Bridesmaids - what did you help them buy?

My bridesmaids paid for their own dresses as well. I also recommend Azazie as they have affordable styles. They have a ton of colors too if you want to have everyone in the same color, but let them pick their own style. I am paying for either hair or make up if they want it (I'm not requiring it) as part of my thank you gift. If they want both done, they'll pay for just one and I'll get the other.

I think this depends on where in the world you are. In the states it's really common for bridesmaids to purchase their own dresses, whereas in England (for example) the bride will frequently pay for bridesmaids dresses.

I purchased the dresses for my bridesmaids and rented the suit for my brother (who was my man of honor). The bridesmaids all wanted the optional hair and makeup services provided and they paid for that.

Dear Katrina,

I am purchasing all of the dresses, and undergarments that will need to go along with them for my bridesmaids. I did this because they don't really know how to dress for cooler weather (the undergarments) and I'm not really sure that they were in love with the dress, so I went ahead and said that I'd cover it. We've been planning for two years now, but have a year left to go. I've been collecting really pretty costume jewelry this whole time so that they'll have a variety to choose from, while maintaining synchronicity. The only thing I can think of so far that I won't be paying for is their expenses when we have the bachelorette party, their shoes, and their hair and makeup which we're all doing ourselves with the help of our MOH who is a cosmetologist.

My bridesmaids are a lot like me: kind of mild, non-confrontational and non-excitable (and not at all ostentatious or obnoxious, which honestly might have been nice, haha), so out of insecurity I've decided to take on that financial burden.

Anyways, thought I'd let you know what we're doing on our side of things! I hope this helps with your decision on what to purchase for your girls. I say it all depends on how bubbly and enthusiastic they are! If they're super excited and gung-ho, then they should be more than willing to pitch in!

Aubrianna Abbema

I am on a super tight budget and have asked them all to buy their dress and I was able to find some really cute and affordable dresses from CocoMelody and I am giving them the option to pay to have their hair and make-up done by my girl or they can do their own if they feel more comfortable