Hi everyone

I am new here so be gentle with me!!

I am going to be a bridesmaid and have been asked by bride to pay for everything I will wear ie. Dress, Shoes, accessories, is this usual?

Well that depends on what she is asking you to buy. Traditionally the Bridesmaid bought her own dress, but it would be one she could wear after (not sure about the shoes and other) What is the criterea?

I have 4 bridesmaids, and I am paying for everything for them. It's my wedding, why should they pay?

I'm paying for my girls too. I thought that was the norm.

I've been bridesmaid twice. First time the bride bought bridesmaid dresses and then sold them afterwards, second time we bought our own and kept them to wear again. I think it depends on the amount of money the bride has. The first time, the bride's parents were paying and it was very traditional but the second time, the bride and groom were paying for everything themselves and couldn't really afford to pay for our outfits as well.

In this day and age I don't think there are any hard and fast rules. People pay for what they can and providing your friend gives you a bit of freedom to choose a dress you will want to wear again, I don't think there's anything wrong with asking you to pay. Alternatively all the bridesmaids can sell the dresses afterwards as a set and get some money back.

Mine are buying their own shoes but I am paying for the dresses. Like Lulu said, I will be selling the dresses on afterwards.

... for most of the brides whom I got ready, they have often mentioned that they have bought their bridesmaid's dresses for them, but I think the bridesmaids have bought the other accessories, such as shoes etc, themselves.

all the best

x

I'm paying for mine, but they are not the sort of dresses the girls can wear afterwards. They are handing them back to me and if they are in a good enough state, I will be selling them on.

Yes, that's normal. But if you are not comfortable with the idea, it is fine to discuss with the bride to share some expenses.