Let's be real, not everyone is made of money. So, how do you decide if you will pay for your bridesmaid dresses or not? Essentially your bridesmaids are doing you a favor by being present in your wedding. However, weddings are already expensive enough, can you afford to drop a few more grand (obviously depending on the price of the dress and how many bridesmaids you have) on dresses that you won't even wear? According to The Wedding Bee 16% of people believe you should pay for the dresses, whereas 84% say you should not. Do you feel less pressured now?
Selecting your bridesmaids is no random process. You have chosen these women specifically because they have been closest to you for quite some time. I imagine you have multiple memories together and plan on more memories to come. They may be your best friends, sisters, etc. I can tell you from experience, they will be honored to be your bridesmaid, help you with any detail of wedding planning possible, and cannot wait to stand up at the alter to witness you marry the love of your life! These women have just as much love for you as you do for them. Having them pay for their bridesmaid dress should not be a problem.
So how do you ask? Don't worry so much! You're obviously not in danger of being rude if you are worrying about this. The easiest way to go about asking them to pay is to be open about it. When you all go dress shopping and find a particular one you all like, it's okay to say to the group, "Do you girls think this one is going to be too expensive for you?" Some of your bridesmaids may have already been in other weddings and understand the way things work. If you have a newbie bridesmaid that is on edge about paying, the other bridesmaids can explain that it's the norm for bridesmaids to pay their own way when it comes to dresses (and possibly accessories). If you are genuinely concerned that being in your wedding may be a financial burden for one of more of your bridesmaids, look for dresses that are relatively inexpensive. Or, find a color your like and have them select the style, spending as much as they see fit. This may be the perfect way to select a dress if you would like your bridesmaids to all have different styles, yet the same color. If you still would like them to all have the same style of dress, be sure to compromise together, making sure they all feel comfortable about the amount being spent on the dress. Remember they are spending this money for your wedding. Be sensitive, understanding, and ready to accept the fact that some may not be willing to spend too much. However, like I said, they are your best friends and will most likely do anything for you. To be honest, I be they will be too excited to even think about price!
My best friend who I have grown up with my entire life recently asked me to be in her wedding. I can't even explain to you how excited I was when I opened her letter. If I remember right, I was literally jumping with joy. I have not found out yet if the bridesmaids purchase their own dresses, but that is not even on my mind. I am just extremely excited to be there for her and to watch her get married to her man!
If you do decide to pay for your bridesmaid dresses, that's wonderful! They will be extremely appreciative and still be by your side for every event. Just remember, the price of a wedding escalates extremely fast. Do what is best for you! Your bridesmaids will still love you no matter what decision you make.
So now I will ask all of you, what do you think? Will you pay or not pay for your bridesmaid dresses?
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