Guilt - Bridesmaid dresses

I would try to talk to the girls and let them know you feel bad about it. Im sure they expected to pay for their own dresses and will tell you it is not a big deal. you paying for their hair and makeup is awesome i am sure they completely appreciate that as well as the luncheon you will be having for them. Don't feel guilty like i said talk to them im sure they will reassure you!

All of my ladies bought there own dress. It is a very common thing to have the bridesmaids purchase their own gowns and the guys pay for their own tux rentals

I just had a baby and asked my bridesmaids to buy dresses that were only $80 cause I'm not in the best financial situation. Needless to say, they didn't want to buy them and said it was too expensive. I was like... um, it was the cheapest dress I could find for you guys! Now I'm letting them all wear black cocktail dresses of their own and having them buy a $20 sash for the dresses so they can coordinate. My wedding is in 3 months and I still haven't gotten money from them for that and it'll take 6 weeks to get the sashes in. BUT, at least it's only $20 so they can deal with it. If you're having trouble getting them onboard with paying for their dresses maybe you can ask them to wear something they have already or let them pick out their own dress in the color you want? Good luck.

I think they can all afford them, so no biggie there. It's just my own personal guilt. I am going to foot the bill for the BM from japan - just between me and her and I know she'll never tell.

I've been a bridesmaid in 5 weddings and paid for every dress, not one of them under 200 bucks (little girl in me is saying so goshdarnit they can pay for theirs!!). Was just checking to see if that was still standard...

Thanks ladies!!

I'm having a DW and felt bad as well about asking them to pay for their own dresses, so I bought all 5 myself. However, I went with dresses that cost me about $50 each, and after coupons were applied, I got them for about $39 each. They're purple maxi dresses, very pretty, but casual enough for a beach wedding.

Are you paying for flight or hotels?

If they can't afford it they should not accepted to be in your wedding, you are doing more for them than most brides do. Don't feel guilty, it is your day!!

I am paying for half of my girls' dresses. I know it's popular for BMs to pay for their own gowns..I just went with my view of courtesy rather than what's popular. My girls' dresses are 99 except my MOH is like 129..then add in alterations. But if you let them know already and stuff and they agreed, you shouldn't feel bad if you gave them full disclosure.

I got 100 dollar dresses for all but my MOH who dress was 130. and my mom paid 50 bucks of that (which no one planed on she just did it) though i got the cheap dresses for two of them cause i know they cant afford alot. we are all recent grad college a year ago and can only find part time jobs right now.

Well I can definitely say I understand completely. I also started feeling guilty about my bridesmaids paying for travel & hotels for the DW, and also having to buy a dress and shoes on top of that. So I bought them. But, I choose an inexpensive dress ($80) in a style that they can wear again, so I am considering it part of their bridesmaid gift.

As far as what is expected, when I told them not to worry about it- just give me their sizes and I'd order them, they were completely surprised, and had expected to buy it themselves.

I was a bridesmaid i paid 100 for a dress i wont wear again.... Its all a part of being a maid. anyway dont feel bad you should be excited!