paying for a portion of bridesmaid dresses

$235 is ridiculous for a BM dress. Cant you find a cheaper option? I would actually tell them that you are paying for a portion of each dress. If you leave it as a surprise and you don't ask if the price is within their budget, you could have some problems.

How many BMs do you have? I think $235 is kinda pricey, plus factor in shoes, accessories, hair and make up.

If none of your BMs have expressed an issue with paying that much for their dresses, don't worry about it, and give them nice bridesmaids gifts. Or put the $50 into getting their hair/makeup done for the wedding.

But, really, did you make sure they can afford that much for their dresses? This is something you need to discuss with each one individually. If someone can't, help her out.

I think it's a nice gesture to chip in, and I'd tell them! They'll be thrilled! My friend did that when I was a BM and it relieved so much stress!

Yea that price is really high when you factor in everything else they have to pay for besides just the dress. Shoes, accessories, hair, makeup, hotel room etc. Eta: you should definitely let them know you plan to help pay for it. If inwas in your bridal party and found out the price of the dress, i would be rather upset. I have never paid more then $160 and that was after alterations

I would keep shopping for a different dress that is more in budget for them if the current dress you picked out is out of their budget. I would not contribute to their dresses if you are paying for hair/makeup/gifts. It gets pricey.

That's a bit pricey. Why not try out azazie or DB you can get nice dresses for around $99-150.

That's where I bought the dresses for my BM and a JBM dress none were over $150. Plus they can wear it again and didn't have to spend anything.

That's wicked expensive for a dress! I don't think we paid more than $50 for any of the dresses my girls had (which were mixed styles). Can you find something cheaper? Like rent the runway or azazei?

I think its pricey but if your BMs are fine with it then that's what matters. I think putting some money towards the dresses would be a very nice gesture.

Thanks all. Yes the dress is $218 but with tax comes out to $235. I have also mentioned RTR and other options, but my cousin is so against ordering online and what if it doesn't fit, etc. My cousin said not to worry about a budget. So that's why I am kinda torn. I do want something sparkly, however, and those dresses tend to be a bit on the higher side, which we knew going into this. That is why I wanted to make sure it was something cute so they would wear them again.

I personally would shoot for $200 or less. That being said I've spent $200 and $250 on a dress as a BM. If you're going to pay for a part of it, then just be mindful of how you decide to handle it. For the $200 dress the bride subsidized the cost for the BMs but never told me that. A year later, she mentioned it like she had done this amazing thing (sort of angry she wasn't appreciated for what she does) when all along I thought I paid the dress in full and it cost $200

The average cost of a BM dress is $200. Your putting $50 towards it will bring it to $185. I would let them know up front that your are contributing and if they're great with the $185 go with it.

Mine were 310 after taxes. My bridesmaids were ok with the cost but I think if you want to contribute that would be really nice. I wouldn't say that's their gift though. You'll still need to get them a nice thank you gift...