Who Pays For the Bridesmaid Dresses When . . . ?

As a general rule, the bride should not require bridesmaids to pay for their dresses if her pick is astronomically pricey, say $300 or higher. Either cover the cost, pitch in to help pay for the expensive dress, or decide on something that's affordable for everybody!

The verdict: Bride pays, or at least helps pay, when the chosen dress costs a lot.

Source: Bartlett Pair Photography

Getting custom-made gowns is a great idea for wedding parties because each bridesmaid is sure to have a perfectly fitting dress. However, the cost of building a garment from scratch can escalate quickly! In this scenario, the bride should pay for the fabric and trimmings.

The verdict: The bride pays for the fabric, while her bridal party pays for garment construction.

Source: Hailey Howard Photography

If your bridal party is made up of broke college students, the odds are that you're in the same position. Because you might not have the funds to spare for helping your maids in their purchases, try to decide on extremely affordable dress options. Better yet, allow them to wear a dress that they already own!

The verdict: Bridesmaids pay, but the dresses must be extremely inexpensive. Otherwise, the bride should cover their cost.

Source: The Bird and the Bear Photography & Films

For bridesmaids with unique personal styles, taking on such an important wedding role can be taxing. Some brides ask their maids to dye their hair, cover tattoos, take out piercings, and so on — if you're asking your bridesmaids to make these types of major changes for your big day, you should show appreciation by buying their dress.

The verdict: Bride pays, because she's asking the bridesmaid to make other (potentially costly) changes.

If you're allowing your bridesmaids to choose any dress they want, they should foot the bill. They are able to choose a dress at any cost or skip paying altogether by bringing one from home!

The verdict: The bridesmaids pay for their own dresses, just like regular outfit shopping.

Source: Black & Hue Photography

While we fully support your bridal right to enforce whichever aesthetic you desire for the wedding, you know when the bridesmaid dresses aren't ever going to be worn again. Whether it's a tulle skirt or an unflattering color that sets the dress apart from the norm, be sensitive to your bridesmaids' tastes — otherwise, you should be the one to pay for their one-time-wear dresses.

The verdict: If the dresses are something only a bride could love, she should consider paying or helping the maids pay.

Source: Mekina Saylor Weddings

While it's a sweet gesture for the bride to cover the dress costs for her maids, it becomes a lot harder with a big bridal party. In this event, the bridesmaids should probably cover their own attire.

The verdict: The bridesmaids pay, unless the bride is expecting each maid to drop hundreds of dollars on a dress.

Source: Valerie and Company Photographers

When funds are extremely tight, the couple likely hasn't designated funds to pay for their attendants' attire. In the event of a low-budget affair, the bridesmaids should pay for their own outfits.

The verdict: The bridesmaids pay.

Source: Evangeline Lane

When a couple decides to marry in a traditional cultural ceremony, many members of the bridal party will be unsure of how to dress. In this scenario, the bride should not only guide her bridesmaids in the process of acquiring a proper outfit for the wedding, but also cover the cost.

The verdict: The bride pays — cultural garments are often expensive, and her maids will probably never wear them again.

Source: Bonnallie Brodeur Photographe

When the bride only chooses one or two bridesmaids, it's a nice gesture for her to cover their costs. Understandably, this isn't always possible; sometimes the reason for the small bridal party is a tight budget! If it's a possibility, however, the bride should pay.

The verdict: The bride pays if she's able.

Source: Chloe Jackman Photography

If you served as a bridesmaid to one of your chosen maids, simply mimic her wedding etiquette. If she asked you to pay, you should do the same . . . or vice versa!

The verdict: It all depends!

Source: SMS Photography