Wedding Bridemaids

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a privilege and an honour, and is not something you get to do every day!

If you’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid it means you are a truly trusted and valuable friend. It can be a chance to create great memories and enhance friendships, but it can also be very busy, expensive, and stressful so before you accept the responsibility make sure you can afford the time, energy, and extra money the job may take.

Weddings are hard work to organise – particularly for the bride – and a bridesmaid’s job is to help relieve the stress so it would be unfair to accept if you can’t give 100% support and commitment.

One of the usual questions asked regarding bridesmaids is – who pays?

In this day and age anything goes. There are many couples who ask that the bridesmaid pays for her own dress, shoes, hair and make-up. Others will pay for the hair & make up but expect the bridesmaid to pay for her own dress.

My personal opinion is the bridesmaid shouldn’t have to pay for anything. You have asked her to be a part of your wedding so it is your responsibility to take care of the things she needs to perform that duty. I would however make an exception for her shoes – a bridesmaid could either wear some of her existing shoes or buy a pair of shoes which she would wear again.

Consult your bridesmaids about the style of dress they would like to wear -  if they don’t feel comfortable, they won’t look or feel good on the day. Decide who will pay the dresses, shoes and accessories, and if they can be worn again for other occasions. If you are having flowergirls or pageboys, talk to their parents about what style of attire would be appropriate for them. You can use small details from the bridal gown on the outfits of the bridesmaids and children to tie the look together.