Bridesmaid dresses - cost

Traditionally you would pay for bridal party outfits and if you are stipulating colour or style then you should really pay as it t may it be something they would normally pick it wear again. It is a tricky one as it depends on your budget, we paid for ours as we felt it was right thing to do. We spent 120 each on 2 adult dresses and had 5 little ones who's dresses, cardigans and shoes were 90 each, so it isn't cheap, but we facto ed it in our budget. My adult BMs wore silver shoes they already had, I wasn't too fussed about the style as they had long dresses so we're not on show but to me, is not a big deal! Be mindful of saying they can have different styles as it could look very disjointed as the colours may differ slightly as well as opposed to getting them from the same place
I would try and find somewhere that can do different styles but the material and colour is the same so at least it is obvous that the are in the bridal party, if that makes sense!

Traditionally you & your fiancé would pay for any outfit choices that form part of the wedding party and where you’re specifying what people can/can’t wear.

If you’re asking them to pay for it, that may be a question/discussion you wish to have upfront, to give them chance to assess if they can afford it or if they’d rather just be a normal guest. When we asked my 2x MoH and my fiancés BM, we outlined all that we were paying for but also what they may need to pay for (e.g. hotel rooms, hen/stag night etc.) so it was all as clear as we could make it, and no-one would be upset or surprised later on.

If you’re after a more uniform look, and not mismatched, you may want to look at ordering the same colour from the same supplier e.g. Wed2Be or JJ’s House etc., so then the colour will be the same shade, it’s just the style that’s different. I’d still potentially check the styles too, before they’re ordered, so you can make sure you’re happy with it all. If you have a beautiful backless embroidered gown for example, you may not want your BMs to also be backless - or if yours is a halter neck, you may want them to have anything other than halter neck etc. - that kind of thing matters to some people, not to everyone though.

I think it seems to be expected that bridal party outfits will be paid for. I have 3 x adult bridesmaids, I’ve paid for their dresses (in a multi-way style so they can all choose how to wear it), bouquets, hair and makeup. It is expensive but I didn’t think it was fair to ask them to help pay for any of those things, when it was my decision to ask them to be bridesmaids

You should pay. In the US it's completely different, so there is often the feeling of mixed messages depending on where articles come from. In the UK it's 100% the norm for the bride and groom to cover the cost of the bridesmaids dresses - that being said, you can dictate the cost you're willing to spend (be it £50 or £250 per dress that's up to you!), anything else (shoes, hair, make up) as long as you're happy for them to do their own thing then you don't have to cover unless you would like to - but if you are stimplating anything you should additionally cover the cost of this.

If you are happy for them to wear anything then you don't need to pay. If you are requesting a specific style, colour etc, then you should pay. As Chloe says, it's different in America where bridesmaids are expected to pay for a dress they get no say over, but I don't think that has made it over here yet.

I know some UK brides have asked bridesmaids to contribute toward the costs. If you are going to do that, then it really needs to be done at the same time as asking them. Asking them to pay out for a dress after they've said they will be bridesmaid could lead to resentment as they may feel awkward about saying no.

We are paying for the bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen suits. I’m not fussy about how they have their makeup as they are all very different and I personally love that they all have their own style!


As for hair I am leaning towards offering to pay for them to have it done just as a treat! X

We are paying for bridemaids (x4) dresses, hair and make up and best man outfit. We aren't having groomsmen.
The girls are having burgandy dresses but they will choose their style so I know they are comfy and feel good in it on the day 😀
They will be paying for shoes and accessories.

We have 4 bridesmaids 1 of which are junior bridesmaids, 4 groomsmen and a best man. We decided that we would pay for their whole outfits as we have asked them to be a role within our wedding which would be an added cost to them and may leave them short money wise. I have selected a colour but spoke to both adults bridesmaids about what they want on a dress, one wanted the top of her arms covered and the other one didn’t want anything right across her stomach or a slit up the leg. I found a few styles and both agreed on the same dress. The junior dresses I picked out with their mum, my maid of honour. I am going to say they can accessories with the jewellery of there choice as it gives the outfit a bit of personality however I have brought them both a personalised bracelet which they can choose to where on the day if they want.
We are also paying for hair and makeup trials and on the day and just going to ask they have a hair down or half up style but as different hair styles make people feel different I don’t mind what they have. Just as long as they are happy and by my side on the day that’s all I ask.

I’m paying for mine. I have the view that if I didn’t make them bridesmaids, they could re-wear something they already own or wear something less expensive so it seemed fair to

Definitely a cost that should be covered by the Bride and Groom, I’ve heard it done before where the bride sets out to the bridesmaids an amount she is willing to pay (ahead of bridesmaid dress shopping) and if the bridesmaids are all in agreement they love a dress over that amount (and bride likes it too) then they can contribute - avoids the situation of the bride just refusing as it’s to much. But in 99/100 cases it’s a case of the Bride and Groom paying for it.

Thanks all, useful to know and to confirm my thoughts!

I am having 11 bridesmaids and 4 flower girls so I’m asking them to buy their own. I am paying for the little ones dresses and hoping to pay for their hair and makeup (which is more than what the dress would cost haha) I feel like I can’t make them have their hair and makeup done and pay for it if they don’t want it. But speaking to all of them they all seem to think they should be paying for everything.
One of my friends said our treat is standing by your side on the day why should you need to pay for everything for us? So I’m going to assess nearer the time if I need to ask them to help out in other ways.
Someone told me to stop worrying about other people, at the end of the day you are spending thousands on a wedding and probably asking them to spend around £100-£200 which is nothing compared to you haha! X

View quoted message That’s exactly what we are doing too!

Personally, I’d pay for them including hair and makeup especially if you want it in a certain way. It limits them having much choice if you’re paying too 😂