Bridesmaid dresses- who pays?

Ugh. No, none of this. Why is this a huge thing today?!? also, I am buying my bridesmaids the dresses. But it's weird because they both bought me mine for their weddings (lds tradition)

Bridesmaids should pay but I've ran into an issue concerning this topic as well. A few of the ladies that i wanted to be in my wedding party thought it was tacky of me to ask them to pay for their dresses. I've been in three weddings and I've always paid for my dress.

Bridesmaids pay for the dress they can afford. You ask each individually and privately what their budget it. The lowest budget is the one you go with.

I've paid for my dress for every wedding I've been in. I think $350 is too much for a BM dress but I have a completely different budget and social circle than you. I know what my girls can afford and I'm looking accordingly. Dress shopping for them is no different than any other aspect of your wedding. A budget must first be established and then you go from there

Yes they typically pay for their own.

Look, I have expensive tastes and even I think $350 is a lot for a BM dress. But I was shocked when my MOH saw one she liked and saw the price tag - it was $350. She said, "oh that's not bad, I could swing that." I looked at her like she had two heads. I was NOT expecting her to pay that amount. I expect to help her find something in the $150-$200 range. But hey at least I now know her budget lol.

As far as your issue, I'd ask them individually what their budget is.

I would spend if it was worth it and by worth it i mean gorgeous. I've spent more on less but that's just me. Just ask them they'll tell you if they want to spend that much. Post a picture of this 350 dress!!

It depends. $350 is a lot for some. Have a convo with them and ask them how much they are willing to spend. My BM were comfortable spending up to $160 for their dresses. I was able to find one within that price range.

Depends on where you are, in Ireland the bride and groom pay for bridal party clothes but in US. They usually buy their own. You need to ask them their budget before you pick anything

Usually your bridesmaids pay, but if it's too much for them to afford you can buy it for them.

I agree the "well off" comment was totally uncalled for. Since you are so "well off", you can just pay for the dress you want them to wear. Typically you would ask each girl individually what her budget is. Since you don't seem to care, you can pay. I wouldn't spend that on a dress I'd never wear again.

"...most of my friends are well off, as are we."

and then

"He offered to pay for my closest friends that probably couldn't afford it."

Seem to be contradicting.

Bridesmaids usually pay for their own dresses but in some cases, the bride will.

Like if the bridesmaids aren't well off and the bride is.

Or if a dress is $350.

!!! ive offered to pay for all the bridesmaids dresses and shoes!!! and hair and make up!!!! only because we are getting married in italy from the uk, i figured theyd paid enough!!

If your well off, why don't you just buy them? I would never ever let my bridesmaids spend $350.00 on a dress, I also wouldn't choose a dress so expensive. My BM are paying for their own dress but I'm keeping it under $150.00 - and even that is high. I may help any who need help but I'm in no way 'well off'.

This sounds like a lot to spend on a bridesmaids dress - regardless of how "well-off" your bridesmaids are. You need to ask each of them individually what they're willing/able/comfortable spending. If they are not okay with spending more than $200 then you have 2 options: you either pick a cheaper dress or pay the difference. You cannot force them to pay more than they can afford and it's not up to you to determine what they "should" be able to afford.

If you are so well off, just pay for them

I paid for my BM dresses. They were $50 each. I ordered them offline in the sizes they requested, so they have to pay for alterations. They are also paying for their own shoes. I paid for the jewelry which is one of the items I'm gifting them.

Half my bridesmaids are automatically assuming everything will be taken care of for them (Chinese tradition, I'm guessing, but we're in the US and this is my wedding), the other half are ready to pay and know the drill. I just asked them what their budgets were and we agreed on $150 being the max. We are looking at sales and online stores.

If I am "well off" and think $350 is reasonable, then I would pay for all their dresses. But I'm not, and it's not reasonable to expect someone to shell out $350 for a dress they'll wear once. Also, if your social circle is "well off" like you and open to shelling out this amount, why does our opinions matter?