The age-old question of who should pay for bridesmaid dresses has sparked a heated debate among soon-to-be brides and their entourages. While some argue that the bride should cover the cost, others believe that the bridesmaids should foot the bill themselves.
A recent discussion on a wedding planning Facebook group shed light on the differing opinions. One bride-to-be asked for advice on whether she should pay for her bridesmaids’ dresses or if they should cover the cost themselves. The responses were varied, with some insisting that the bride should pay, while others believed that the bridesmaids should take care of their own attire.
Some generous brides-to-be even went so far as to say that they would cover not only the cost of the dresses but also hair, makeup, and accommodations for their bridesmaids. One bride explained that she didn’t want her bridesmaids to have to spend a dime on anything related to the wedding.
However, others took a more practical approach, pointing out that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to who should pay for bridesmaid dresses. One bride noted that it ultimately comes down to what works best for the bride and her bridesmaids, as long as everyone is on the same page.
Interestingly, some bridesmaids reported that they had been expected to pay for their own dresses in the past, particularly in cases where the bride had a large number of attendants. One bridesmaid explained that she had paid for her own dress, shoes, hair, and makeup for a wedding she was in, while another noted that she had been told to choose a dress in a specific color and then pay for it herself.
Ultimately, the decision of who should pay for bridesmaid dresses comes down to the individual circumstances of the bride and her attendants. While some brides may choose to cover the cost as a gesture of appreciation, others may expect their bridesmaids to take care of their own expenses. As one bride wisely noted, the key is to communicate clearly and make sure everyone is on the same page.
