Do I Pay For My Bridesmaids’ Dresses (And Other Wedding Expense Questions Answered)?
If you’re planning a 2019 wedding, choosing the bridesmaid dresses can be one of the most fun aspects. With so many styles, colors, and materials, it’s hard not to want them all. One of the most common questions brides ask is who pays for the bridesmaid dresses? While the average price for a bridesmaid dress is $150, prices can soar well beyond that amount.
Who Pays For Bridesmaid Dress?
While you have plenty of costs to consider as the bride, your bridesmaid dresses are not one of them. Bridesmaids traditionally pay for their own dress, shoes, and jewelry. If it’s in your budget to help cover other costs, like travel and arrangements, we’re sure your bridesmaids will appreciate it, but traditionally, the bridesmaids are expected to pay for:
Travel & Hotel
How your bridesmaids arrive to your wedding venue and where they stay is traditionally up to them. It is a benefit to supply them with hotel choices so if your besties want to share a room (and the cost) they can do so.
Bridal Shower
If your Maid of Honor and bridesmaids are hosting the bridal shower, they are responsible for the cost of the venue, décor, food, and party favors. If your family is helping host the event, they can split the costs with your bridal party.
Bridal Shower Gift
If the bridesmaids don’t host the bridal shower, they will likely bring a small gift (nothing big from your registry). Depending on the size of your wedding party, they may all pitch in to purchase a larger gift. Again, if your besties are hosting the bridal shower, there’s no expectation of a gift at the event.
Wedding Present
While your bridesmaids may gift you with a personal item, the money they spend on wedding preps and celebrations typically means they don’t bring a wedding gift. The group may get together to purchase one large gift, but don’t be offended if they don’t splurge after all their other expenses.
Bride’s Expenses For Bridesmaids
When your friends travel to support you on your biggest day, you want to say thank you in a special way. The bride is traditionally responsible for:
Bouquets Or Other Floral Accessories
The bride is expected to cover the cost of the bridesmaids’ bouquets or specialty pieces. If you’re planning a beach wedding, for example, you may opt for handmade sea shell bouquets rather than traditional flowers.
Transportation To The Venue
If a ride is needed from the hotel to your wedding venue or reception location, the bride and her family are responsible for arranging the cars or other types of transportation for the wedding party.
Hair & Makeup
Plan ahead for a hair stylist and makeup artist to come to your hotel room or for you and your bridal party to visit a nearby salon. The bride covers the cost of the hair and makeup for her crew. It’s also customary for the bride to thank her bridesmaids with a personal gift. Whether you opt for a bridal party robe, personalized stemless wine cup, or custom gift boxes for each bestie, the gifts are a memorable “thank you” to your girl (and occasional guy) crew.
In 2017, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was $25,764. As you plan for the venue, florists, caterer, photographer and more, keep these wedding expense tips in mind so you know which bridal party costs are yours and which are covered by your bridesmaids.
