Paying For Bridesmaids Dresses?

It’s pretty typical for the bridal party to pay for their own attire. If you’re requiring them to have their hair and/or makeup done, you’re responsible for the cost. If it’s optional and they choose to do it, they can pay.

It depends where you are. It’s expected in the USA that bridesmaids buy their dresses (not so much in the UK or Australia) but if you’re insisting on professional hair and makeup, you should pay. If you give them the option (“I’m getting professional hair and makeup, if you’d like to do that the cost will be $x but if you don’t want to that’s fine”) then you don’t have to pay.

Nope! Just consult their budgets first (individually & privately), then pick a dress they can afford. Then make professional hair and makeup optional so they can choose to get it done & pay or do their own. I made shoes & jewelry a choice they could make, instead of making it uniform, so they didn't have to spend more money.

I think convention dictates that it's only rude to make them pay when you are asking for very specific things, like an exact dress, a certain hairstyle and a certain makeup look.

If you're only giving them color of dress and length, and letting them do whatever they see fit with their hair and makeup, then it's totally okay for them to pay their own way.

View Quoted Comment Thank you!!

View Quoted Comment Yeah, I can see the logic behind this. Never really thought of it that way, I appreciate you!

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No problem! This is exactly what I'm doing with my girls, because they're all different shapes and sizes, they have different hair textures and complexions so I'm not going to try and make them carbon copies. I want them to be comfortable. Now if I could just settle on my dang dress colors!!!!!

They pay for the dress, and in every wedding i've ever been in, and there have been MANY, the attendants have paid for our own hair and makeup. If you could afford the hair and makeup it would be nice, but if not at least try and find a package deal for it to be more affordable

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Exactly what Caytlyn said!

I'm having my bridal party pay for dresses. I promised to try to keep them under $250 before alterations. They will also be paying for the hair to be done and they are doing their makeup themselves.

They will be paying for their dresses, I would like to keep them under $100 but if others choose to spend more themselves then they can. I will mention to them that I am wanting to bring in a hair and makeup artist if they would like to be added to the list of girls getting something done but if they choose not to then they can do their own.

Typical in the US to pay for their own attire - although I personally hate that and did not make my girls pay because I think it's really crappy to essentially charge your friends for the honor of standing up in your wedding. If they will pay, you should ask them all individually what their budgets are and make sure to pick dresses that are within the lowest amount you're given.

Hair and makeup they can pay for it's optional, if you are requiring it then you should pay.

My girls/guys are paying for their dresses (i gave them a color, fabric, and length) - I'm paying for hair and makeup.

Hey Savannah! I’m so happy that you got your answer! Have you chosen what color or style dress you would like?