Bridesmaid dress

I’m paying for my bridesmaids dresses but I’ve asked if they can pay for hair and make up if they want it done. My best friend I paid for my own dress, hair and make up. I would just be clear from the beginning or mention it before you’ve even asked them.

I agree with Shay, just be clear from the beginning. I’m paying for my bridesmaids dresses but I have also been bridesmaid for 2 of them and they did the same for me xx

Im not paying for my bridesmaids dresses, but I am paying for their hair and makeup x

It's very much expected in UK wedding culture that you pay for the bridesmaid's dresses. It can cause a bit of upset if you don't, especially if you don't communicate it in advance, with expected maximum cost to them and how strict you will be on style/colour/etc, and give your bridesmaid's time to consider if they are willing to still be a bridesmaid with the additional cost - one of my friends recently got stung with this and it really affected her relationship with the bride for a while so do be careful about approaching it.

I've paid for my bridesmaid's attire as well as hair. My fiance has paid for his best man's suit as well.

We are paying for the bridemaids dresses, hair and make up, they are paying for shoes and accessories. My partner is also paying for his best man's suit too.

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I decided I'm paying for their dresses, make-up and hair and they can buy their own shoes, jewellery etc

I’ve told them to choose one in a certain colour and I will pay up to the value of £100. If they want one more expensive they can pay the difference. Not having hair or make up xx

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I have also done this, they are going to pay for their own hair and make up if they want it and all 7 of them have been happy with that xx

I’m paying for my 4 adult bridesmaids dresses, however I also left it open to all 8 nieces from both sides as to whether they wanted to be bridesmaids or not, but under the pretence that they pay for their own dress (can’t afford 12 dresses lol!). As it happens, all the mums are more than willing to and understand the situation, so I’m going to need a very long aisle lol!

I believe it is customary in the UK for the bride/groom to pay for anyone in the bridal party as you’re essentially making them wear a particular dress/range of dresses. Things seem different in the US, and more of the US customs are filtering over to here tbf.


Personally I’ve paid for the bridesmaids dresses, hair and hair pieces. They’ve paid for their shoes, jewellery and then we’re all doing our own makeup. Being in the bridal party is super expensive, and so I didn’t want the cost to be the reason they couldn’t be a MoH/BM. Also I then got to choose the dresses and what not (I ordered a selection and we all chose from them together), which means I didn’t have to feel guilty about making them buy a dress they are unlikely to wear again.

I've paid for their dresses, hair and makeup to be done. Although I haven't paid for alterations they may or may not need or their trials for hair and make up as they're optional.

I am only having one bridesmaid, or MOH. I will buy her dress as I would be choosing it. I will get her hair and make-up done with mine. She can choose her own shoes and accessories; I want her to be comfortable on the day.