Generally speaking, bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories as well as potentially hair and makeup appointments and transportation to the wedding. According to Gottsman, bridesmaids should be prepared to cover the costs for these expenses once they accept the offer.
“It's very common in Australia for the bride to pay for the bridesmaid dresses. This varies overseas but if the bride wants something specific it seems fair for her to shoulder the cost. It's not uncommon however nowadays for the bride and bridesmaid to split the cost.”
Buying a bridesmaid's dress is commonly a bridesmaid's own responsibility. If the bride wants to pay for her gal pals and wants to thank them for being with her, she can pay the whole amount or contribute to the bride's expense as a gift for the bridesmaids.
The maid of honor, along with the rest of the bridal party, is expected to cover all wedding attire costs. This includes the dress (plus any necessary alterations), shoes, and any jewelry you'll be wearing the day of. Occasionally, the bride will gift her bridesmaids with whatever accessories she wants them to wear.
Typically, the maid of honor pays for smaller-ticket items, like a bachelorette sash or tiara, decorations, and swag for the other party guests. If you, as the bride, don't want to pay for these smaller items, our advice is to give your friends space to take the reins.
We'd say there's a fairly solid consensus that the couple should pay for anything beauty-related for bridesmaids, like hair, makeup, tans or nails. Basically, anything that affects the way the girls look that the bride has specifically requested.
"The bride should cover the cost of her wedding party's hair and makeup, especially if she's requesting or encouraging them to have it done," says Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events. Meyer says most of his brides fund bridesmaid hair and makeup for their crew.
Bridesmaid dresses
If you're on a tight budget and you can't afford to cover the cost of the dresses, it's reasonable to ask your bridesmaids to pay for them. These are some of your closest friends and family, so you'll probably find they are very understanding.
What expenses should I expect to cover as a bridesmaid? Most often, bridesmaids cover the cost of their dress and undergarments, shoes, accessories, and hair and makeup for the wedding day. The bride may opt to cover any of the aforementioned costs if she deems it appropriate.
Wedding Gift - Most bridesmaids spend anywhere from $50 to $100 on a wedding gift. With that in mind, it's also important to take your other expenses into consideration. The couple understands that you've spent a good chunk of change on everything else, so don't feel like you have to go overboard on your wedding gift.
Traditionally, the maid of honor and bridesmaids pay for their own travel expenses while splitting all accommodation costs equally. Additional expenses such as decorations, favors, and accessories should also be split evenly among the bridal party.
If that bestie happens to also be your mom or parent, you've hit the jackpot! Can one of your parents pull double-duty and also serve as the bridal party member of honor? You bet! In fact, feel free to buck tradition and pick the parent who isn't a woman for this role if you desire!
Who pays for the flower girl's dress? Typically the parents of the flower girl will take on the cost of paying for the dress. If you have a little extra in your wedding budget and you can gift the dress to the flower girl that is lovely but not required.
The list of bridesmaids' responsibilities includes: Emotionally supporting the bride at all times throughout the wedding planning and ceremony. Assisting the Maid of Honor in planning and paying for the bridal shower and bachelorette party, and of course, assisting the Maid of Honor throughout the wedding day.
Modern etiquette for who hosts and pays for the wedding shower determines if you have to give a gift at the party. Typically, one of the bridesmaids—most often, the maid or matron of honor—hosts the bridal shower and is expected to pay for the majority, if not all, of the costs.
The “Maid Of Honor”, is the principle Bridesmaid. Usually a sister, very close friend, or confidant, that the Bride can rely on. Basically, the Maid Of Honor is the assistant to the Bride.
“Between $80 and $120 is a typical amount to ask bridesmaids to spend for a moderately priced dress,” explains Felicia Gaines, a special engagement dress expert at Saks Fifth Avenue.
What is the Average Cost of Bridesmaid Dresses? According to experts, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress is about $150. Keep in mind that's the average cost for just one dress - multiply that average by the number of bridesmaids in your wedding party and the costs will add up quickly.
The principal bridesmaid, if one is so designated, may be called the chief bridesmaid or maid of honor if she is unmarried, or the matron of honor if she is married.
The groom's family financed the rehearsal dinner, the officiant's fee, marriage license, and the groom paid for the bride's engagement and wedding rings and honeymoon.
That way it's more like an invitation, and you can simply say, "I'm getting my hair and makeup done in the bridal suite by X, and if any of you would like yours done too, please let me know.
According to traditional wedding etiquette, in the US and Australia, each member of the bridal party— including bridesmaids, Maid of Honor, Matron of Honor, and Mother of the Bride and Groom—is expected to cover the cost of their wedding day ensemble.
As the bride, you can explain to your bridesmaids why you want or need them to cover their hair and makeup costs—but ultimately, you can't force them to pay.
“It's very common in Australia for the bride to pay for the bridesmaid dresses. This varies overseas but if the bride wants something specific it seems fair for her to shoulder the cost. It's not uncommon however nowadays for the bride and bridesmaid to split the cost.”