A few friends of mine say that bridesmaids pay for their own dresses, the others say that the bride typically pays for them. Which is correct?

Dear EMOP,

I think this article will help:

Paying for bridesmaids dresses : Wedding article (http://www.wednet.com/wedding-dresses/wedding-articles/Help-With-Who-Pays.Aspx)

Good luck to you.

Typically yes, the bridesmaid pays for her own dress.

Thank you both

You're welcome.:)

In the UK I think the Bride pays for the bridesmaid dresses, plus she gives the bridesmaids a present, and the groom pays for the hire of the best Mans top hat and tails or morning suit, plus he gives the chief bridesmaid and best man a present, and gives
The Mother of the Bride and his own Mum a bouquet.

However this is all of course open to debate between bride and groom, And also different in different parts of the world.

In the UK I think the Bride pays for the bridesmaid dresses, plus she gives the bridesmaids a present, and the groom pays for the hire of the best Mans top hat and tails or morning suit, plus he gives the chief bridesmaid and best man a present, and gives
the Mother of the Bride and his own Mum a bouquet of flowers.

However this is all of course open to debate between bride and groom,. and also different in different parts of the world.

That's all for UK right? I've heard of any of that where I live.
Thank you though

I have attended dozens of weddings, and here in Canada, I can't say that the 'rule' is for a bride to pay for the bridesmaids dresses.

I've only been married once myself, and all the dresses were made at one dress shop, and each paid their own.

I think that if one had been unable to pay for her dress, I'd help out rather than not see her in the wedding party.

I think so, they pay for their own dress. I know it can get expense, and then altering the dress. For that reason maybe they should have some say in what dresses are picked. It can get very expensive.

The dresses I've chosen are cheap, and simple and can be worn as a normal formal dress to any occasion after the wedding.

The bridesmaids have all agreed to pay for their own dresses and to have them altered.

Thank you everyone for your help, I needed to know the normal trend before I asked them to pay for their dresses, I didn't want to offend anyone

Not wishing to dispute anyone's replies, however I have been
Led to believe that part of the thanks for a person being a bridesmaid was that they also had the dress they wear given to them too.

Maybe that's just how it is in England, or in my own circle of friends.

Not wishing to dispute anyones replies, however I have been
led to believe that part of the thanks for a person being a bridesmaid was that they also had the dress they wear given to them too.

Maybe thats just how it is in England, or in my own circle of friends.

Everyone around here I know who has been a bridesmaid has gotten to keep their dress

everyone around here I know who has been a bridesmaid has gotten to keep their dress

Its same here only difference being that the bride usually pays for all the bridesmaids dresses. Different traditions for different Countries or people. Plus maybe the finances I can't say I have actually ever asked a bridesmaid if she paid for her dress LOL, Ive been a bridesmaid twice and each time the bride or her family paid for the dress I wore.

Its same here only difference being that the bride usually pays for all the bridesmaids dresses. Different traditions for different Countries or people. Plus maybe the finances I can't say I have actually ever asked a bridesmaid if she paid for her dress LOL, Ive been a bridesmaid twice and each time the bride or her family paid for the dress I wore.

Wow! I know I wouldn't be able to have a wedding if we couldn't get help paying for things like the bridesmaid dresses

I am getting married in the uk and have today bought the material for my 3 bridesmaids dresses, I am happy to pay for this for my bridesmaids however the daughter of one of my bridesmaids is my flowergirl and my friend is buying that outfit and shoes, I suppose its at brides discretion really. Good luck with your wedding anyway xxx