A recent post on a popular wedding planning Facebook group sparked a heated debate among brides-to-be and their bridesmaids. The question at hand: who should pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses? While some argue that the bride should cover the cost, others believe that the bridesmaids should foot the bill themselves.
Many respondents felt strongly that the bride should pay for her bridesmaids’ dresses, citing the fact that the bride chose her attendants and should therefore take responsibility for their expenses. One bride-to-be noted that she planned to pay for everything, including dresses, hair, makeup, and hotel rooms, so that her bridesmaids wouldn’t have to spend a dime.
Others took a more laid-back approach, suggesting that the bride and her bridesmaids should discuss and agree on who would cover the costs. Some bridesmaids even reported that they had chosen and paid for their own dresses, with the bride’s approval.
Interestingly, some respondents noted that the customs and expectations surrounding bridesmaid dress expenses varied depending on the country or region. In Ireland, for example, it’s reportedly customary for the bride to pay for her bridesmaids’ dresses.
Ultimately, the decision of who should pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses comes down to the individual bride and her attendants. While some may feel that the bride should take responsibility for the costs, others may prefer to split the expenses or have the bridesmaids cover their own dresses.
As one bride-to-be wisely noted, “There are no rules, as long as everyone knows from the start where they stand.”
