Who pays for bridesmaids’ dresses? ABIA’s guide for Australian weddings
Should a bride pay for her bridesmaids’ dresses, or do the bridesmaids cover the cost themselves? ABIA takes a closer look at one of the most common wedding questions asked by couples getting married in Australia.
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Having worked with thousands of wedding vendors across Australia, at ABIA Weddings we’ve learned there’s no single ‘right’ answer when it comes to paying for bridesmaids’ gowns and outfits. There are some clear trends though, and below we detail the approaches popular with Australian brides at the moment, so that you can consider the one that’s right for you and your wedding support crew.
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When the bride covers the full cost of bridesmaid dresses
This wedding trend takes its cue from the tradition where the bride, or her family, paid for the bridal party outfits. While this approach is less common today, some brides still choose to cover the cost, especially if they want complete say over the dress colour and style, or specifically want custom-made gowns or bridesmaid dresses by couture designers.
ABIA insight — If it’s within your wedding budget, this option can help you to avoid awkward money conversations and ensure everyone is comfortable.
When bridesmaids pay for their own dresses
This is the modern and most-common approach to the purchase of bridesmaid dresses for Australian weddings. Bridesmaids often buy their own dresses, especially when they have input in choosing the style and the dresses are from affordable, ready-to-wear collections.
ABIA insight — Even if a bridal party decides on this approach, typically many couples still pay for hair, make-up and accessories.
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When costs are shared by the couple and their attendants
There are few hard-and-fast rules when it comes to weddings these days, and some couples and their bridal parties find it works to meet halfway and share the costs of dresses and outfits. This might mean the couple contribute a set amount and bridesmaids cover the rest, or a set split for each dress is agreed from the outset.
ABIA insight — Sharing the cost of bridesmaids dresses can make sense, especially where finances are strained, but this approach requires an open, upfront conversation.
When you choose mix-and-match bridesmaids’ dresses
It’s a growing trend at Australian weddings for brides to set a colour theme and let their bridesmaids choose their own dresses from that tonal palette. This usually means bridesmaids pay for their own outfits, but get to select something that they love, can afford and will probably wear again.
ABIA insight — This trend may not suit all styles of weddings, but we’re seeing it work beautifully at modern boho, smart casual, cocktail-style and even formal weddings.
How to talk to your bridesmaids about dress costs
There isn’t one universal rule about who pays for bridesmaids’ dresses in Australia, but from ABIA’s experience, the smoothest weddings happen when couples are upfront with their bridal party early on, and are mindful of individual circumstances.
That could mean letting your bridesmaids know what to expect when you ask them to stand by your side, or including them in initial discussions about the bridesmaid dresses.
The best approach is often the one that fits your budget, values, your bridal party and ensures a stress-free experience for everyone, but you’re the one who knows your bridal tribe best and you’ll likely have a feel for the most suitable way to broach the subject. Generally, most bridesmaids will be honoured to be a part of your day and appreciate your thoughtfulness and transparency.
Should you buy your bridesmaids a gift?
Regardless of the agreement you come to in terms of costs for bridesmaids’ dresses, hairstyling, make-up, accessories and any other extras, it’s generally still customary for a bride to show her appreciation to her wedding support crew with a bridesmaid gift.
You’ll find ideas and inspiration in ABIA’s article on bridesmaids’ presents but, whether you opt for a small token or a grand gesture, a gift is a lovely way to say ‘thank you’ and will be a memento of your wedding for your bridal party to treasure.
Got more wedding planning questions? As one of Australia's most-trusted wedding planning platforms, featuring more than 600 000 reviews from real couples, ABIA is well placed to assist. Indeed, the ABIA website combines wedding inspiration, how-to articles on all sorts of subjects (like finding the perfect wedding dress, sustainable wedding suggestions and multi-day wedding planning) and inspirational advice on topics such as gift ideas, destination wedding venues and top honeymoon destinations in Australia. The comprehensive ABIA Directory also showcases more than half-a-million reviews and ratings, collected from recently-married couples, and helps anyone arranging a wedding to search for wedding services and wedding vendors around Australia, including ceremony and reception venues, celebrants, photographers, caterers, decorators, florists, planners and coordinators, transport providers, hair stylists, make-up artists, videographers, cake designers, live music and even dance teachers and photo booth hire. An online wedding registry also allows guests to contribute to a holiday or experience, instead of buying a traditional wedding gift.
