Who pays for the bridesmaids’ dresses? Who pays for the groomsmen’s suits? How much can I ask my wedding party to spend?

There’s no correct answer to these questions, but we can offer some ideas to help make outfitting your party as smooth as possible.

It’s always great if the bride and groom can pay for the outfits of their wedding party, but it’s never mandatory. Most wedding party members pay for their own bridesmaid dresses or suits. This can create a hiccup because the bride and groom have to determine what they are asking their party to purchase.

Although the wedding party members will be honored to stand up by their best gal or pal, bridesmaids and groomsmen don’t want to empty their bank account for their wedding attire.

Here are a few ideas to buck the trend and keep the party looking sharp while keeping the costs low:

Instead of ordering matching dresses from a designer, allow your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a specific color palette or hue. This allows your bridesmaids to choose how much they will spend on their dresses, while still sticking to your color scheme. You can also ask that they seek your approval before they purchase the dress. Different dresses also create dynamic pictures – say goodbye to cookie cutter wedding photographs!

If your heart is set on identical dresses, try shopping at a store that isn’t typically known for bridesmaid dresses. Consider online stores as well! Numerous reputable online boutiques offer a wide variety of long gowns, free returns, and free shipping over a certain price.

If you go to a brick and mortar store and purchase dresses straight from the rack, bring the whole party so that you ensure everyone gets a dress. Remember, you can always hire a seamstress to tailor the dresses if they don’t fit perfectly – so when in doubt, size up and alter the dresses to fit!

Matching shoes can also be a hassle, and might not be comfortable for all members of your party. If you request a certain color and style instead of requiring that your wedding party wears the exact same pair of shoes, your party members will be able to find shoes that are comfortable for them. They also might get more use out of them if they are the ones to pick them out!  

For the groomsmen, keep your eyes peeled for suit sales! In some cases, it may be cheaper to actually purchase the suits than to rent tuxes. Plus, you’ll all get to keep the suits when the wedding is over and wear them again for future events. 

To ensure cohesiveness in your groomsmen and bridesmaids despite different dresses, suits, and shoes, keep fine details the same! Have the groomsmen wear cohesive ties and pocket squares. Also consider giving all of your bridesmaids the same earrings, necklaces, and/or bracelets to wear at the wedding as their bridal party gifts.