUGE expense!
2007-06-06 02:21:05 · answer #1 · answered by sylvia 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It seems that in the USA the bridesmaids pay, it looks like brides there think they are doing the bridesmaids a favour by asking them to be their attendant. I live in the UK and here the bride pays for the bridesmaids dresses, think about it, the attendants have to help the bride plan the wedding and the hen night etc, I just don't understand why they should be out of pocket, personally I am paying for my bridesmaids dress, and no I am not rich, my wedding budget is £2000 maximum and that's the reason I am having just one bridesmaid, so that I can afford to get her a nice dress. I would never ask a good friend to pay for their own bridesmaid dress.
2007-06-06 02:35:15 · answer #2 · answered by sparkleythings_4you 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always thought that the bride was suppose to pay for the bridesmaids dress etc, but when I got married becuase we was trying to make it as cheap as possible and I had 7 bridesmaids (not by choice, originally was only going to have 3, but once one family member is included the rest want to be included.) we asked if the briesmaids could pay for the dresses as it was a budget wedding; and everyone was ok with paying.
At least the dresses were in the sale, so it wasn't too much! But really I don't think it matters who pays, but if I had the money I would have paid.
2007-06-06 08:31:36 · answer #3 · answered by chopper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bridesmaids are supposed to pay for all their own stuff, help plan the bridal shower and put together the bachelorette party...and you still have to buy shower and wedding gifts. I wonder how many people would refuse to be bridesmaids if they knew all this in advance??
I've heard of cases where brides really wanted a specfic bridesmaid dress and it was insanely expensive so they footed a chunk of the cost. Um, but that's pretty unusual. If you're in a severe financial bind it's better to talk it over with the bride than make yourself severely poor for someone else's wedding. If she's your friend she'll understand and maybe help you think of a solution (but fair warning...there's something about planning a wedding that makes people insane. Don't be surprised if bridezilla makes an appearance). Good LUCK!
2007-06-06 02:28:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although strict tradition might say she's pays for stuff herself, I have seen many cases that the bride will pay for the bridesmaid. Like the other answer said, in this day and age, tradition is loose, its really up to the bride. Either way would be fine. But the bridesmaid IS supposed to put together the shower, or at least all put in to help.
2007-06-06 02:24:24 · answer #5 · answered by ineedmore 2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pays for what for the bridesmaids? Dresses/shoes/etc.? That's the bridesmaids' cost - but the bride should be thoughtful of the bridesmaids' budgets. Reception costs? Bride.
2007-06-06 03:34:50 · answer #6 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
technically it should be the bride - as she's asking you to do this favour for her..... doesn't always happen like that though :-(
I just want to add to this after reading some of the other responses - I cannot believe the amout of people who say that the bridesmaid buys for the stuff herself - I would NEVER expect my bridesmaid to pay... The bridesmaid does not have a choice in the dress she wears - that is the brides choice... so why should she have to pay for something she might hate/ might never wear again?!? I don't know of any friends who have asked their bridesmaids to pay - I think it's selfish. Either pay for their dresses or don't have any bridesmaids at all.
(I know I'll get thumbs down for this but it's only fair if you are doing someone that favour!)
One more thing - what country are you in? It's becoming apparent that in the US the bridesmaids pay for themselves but in Ireland and the UK the bride pays. I'm in Ireland - maybe that's why it seems very odd to me.
2007-06-06 02:17:41 · answer #7 · answered by ainealainn 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The bride, never heard of a bridesmaid paying before in my life but maybe thats an Irish thing...
2007-06-07 08:57:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Traditionally the bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and accessories, but in these modern times and if the bride is wealthy enough she will offer to cover all her bridesmaids expenses relating to the wedding..
If you have a lot of money and can afford it, then go for it and do not follow tradition.
2007-06-06 02:24:26 · answer #9 · answered by Chef D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends. If the bride can afford to buy the bridesmaids dresses, then the bride could do it. But usually the bridesmaids buy their own dresses.
2007-06-06 02:17:37 · answer #10 · answered by cinnatigg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋