Who Pays for WP Attire?

vettechgirl

This might be in the wrong place, so feel free to move it.

I've seen several ways of handling the WP attire. Some say that since you asked them to be in the wedding, you should pay. Others have said that since they agreed, they should pay. I was thinking about going 50/50 with my WP, and putting a cap of $100 (so $200 total- they pay $100 on top of mine) on things.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Confused...

LD1970

It's really nice if you pay, but completely unnecessary.  I've never had a bride pay for my bridesmaid attire.

polichik

It's understood that by accepting an invitation to be in the wedding party, you'll be responsible for your attire, travel costs, accomodations, etc. It's a nice gesture to pay for some or all, but don't feel bad if it's not in your budget.

As long as you consult with them and get a ballpark estimate of what they're comfortable paying, you should be fine!

golden1215

Can I be in your wedding instead of my friend's who never asked for my budget before making me buy a hideous $250 dress???

It is very nice of you to help pay, but dont feel that you NEED to.

Lisa8888

Brides don't pay. It is up to the WP to pay for their attire. But you can pay for anything you want.

mags0607

You don't have to pay, but it is a very nice gesture.

ootmother2

Bridal party pays for their own attire.

I paid $100 of each BM gown because I thought that M had chosen gowns that were too expensive for ladies just a couple of years out of college.

Knittibell

It depends on the country- in the UK the Bride pays for all the ladies wedding attire, in the US generally the bridesmaids pay for their own wedding attire.

I think in your case, if they can comfortably afford $100 and the dresses you like cost $200, then, if you can swing the difference, it's a nice gesture to split the cost.

I am planning my second wedding now (I'm widowed), and will be buying my girl's dresses this time- I'm insisting on it, because it's the same four girls who stood next to me at my first wedding, and I don't think they should have to get another BM dress on my account, although they've all said they don't mind.

Do what you are comfortable with, and what's best for everyone's budget.

vettechgirl

Thank you guys! Your responses are much appreciated! I was starting to get worried, because I'm on a tight budget (aren't we all!). I also wanted my girls to pick out their own style of dress. I get the final say, but as long as it's not slutty, they can wear what they want.
But, that's also why I was thinking of putting a price cap on the dresses. I don't want one girl to buy some $500 dress, while another can barely afford $50- AND why I was thinking of chipping in $100 of my own money.
I recently saw one of my friends in a wedding. All the BMs had the same dress. My friend is a big girl, and the dress looked HORRIBLE on her! The wedding party consisted of girls of very varying sizes- as does mine. I don't want to do to my girls what this bride did to hers. I want my friends to be comfortable and have fun. I want them to feel as beautiful as I do (even though all eyes will be on me). They are my best friends whom I've known since elementary school.

Okay, I'm rambling! Sorry! I think you guys get my point. Again, thank you. I might rethink things a little bit. But, the wedding isn't until 2012, so I have lots of time!

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

I'm paying for my BM's dresses (and letting them wear whatever shoes and accessories they wish) because I didn't want my friends to have to pay for something just because I decided to have a big party for myself. However, they obviously expected to pay for the dresses themselves and were very grateful and excited when I told them I'd pay.

If I were you, I would ask what their budget is and go from there. If one girl says $50 and two say $100 and you find a $120 dress, I'd ask that they each pay $50 and then make up the difference myself. Having them wear shoes they already own and doing their own hair and makeup will also save them money if you're worried they're overextending themselves. And if they're from OOT you can help find accomodations for them, like maybe with a friend or relative.

Krempn14

OP- My girls are all paying for their own, which is customary, but you can pay for whatever you like. As for the dresses themselves, I'm doing the same thing. They all have to be from the same company, of the same material and the same color (there were like 15 that met all this criteria and I have 7 maids including MOH)... it worked out perfectly. Not everyone is the same size or shape, and since they are paying, I think it's nice to let them choose something they'd like and wear again.