Who traditionally pays for the bridesmaids dresses?

Let’s be honest—wedding planning comes with a lot of little questions that no one really thinks about until they’re in the middle of it. One big one? Who’s actually supposed to pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses? If you’re in the UK, the answer isn’t always straightforward, and traditions have changed over time. So, let’s break it down!

Who pays for bridesmaids dresses in the UK?

Back in the day, it was pretty standard for the bride (or her family) to pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses. The idea was that the bride would make sure her bridal party looked coordinated and picture-perfect, without the bridesmaids having to foot the bill. For some weddings—especially big, formal affairs—this is still the case.

But times change, and nowadays, things are a bit more flexible. In many weddings, bridesmaids expect to pay for their own dresses, particularly if they get a say in the style and can re-wear them later.

The Modern Approach: Bridesmaids Pay for Their Own Dresses

These days, it’s super common for bridesmaids in the UK to cover the cost of their own dresses. This often works best when the bride picks a general colour or theme but lets each bridesmaid choose a style that suits them (and their budget!). That way, everyone feels comfortable and confident on the big day.

What About the US?

Across the pond in the US, it’s almost always expected that bridesmaids will pay for their own dresses (along with shoes, accessories, and sometimes even professional hair and makeup). Being a bridesmaid there often comes with a hefty price tag, so UK bridesmaids might actually have it a little easier!

There are definitely situations where the bride will cover the cost of the dresses:

• Smaller bridal parties: If you’ve only got one or two bridesmaids, paying for their dresses might be more manageable.

• Specific dress requirements: If you’re telling your bridesmaids the dress that they have to wear, it might be an idea to cover the cost of this.

• A thank-you gift: Some brides love to gift the dresses as a token of appreciation for their bridesmaids’ support.

No matter how you decide to handle it, the most important thing is being upfront about expectations. If you’d like your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, give them an idea of the price range early on so there are no surprises. And if you’re covering the cost, be clear about what that includes. Keeping an open conversation makes sure everyone’s happy and stress-free!

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While the tradition used to be that the bride paid, today it’s just as common for bridesmaids to buy their own dresses. The best approach? Work out what suits your budget and your bridal party, and just be open about it. That way, everyone can focus on celebrating—without worrying about the bill!

Shop bridesmaids dresses to suit all budgets here.