who pays?

Kittendreich

If you are expecting them to do it or want them to have anything in particular it is right that you pay. If you don't mind then it just depends on what your budget can stretch to.

We paid for our BMs dresses, but have given them free reign on shoes, assessories etc that way they can suit their own taste and budget. We offered to pay for hair and make-up as a treat, but only one is getting it done as the other prefers to do her own.

I would advise you are upfront that you can't afford to pay for it all and it is not expected that they join you, but that if they wanted to pay themselves that's fine. It is difficult talking about money, but can save lots of upset which would occur if people feel they are being forced to pay for things they didn't want/expect.

anderson8

im paying for the dresses, accessories and my sister who is my MOH is a hairdresser so she is doing all the hair.
they are buying their own shoes and anything else they want done for the day

minerva_windsong

I didn't pay for my hair to be done when I was a bridesmaid - I offered to, but as I was a poor student at the time I wasn't allowed to and my very generous mum paid for me (as she did for my dress, shoes and a couple of accessories). *is spoilt*

I did however buy my own make-up and did that myself.

VICXEN83

I think if you wish them to pay for themselves you need to tell people sooner rather than later so they can save the money up if need be. If they are close, they will understand.