Who should pay for bridesmaids dresses?

Abbafan1972

Is there any update on this op?

amstar

The bride and groom should always pay, especially when they are 9 times out of 10 dictating what you have to wear because you are in their wedding. I am currently in a position with a friend where I have to pay for my daughters dress, this was made worse because it was just expected rather than asked if it would be ok. If you can't afford to have someone in your wedding don't ask them, simple

jetplane

Panda_Barney wrote: »

We are paying for our bridesmaid dresses as one of them said that if she had to pay for her own then she wouldn't be able to be a bridesmaid although the other two were happy to contribute so it forced our hand really and we ended up paying for all three.

Interesting to see it from the other side, could you give some insight into why brides may expect their bridesmaids / ushers etc to buy their own outfits, if that was your original intention? Thanks

Panda_Barney

I was quite happy to allow my bridesmaids to choose their own dresses if they were going to pay for them. As I am paying for their shoes, hair, make up and transport to and from the venue . I didn't think it was a lot to ask for them to pay for their dresses and like I said two out of three were happy to as we were looking at dresses they could wear again not a traditional dress. The ushers and best man and dads were also happy to pay for their own suit hire but we have split that cost between the two families now as the cost was cheaper than we had first thought.

BakerBoy

Daxx wrote: »

Could you not just reply pointing out how much you are having to spend to attend her wedding and that you cannot afford to pay £84 for a bridesmaid dress. If this means that she can no longer afford to have you as a bridesmaid then you understand and will just be a normal guest.

Then it's up to her to decide what she is going to do and how much of a friend she is.

Then you have made it clear where you stand with no negotiation.

Very diplomatic, and as we are not in the OP's position this is probably the most sensible approach to resolving. If the situation really does deteriorate after that you'll know how strong your friendship is.

Jobseeeker

Hope the OP is OK and the bride is not still sending her nasty emails!

rosie-lee

I too hope for an update.
I think we all have our fingers crossed that they've had a chat,it's all amicable & the friendship intact, but I'll be honest I have wondered?

Many will know what a strange & curious creature the Bride to Be can occasionally become!

darkruto

If your expected to pay for your dress then you should get a say in it. Obviously you and the bride would have to make a choice together as it wouldnt be the best you not matching in with the colour scheme but you shouldnt just be told to fork out that amount of money, Seems the bride has had to make last minute cut backs and thought this was the best option. Confront your friend im sure she will understand.

quidsy

Any news from the OP, we are all waiting with baited breath

rosie-lee

Me too quidsy !