Bridesmaid dresses - $295 - is this too much to ask?

For something that will be worn only once, yes that is a lot. Even $100 for one time wear is a lot for some people. If you like velvet try Revelry.

I agree with the previous poster and would reverse the way you ask the question. Instead, ask what they are comfortable with paying, and that will give you your answer. Asking if they can pay a specific amount like $300, etc. puts them in a tough position to feel comfortable saying No - they won't want to disappoint you.

I personally think that's way too much (and it's never just the dress purchase price; there are also alterations, accessories, etc.). But it doesn't matter what I think. You need to ask each bridesmaid individually for her budget and then choose a dress that works for the lowest budget or buy all the dresses. If these dresses are the only ones that fit your vision, be prepared to pay for your vision.

I had to buy one this year and was not thrilled (although the dress was beautiful) - asking would be nice, but I agree you should ask their overall budget. Hard to say no to a bride

Yes, I think that is way too much to ask. I'd ask them each individually how much they're comfortable spending on a dress, and then go from there. Or, I think it would be a lot more reasonable if you simply offered to pay for at least half. $150 is a great compromise

As a bridesmaid, I wouldn't want to spend that much on a dress. You still have to consider the fact that they have to pay for their shoes, accessories, any events the bridal party has to help with the costs of, and/or hair and makeup.

I really think you should find a dress similar that's cheaper. There's PLENTY of sites out there that sell beautiful velvet dresses that are more cost efficient. You could even send them the dress and let them know that's the style and color you want, and that if it's too expensive, if everyone could pitch in and help find one similar to it that's cheaper!

I think that is ridiculously expensive for a BM dress and I would not feel comfortable at all with asking someone to pay that much. Especially when there are SO many affordable options out there.

How many BM's do you have? If it were me and I really wanted these dresses, i'd cut down on something like flowers or decoration and just pay for them. I paid for my BM's dresses anyway, but especially in this case it makes a lot of sense.