Thoughts on asking entire bridal party to wear a cultural bridesmaid dress also?

As long as you aren’t expecting them to purchase two dresses and it’s within their budget, I don’t see the problem. I’ve never reworn a bridesmaid dress anyway.

View Quoted Comment

It's different, with a cultural dress of this kind you can wear it to any ceremony, temple, etc. So you're just saying as long as I'm not forcing them to? They seem to not really care to wear it but would for me. I feel guilty for them spending more money for me but I guess if they really had a problem with it they'd let me know.

Did they already buy an American style bridesmaid dress? I wouldn't make them buy 2 dresses, but if they haven't bought 1 yet, then I think it isn't a problem.

Not yet. I'm not forcing them to but they said they will if I want them to. The other sister said she would now because it would look awkward if they didn't.

View Quoted Comment I’m not really clear on what you mean. Did they already purchase an American style dress and you want them to get another Thai dress? If so, I don’t think that’s okay. Asking them to get a Thai dress in the first place is fine.

Sorry if I'm not being clear. So they are definitely going to wear the "American" dress. I'm basically saying Thai dress is optional. My sisters and cousin (in my bridal party) really want to wear one so I said okay. I didn't ask in the first place to get a second dress because I didn't want them to spend money. I just would feel awkward if my sisters and cousin was wearing Thai bridesmaid dresses and my two sister in laws aren't so I'm giving them the option to.

They didn't seem really care to wear it but just said if I want them to they will wear one. I am feeling torn because I feel like it would look awkward and I don't want them to feel left out if they don't wear one...but on the other hand they don't care and are leaving it up to me, and I feel guilty if they do spend more money to wear another dress.

I guess what I'm asking is what I should do. Have them wear the dress for the whole party to match if they're okay with it? Do I just tell them "Okay you don't have to"

I wouldn't have them buy 2 separate dresses for your wedding. I have never been to a Thai wedding, but in an American wedding, once the ceremony and posed pictures are done, no one really notices what the bridesmaids are wearing. So if your sister and cousin want to change into a 2nd dress and your SILs don't, I dont think it'll look odd or anything.

It sounds like they just want you to make the decision to buy the extra attire or to not buy it. If this is a second dress purchase, I would offer to pay just to ensure that everyone looked uniform. If you don't care if they all match, then just let them know that they are more than welcome to the cultural attire if they feel comfortable wearing it. Right now it may be awkward because you are giving them the option to purchase or not to purchase.

Even though I’m white, if my bride friend asked me to wear this I’d be happy to do so! As other posters said as long as you’re not asking them to buy a second dress (or you’ll pay for it), I think this is fine. Maybe let your girls know they can change right after the ceremony if they wish.

View Quoted Comment I can’t afford to pay more for their dresses and I don’t think it’s fair to pay for theirs and not the rest of the party. So you’re saying, as long as I’m not requiring them to it’s ok?

I am having them wear one outfit because I didn't want them to have to change and it's really hard to get a bunch of Indian outfits made. To make their dresses more Indian I am including Indian earrings that I bought them and shawls that I bought as well. Maybe consider this?

Otherwise have them wear the American dress for the ceremony and if someone wants to change into more traditional attire for the reception they can.

As for some bridesmaids wearing traditional attire and others not for the ceremony, your pictures will look odd so I would advise you make it uniform with everyone. Either everyone wears traditional or everyone wears American or find a way to merge the two like I am

View Quoted Comment It’s just the reception part. They just said it was up to me for what I want to do, they didn’t seem to care. I can’t afford to pay for two of their dresses. Would it be so bad of me to have them wear one if I not pay? They don’t have to get us a gift and they said it’s up to me.

View Quoted Comment

Yeah people can wear whatever they want for the reception as long as it fits your dress code (formal etc.). You are not required to pay for that or help them with that. In my opinion, the bridesmaid outfit is really so the ceremony and pictures look uniform. At the reception, that won't matter so they can change if they like.

View Quoted Comment If they haven’t bought their dress yet why can’t all in the wedding party be asked to buy/wear the Thai dress?

View Quoted Comment I agree. My sisters and cousin want to spend the money for a dress which is why it’s no problem. My sister in laws don’t care which is why I feel guilty but I guess I’ll revisit the conversation when I get ready to make a purchase....

View Quoted Comment It doesn’t matter if they bought the first dress or not. The first American dress is a sure thing. They will have to buy it lol. The second dress is Thai which my side of the family really want to wear so I was just concerned about my sister in laws looking left out in the bridal party but they don’t care and said it’s up to me lol.

I would just have the ladies that want to wear the cultural dress and not the rest. I know in a group text if someone asks a question and I do not respond that is my way of saying I do not like the idea and the fact they are saying they will do what you want rather that they love the idea to me shows they are not really feeling it. I am sure as bridesmaids they will do what you want and maybe they will never wear the bridesmaids dress again but they might. I would rather spend my money on something of my liking so really you need to make the call but nothing bad with just a couple of girls changing because it is a cultural they love.

View Quoted Comment It might matter to them, to ask them to buy a second dress but it sounds like your mind is made up on that.


Well, if your sisters-in-law are asking for your vote wouldn’t you want everyone wearing the same style?

View Quoted Comment Okay thanks. I think I’ll give them a pass on this one and say they don’t have to because they keep saying “up to you” or “let me know” or “if you really want us to” but my sisters and cousins were more so a definite “yes”.

View Quoted Comment

Yeah I am sorry. I am sorry if I missed the other posts but if they have not purchased the first dress then I can see them purchasing this as you will want them to match but not if they have the other dress. Ultimately sleep on it and think about what you want but gurl everyone is going to be focused on you and how amazing you look so no matter which way you go it will look great.