Bridesmaid Expenses (questions)

There`s no rule, but make sure everyone knows IN ADVANCE, EXACTLY what they have to pay for. Due to miscommunication, I ended up paying way more than I expected for a bridesmaids dress and it caused a lot of tension. Explain to them the expenses involved, the deadlines for payment and how much you can subsidise them. If you`re going to subsidise them, dont act like you`re doing them a favour. Also, if they`re contributing, let them have some say in what they`re wearing.

Hope this helps and all the best!

General rules are that the maids are told up front what they will have to pay so they can accept or decline right away according to their finances. Another way to save everyone money is to pick a color and style type/length of dress and allow them to pick whatever dress they want in that color/length/style. That way there is more of a chance they will be able to wear the dress again and it doesn`t seem so expensive for a dress worn once. Do some research as soon as possible on shoes and accessories. You will have a better idea of what you want them to wear and can provide them with actual costs instead of estimates. Most important, give your girls time to budget for everything. Don`t give them just a few months to get it together.

Do you want them all in the same hairstyle? Or do some of them have shorter hair that won`t need an updo? If you find the salon that can accomadate all of you and you know exactly what you will need, negotiate a package deal for everyone and have the salon break down all of the costs for you. By subtracting all of the services needed for yourself, you can divide the amount by 5 and that is what each maid will be required to pay.

You can also set up a savings plan for them. Once you figure the total amount they will have to pay, break it down into weekly payments that they can pay directly to you and you will cover the lump sum when it is due.

I have been in several weddings and have always paid for my own dress, shoes, and hair. Up front just tell the girls that they will be responsible for everything. I would tell them my colors and then go as a group and let them pick out the dress style and the price of the dress.

Also about the hair, I would just call around and ask how much it will be for an updo. All hairstylist don`t hate bridal parties.

Tell them the cost up front. If you are looking for inexpensive gowns, shopshop.com has a beautiful and simple gown for $50 with a matching scarf. I am sure that they will not mind spending that kind of money for your day. This way it is very inexpensive and yet gorgeous. Find some inexpensive shoes and your ladies will be set for no more than $100. What I did was collect $20 a month from my ladies and made it my responsibility to order their gowns so there was no one without gowns and it wasn`t all paid at one time so they could afford that amount so maybe you can do the same. Look at that site and you will find gorgeous gowns at a very reasonable price.

I`m only having 2 girls, and both told me that they want to go to my salon to have their hair done. I`m not having them wear it any particular way, but if they`re at my salon while I`m having my hair done do I have to pay for them as well?

I just know from what others have done is y ou pay for what you want to pay for. Some of my friends instead of giving a gift at the rehersal dinner decided to pay for their hair, nails, jewerly, or dress. This way instead of giving them an extra gift you give them something that they have to have, but then dont have to pay for it.

I dont know if this helps but this is what i intend to do:
1. Calculate the cost of an entire BM outfit ie hair, nails, dress, shoes, makeup and jewellery.
2. Ask my girls to give a set sum (maybe 50-60% of the sum).
3. Make up the rest of the amount.
There`s really no right or wrong way, I guess, this just seems the easiest option to me.

Thanks for all of your input! I decided to pay for everyone to get their hair done. The dresses arent too expsensive & the shoes will more than likely be inexpensive if we can help that any :) So thanks again for all of your advice.. I think we are good to go!