Who pays for bridesmaid dresses?

So, who covers the cost of bridesmaid dresses? You have gotten an invite from a close friend or a family member. Asking you to be part of the bridesmaids during her wedding. Congratulations, that’s an interesting role to play, but it can also be expensive. Hence, there are chances that you’ve pondered this question in your mind. 

There’s so much to deliberate on when it comes to covering the cost of bridesmaid dresses. Such as chiffon, velvet, silk and satin bridesmaid dresses, which range in price from $100 to $800. So what is the way forward? The bride? The bridesmaids? Both? 

Below, we discussed everything related to who should pay for the bridesmaid dresses. 

Who pays for the bridesmaid dresses? 

Gabriella Risati, founder of Gabriella New York Bridal Salon, says that there are no rules on who pays for bridesmaid dresses. If the bride has the money to pay for her bridesmaids dresses, that’s awesome. Or, both the bride and her bridesmaids share the cost. 

In some Western cultures, bridesmaids are the ones paying for their dresses and accessories. The bride decides on the color of the dress and style (in some instances). While the bridesmaids pay for their dresses.

There are three scenarios on who pays for the bridesmaid’s dresses. 

The bride pays for the dresses 

If the bride decides to pay for the bridesmaid’s dresses, that’s an exquisite offer! This reduces your financial responsibilities as a bridesmaid and helps you focus on other expenses. Most times, the bride offers to pay when her bridesmaids are less than 5. And she can foot the bill since they are few compared to 8 bridesmaids. 

Also, if the couple-to-be has allotted bridal party attire funds in their budget. It is right for the bride to decide on paying for her bridesmaid’s dresses. Another instance that allows the bride to pay for the bridesmaid’s dresses is financial constraints. If a member of the bridal party can’t afford to pay due to whatever reasons. The bride can decide to assist by paying for her bridesmaids dress. 

The bridesmaid pays for the dresses 

The bride is under no compulsory obligation to pay for her bridesmaid’s dresses according to Risati. By accepting the bridesmaid offer for your friend’s wedding. You have signed up for a huge task which comes with a cost, no doubt. Part of this is paying for your bridesmaid dress and accessories. 

For a bridal party’s attire, most brides choose popular dress styles based on their wedding theme. So you don’t have to worry about the difficulty of getting the dress style and fabric. Also, mismatched bridesmaid dresses are becoming a wedding dress trend. Brides now give a swatch of wedding colors and allow their bridesmaids to pick out their dresses. The only thing is that there should be dress specifications for a cohesive look. 

Both parties pays for the dresses 

As the bride, you can offer to help your bridesmaids with the cost of their dresses. Splitting the bills and deciding to pay part of the bills will mean a lot to your bridesmaids. You can all decide to patronize a particular dress brand with budget-friendly prices. That way, you can save costs and your bridesmaids can spend on other things. If you would be choosing this option, discuss how both parties will share the bills. Without it causing a rift between you and your bridesmaids. 

How much does bridesmaid dresses cost?

Considering the various expenses of your bridesmaids leading up to your wedding. It is important to understand the cost of bridesmaid dresses. To know if it is within or above your wedding budget. According to Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert and author. She says that the cost of bridesmaid dresses ranges from anywhere around $100 and $800. 

“Depending on how luxurious the wedding is, and the brands you go to shop for your bridesmaid dresses,” she added. That being mentioned if you’re planning for a small wedding or you’re on a wedding budget. It is possible to shop at a resale store where you won’t have to pay much. You could also consider rental sites for better bridesmaid dress options at cheaper prices. 

If your bridesmaids would be getting their dresses by themselves. All you need to do to have a coordinated look is to pick the color shade of your choice. Also, specify the dress style modifications such as the length, fabric, and neckline. 

When should i start saving for a bridesmaid dress? 

To be honest, attending a wedding is expensive and it is even more expensive if you’re a bridesmaid. As there are lots of expenses to meet leading up to the big day. We advise bridesmaids to start saving as soon as the invite arrives on their doorsteps. It doesn’t matter if the wedding is in 6 months or a year. 

Once you have all the details of the wedding with you, start preparing early. Such that when it’s time to buy your bridesmaid dress. That is if you’re the one to pay, it will be easy to make your payments without any delay. Depending on the location of the dress store, shipping and delivery can take some time. So start all preparations on time. 

Conclusion 

If this is your first time playing the role of a bridesmaid at a wedding. And you’re battling with the question of who pays for bridesmaid dresses in your mind. It all depends on the modalities of the wedding. The bride can offer to pay for her bridesmaid’s dresses if she loves something expensive. 

As the bridesmaid, you might be asked to cover the expenses of your bridesmaid dress. Or, the bride can decide to make part payment while you complete the rest. So, there you have it! 

As a bridesmaid, you must be more focused on making your friend joyful during her wedding. Rather than debating on how much the dress and accessories cost. The bride will appreciate your love and support, which is the most important thing. Wishing you a fun-filled party.

The editorial unit