Bridesmaids dresses

I personally would caution against doing this. While the dresses are being bought with the intention of being worn to the wedding, if you're purchasing the dresses on behalf of your bridesmaids, it essentially is like a gift to them, and it would likely be considered impolite to ask for the gowns back to sell them - not to mention, you might find that the dresses need to be dry cleaned after the wedding and that it may be another expense that you won't recoup.

If finances are tight, I would suggest you have a sit down with your bridesmaids and explain that you wanted to cover the cost of their dresses but unfortunately just aren't able to do so and that they will need to pay for their dresses and that you'd like to work with their budgets to allow them to do so.

I agree 100% with the above comment. You shouldn't have offered to pay in the first place if money is tight. Usually bridesmaids cover the cost of their own dress since they can be worn again (but most probably aren't) You offering to purchase their dresses is considered a gift and it is rude to ask for gifts back.

I think it depends on the relationship you have with your bridesmaids. I know if I privately told my best friend that money is tight, would she mind if I sell her dress, she would give it to me in a second. However, if its someone you don't know well enough to know how they would react, I'd tread with caution.

There is no rule that you have to pay for your bridesmaids' dresses in the first place. This may be done in some places, but it's not required. If your bridesmaids have already agreed to be in the wedding, that means they accepted the costs that come with it. I wouldn't ask for the dresses back because they may want to keep it and it just seems odd.

I wouldn't ask for them back...

I definitely see what PPs are saying, but for me personally, I don't think I would mind this at all (if I were a BM). I think it's super nice (although not necessary) that you guys have/will pay/paid for the dresses, and I wouldn't mind if the bride asked for them back to sell them. After all, it's not likely that I would wear it again, and I would want to help the couple recoup any expense they could!

I would not do that. Offering to pay for their bridesmaids dresses is a gift. You should never take back a gift you gave to someone.

View Quoted Comment I agree with this. Maybe sit down with them and explain that money is tight and you just don't have the money right now to pay for their dresses. If these women are in your wedding I assume it's because you are very close to them and have a good relationship with them. If they are true friends they should understand that you can't afford to pay for their dresses.

Realistically, how much money do you think you can get for altered, used bridesmaid dresses. Where would you even sell them? I honestly don't think you would get much back or be successful in selling all of them. What are the chances that someone has the same number of bridesmaids in the same sizes as your party? I would not do this. If you already offered to pay, you will have to pay. Just pick a dress as cheap as possible if money is an issue.

That would rub me the wrong way. If money is a big concern I would choose cheaper dresses (also not likely to have much of any resale value). I’d rather a friend come back and say “I know I offered to pay for the dresses but I’m not sure we can afford to now” than buy me a dress and then ask for it back. If these ladies are your nearest and dearest you should be able to be open with them. To be honest it would ruin my day a bit if I was knowing you were wanting my dress back because I’d be hyper sensitive about spilling or sweating. I generally would dry clean a dress after a wear, but I don’t want to waste dry cleaning money on something I’m not even keeping

Honestly i feel like if i was asked that, i wouldn't mind giving it back to you BUT if i also heard that as your bridesmaid, i'd just offer to pay it myself.

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I agree with this. Any expenses you offer to cover are considered a gift. Bridesmaids are responsible for all of their own expenses except bouquets, food/drink at the reception and a generous thank you gift.