How to approach budget w/ BM's?

KellyBrian2013

I'm just wondering how everyone suggests going about discussing budget with BM's...


Sidenote: I know everyone here recommends waiting until you're closer to the wedding to talk to intended bridal party members, etc. but please don't lecture me on waiting.

ETA - Being a college student myself, I do not plan on having overly pricey BM dresses, etc. I've selected a few styles that I like at DB that are all $99ish (plus, my BM's get a discount since I bought my gown there) and I will not be requiring they buy specific shoes, jewelry, etc. I'll be paying for hair/makeup should they choose to want it done

ckollstedt

I think the best way is to be up front, and be willing to communicate on it without beating around the bush.

I went to David's Bridal for my dresses, and I actually picked a color and let the BM's choose their own style to stay within their individual budgets.  Not sure if this is an option for you, but it ended up being really easy for all of my BMs to manage.

Ask every BM what she can afford (DO NOT ASSUME!) and then go from there.  It is awkward talking about money stuff, but the sooner you do it the more headaches you will avoid in the future.

AutumnFair

This isn't a hard thing to do. Like the others pp said either text/email/call them and say, "Hey, I was just wondering what price range you wouldn't mind spending on the BM dress?"

Ditto to ILMD, if their budget is lower than the DB dresses you found, then make up the difference. 

pretzelgrrl

I just sent an email (since not all live close by) that basically said how much do you want to spend on a dress? Then most sent back an amount they were willing to go to and then I was able to find lower then that.  I understand why you are asking...it did feel weird to me to discuss money with my friends but this is one of the times it is necessary.

KellyBrian2013

Thanks ladies! I emailed my MOH and another bridesmaid (both are my "sisters"... non-biological, but who's checking haha) about their budgets, as they are the two that are still in college. Both replied with a comfort of $100 for the dress, but willing to go higher with advanced notice.

The BM dresses I liked are all $99, plus my BM's get $20 off since I purchased my gown through them... hoping this all works out

Now I just need to talk to my 2 FSIL's about their budgets (one is just out of college and the other is married with baby #1 on the way)!

Thanks again

Lauren12182011

I know all my BMs are on tight budgets, so I'll do the same as ckillstedt (I pick the color/fabric) they choose the dress. I hope that sometime in the next 422 days (who's counting, right ) they'll have enough time to budget so a dress isn't too much. I know I assumed around $200 in expenses  (dress, shoes, undergarments, hair/makeup....etc.) when my cousin asked me to be in WP. She did ask if $150 was too high -- after she picked the dress.  I think it's great that you want to get your BMs input...and the sooner the better!!!

tiedetn

I wasn't too sure how to approach this either, but I'll be looking at some $99 dresses and some a little more (but staying under $200). When it comes to the final decision I'm going to let them decide what they want. If the more expensive dress is one they might be more likely to wear again and they'd rather go that route that's fine, but i feel terrible making them spend a lot on a dress they may never wear again.  I'll definitely give them shoes and/or jewelry as a gift so they don't need to worry about that extra expense.