Bridal Party Outfit Etiquette: Who Pays for What?

Weddings are full of exciting moments—exchanging vows, dancing the night away, and, of course, watching your friends and family rock some fabulous outfits. But when it comes to who’s footing the bill for those outfits, things can get a little tricky. If you’ve ever been in a wedding party (or are planning your own), you’ve probably asked, “Who exactly pays for what?” Well, fret no more! We’re here to break down the ultimate bridal party outfit etiquette so that you can all look stunning without any awkwardness about the costs.

1. The Bride: The Visionary (and the Budgeter)

First off, let’s be real: as the bride, you’ve got a lot on your plate. You’re in charge of organizing a major event, coordinating with vendors, and planning the best day of your life. That said, when it comes to bridal party outfits, it’s your job to set the tone and expectations.

While you don’t have to pay for every single thing your bridal party wears (unless you’re feeling extra generous), it’s important to be mindful of their budgets. Try to select dresses, suits, and accessories that are reasonably priced. That doesn’t mean you need to choose the cheapest option, but a little consideration can go a long way. Your bridal party is there to support you—emotionally and financially!

2. The Bridesmaids: The Outfit Buyers (Generally)

Traditionally, bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses, shoes, and accessories. You’ve been asked to be part of someone’s big day, and that usually means picking up the tab for your outfit. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:

·       Dress and Shoes: While the bride often picks the style, color, and theme, the bridesmaids typically cover the cost of the dress and shoes themselves. Be sure to choose a dress that’s in a reasonable price range. Everyone’s financial situation is different, and not everyone can afford a $400 gown (or a $1000 one, yikes!).

·       Accessories and Hair/Makeup: If you want your bridal party to look ultra-glam, the costs of accessories, hair, and makeup might be expected of them too. However, it’s totally okay to offer to pay for these extra touches if your budget allows it. It’s all about how much you're willing (or able) to help out!

3. The Groomsmen: The Dapper Dudes Paying for Their Own Gear

Just like bridesmaids, groomsmen typically pay for their own attire. Most men will rent their tuxedos or suits, which can range from affordable to splurge-worthy. The groom should communicate the style and budget expectations to the guys ahead of time to avoid any confusion. As with the bridesmaids, if there’s a specific look you want, it’s courteous to keep costs reasonable.

If you want your groomsmen to wear a specific tie, cufflinks, or other accessories, you could provide those as gifts (it’s a thoughtful gesture that they’ll appreciate and actually wear again). But when it comes to the suit or tux rental, the groomsmen generally take care of that themselves.

4. The Groom and Bride: Paying for Their Wedding Day Looks

While the bridal party is paying for their own outfits, the bride and groom typically cover their own wedding-day looks. The bride, of course, pays for her gown, veil, shoes, and anything else she needs to complete her bridal ensemble. The groom is responsible for his suit or tuxedo. If the bride and groom choose to wear custom outfits or need to rent anything for themselves, that’s on them!

That being said, if you're feeling generous and want to surprise your bridal party with a special gift, covering the cost of something—like their hair and makeup or the accessories—could be a nice touch!

5. The Mother of the Bride (and Groom): A Special Situation

Mothers often buy their own dresses, but it’s worth mentioning that sometimes the bride and groom may want to cover the costs for the mothers of the bride and groom, particularly if they’re purchasing more formal attire for the wedding day. This is often a personal decision and can be part of a special thank-you for their support throughout the planning process.

6. The Wedding Party Gifts: A Thank-You for Their Investment

Remember, your bridal party is making a significant investment to be by your side on your special day. To show your appreciation, it’s a nice gesture to give them a thank-you gift. This could be anything from a beautiful necklace or bracelet that they can wear on the wedding day, to a personalized tote bag or a framed photo after the big event. No need to break the bank, but thoughtful gifts go a long way in showing your gratitude!

7. When It’s a Group Effort: Pooling Money for a Wedding Party Look

Sometimes, the bride and groom may want to pitch in for their bridal party’s attire—especially if the wedding involves an expensive or elaborate dress code. If the couple has the budget, they might offer to cover part of the cost, like the dress or tuxedo rental. Some couples even choose to buy their bridal party’s shoes or accessories as a thank-you.

Another way to help out your bridal party financially is by offering to cover costs for hair and makeup for the big day. This can be a huge help and take some pressure off the bridal party’s wallet.

8. Destination Weddings: A Whole New Ballgame

If you’re planning a destination wedding, the cost dynamic changes a bit. In this case, the bridal party may be responsible for travel, accommodations, and any additional attire needed for the destination’s vibe (think: beachy dresses or tropical suits). However, the bride and groom might still want to help out by covering the cost of group activities, like a welcome dinner or fun excursion.

Final Thoughts

Wedding outfit etiquette can be tricky, but as long as you communicate clearly and set expectations upfront, everyone will be on the same page. It’s all about showing gratitude and appreciation for your bridal party while staying within your budget. Whether you decide to cover the cost of hair and makeup or simply provide a thoughtful thank-you gift, your bridal party will appreciate the gesture and look fabulous on your big day!

In the end, it’s about celebrating love, friendship, and the memories you’ll all make together. So, have fun, pick out some stunning outfits, and enjoy every step of the process!