Who Pays For Bridesmaid Dresses? Find Out The Real Answer

Whether you are a bride, bridesmaid, groom or bridesman, you’re wondering who foots the bill for the bridesmaid/bridesman outfits.

It’s a tricky debate and a decision that comes down to several considerations. But I am here to debunk the question of who pays for bridesmaid dresses in the UK.

Photo: Marianne Chua Photography via Chainstore Wedding

Who pays for bridesmaid dresses in the UK?

Quite simply, general etiquette in the UK is that the couple getting hitched, pays for the wedding outfits for the wedding party; bridesmaids, bridesmen, flower girls, page boys, groomsmen and groomswomen.

Generally speaking, if you have a certain outfit in mind, a particular brand or colour scheme/style, you should pay for the outfit. If you’ve asked your bridesmaid/bridesman to be a part of your day, you should really expect to pay for their role in your wedding.

However, there are some instances where a wedding party may be happy to contribute. It comes down to individual relationships, budget and some savvy alternative ideas.

It could be thought that if the bridesmaid/bridesman was to be a guest, they’d buy their own outfit. However, the choice is theirs as a guest, to buy new or re-wear something, how much to spend and what they choose to don.

Photo: Emma Lawson via Fife Wedding

Bridesmaid Costs – FAQ Solved

Can bridesmaids pay for dresses?

Bridesmaids or bridesmen can absolutely pay for their dresses/outfits if they choose to do so. If you are set on your wedding party paying, you need to have an honest conversation with them.

Depending on your relationship and your situation, it may or may not go down well. Bear this in mind when going into this conversation and be open-minded.

The last thing you want to do is wreck your relationships because of your wedding and squabbles about finances.

Photo: Aurora Grey Photography via Norfolk Barn Wedding

How do we ask bridesmaids to pay for their dresses?

Here are some ways to ask your bridesmaids/bridesmen politely:

“It’s time to start thinking about your outfits. What do you guys think about how we go about it? Would you like us to buy your dresses or would you like to contribute towards or pay for them. Completly open either way, we don’t mind.”
“I’d love to ask you to be our bridesmaid/bridesman, but due to budget constraints, I’m not sure we can afford the outfit cost. Would you like to wear something you already own or find something inexpensive you’d be happy to buy for your wedding outfit? Of course, please feel free to say no if you feel it’s cheeky, but we thought it was worth asking what you think.”

Photo: Michelle Huggleston via Celtic Manor Resort Wedding

Will we annoy our family/friends by asking them to buy their outfits?

Remember if you are splashing out, it may not come across well if you then scrimp on your wedding party outfits and ask them to pay. For example, if you’re jetting off on a tropical luxe honeymoon or have a massively opulent day, but ask for contributions loved ones may feel upset.

However, if you are genuinely on a small budget and are being thrifty, your loved ones may be more than happy to help you out.

It really comes down to being authentic, honest and open. But also being able to understand if your wedding party aren’t on board with footing the bill.

Photo: Kerry Ann Duffy Photography via High House Wedding

What should you pay for as a bridesmaid?

It can be quite a murky area when it comes to who pays for what. Frankly, there are no rules so anything does go, but you need to be aware of taking your wedding party’s feelings into account.

Below is a guide, but of course, if the couple is happy to pay for everything, that’s absolutely fine to do so.

✨ Bridesmaids/Bridesmen Usually Pay For

Hen/stag party attendance each
Accommodation if they wish to stay overnight at your venue before/after
Travel to the wedding venue preparations in the morning

⚡️ The Couple Usually Pay For

Outfits
Hotel room accommodation for getting ready and the evening before if staying in the same room as the bride/groom
Wedding flowers
Transport on the day to the ceremony/reception (unless you ask them to drive themselves)

💕 Bridesmaids/Bridesmen Sometimes Pay For

Professional hairstyling
Professional makeup application
By pre-arrangement; outfits and accessories
Wedding gift for the couple if they choose to do so

How Much Do Bridesmaid Dresses Cost?

Bridesmaid cost varies massively but the below chart should give an indication of how much each bridesmaid/bridesman could set you back in the UK.

Bridesmaid Item	Minimum Spend Each	Could Spend Each
Outfit	£30	£120+
Shoes	£25	£60+
Jewellery	£15	£150+
Hair Accessory	£20	£40+
Hair Stylist	£40	£70+
Make Up Artist	£40	£100+
Robe/PJs	£20	£60+
Gift	£20	£60+
Bouquet	£40	£100+
Total	£460	£760+

It goes without saying that you don’t have to spend the above to have a wedding party. But hopefully seeing these costs will also help you choose how many bridesmaids to have. There are many ways to save money and keep to a tight budget.

Photo: Alisa Nicholle Co via Modern City Wedding Ideas

How To Save Money On Bridesmaids

Whether you are a bridesmaid/bridesman or a bride/groom, then these top wedding budget tips could help you stretch your wedding budget.

👗 Outfits

There are several ways to save big on bridesmaid/bridesman outfits:

Ask your wedding party to wear something they already own in a certain colour.
Find pre-loved bridesmaid dresses/bridesman outfits – eBay and Facebook Marketplace are especially great for finding second-hand wedding attire.
Find bridesmaid dresses online or on the high street.
Go outfit shopping in the sales and use online discount codes.
Try mismatched outfits, being flexible gives more options for sale and discounted dresses.

Photo: Lyra and Moth via Abbey House Gardens Wedding

🎁 Accessories & Gifts

Let’s see how you can save on bridesmaid/bridesman accessories:

Ask your wedding party to wear accessories in a theme/colour they already own.
Look for inexpensive accessories on the high street and online.
Gift accessories as your bridesmaid/bridesman present to say thank you in style.
A small thoughtful homemade bridesmaid gift or meaningful handwritten note could go further than an inexpensive gift without much thought behind it.
Ditch accessories that you don’t actually need, ask yourself are these necessary?

💄 Hair Makeup & Flowers

What about making savings on beauty and flowers? Try these:

Swap bouquets for wrist corsages, homemade paper bouquets or foraged foliage.
Ask a handy friend who is naturally great at hair/makeup to help – you know the one who is always great when prepping for a night out!
Go DIY, ask maids to do their own hair/makeup or let them know the cost of your pro stylist and if they’d like to book them for the day too.
Head to makeup counters or a pro-MUA for makeup lessons before the day. A fun trip pre-wedding but also super helpful.

Photo: Jules Barron via Mickleton Hills Farm Wedding

All in all, when it comes to weddings there really is no set way to go about things. All you can do is go with what feels right to you.

If you are a bride/groom just be cautious about how you approach this topic and be sure to be clear from the outset.

Conflicts more often than not arise when expectations are not aligned and plans change unexpectedly. So be true to yourself and go with your gut.