Who Pays For The Bridesmaid Dresses?

Shoutout to all the stylish bridesmaids making wedding magic happen while wearing a gown. We know you’re the glimmering thread holding the wedding day (and the bride) together. And because of that, we also know your bridesmaid dress is of the utmost importance.

So, who pays for the bridesmaid dresses? Let’s take you through our quick bridesmaid dress Q&A. This includes how much bridesmaid dresses cost, questions about alterations, and who pays for the bridesmaid dresses.

Bringing the style inspiration is Arbor & Co., a brand that designs dresses for all the memorable moments in life. This online collection of bridesmaid dresses focuses on affordable, stylish wedding looks, but they also have a fabulous selection of mother-of-the-bride and flower girl dresses, too!

The Arbor & Co. site is organized primarily by color, making it easy to see exactly what’s available to match your dress requirements. They also offer swatches for exact color matching. Search by dress length, sleeves, or season to find the perfect dress. Looking for a stylish wrap-style bridesmaid dress? They’ve got you covered.

Complete with shoes, hair, makeup, and accessories, your bridesmaid look financially adds up quickly. So, let’s help answer the big financial questions surrounding your fashion duties. Find the perfect, affordable bridesmaid dress with Arbor & Co. so you’re well equipped to be the most fashionable bridesmaid yet.

How Much Do Bridesmaid Dresses Cost?

Most bridesmaid dresses will range from about $100 to $500, with designer options falling just under $1,000. This will vary greatly on the route the bride takes in planning their wedding.

Traditionally, brides would often shop for a wedding dress at a location that also offers bridesmaid gowns. In these salons, bridesmaids come in for measurements and order their gowns, often running at least a few hundred dollars.

We’re happy to announce bridesmaid fashion has gotten better, more affordable, and more accessible. It’s common practice now for brides to allow their bridesmaids the chance to shop for their own gowns online, cutting out the extra hassle and also cutting down the price tag significantly.

When Should I Tell My Bridesmaids About Their Dresses?

Definitely let your bridesmaids know what your plans are for the bridal party as soon as possible. Think of it similarly to planning your own wedding dress. They’ll want time to save money, to feel good in their body and in the dress, to get alterations and accessories…you get the idea. That way, if anyone has a financial roadblock, you’ll be able to navigate the circumstance privately, with plenty of time before the wedding. In turn, you will also have happier, more confident bridesmaids who love their look as much as you!

Does the Bride Pay for the Bridesmaid Dresses?

Who pays is up to the bride. Most brides will be conscientious toward pricing and choosing realistic dresses for their maids. It’s on the bride to be upfront about costs and expectations as they invite their friends and family to join them in the bridal party. Often, if a bride is really set on something, she’ll make it happen, no matter the cost. And sometimes depending on your relationship with the bride, she may choose to pay for her Maid of Honor or close family member’s look as a gift.

Alteration Costs for Bridesmaid Dresses

Our best advice regarding alterations: try to find a dress that fits comfortably and most accurately to your size. A hem and strap adjustment will most likely be necessary for any dress you order. If you fall between sizes, it is almost always the best practice to size up, and have the looser areas taken in. Come the wedding week, we don’t wish anyone the stress of not being able to zip up a dress that’s too small. So, depending on where you live and how many alterations you’ll need, plan for at least $100 – $200.

Pro Tip: To avoid certain alterations, order a dress that simplifies the process. Wrap dresses like Arbor & Co.’s signature looks make it easy to ensure a perfect fit in the waist. And likewise, shorter dresses don’t run the risk of being too long in need of hemming.

What Do I Do If I Can’t Afford the Bridesmaid Dress?

It’s come to this: having to tell the bride that the gown they chose is a bit over your budget. You’ve got a few options…

If the bride is hellbent on that specific style they may offer to pay for part of it. However, with many brides opting for coordinating mix & match bridesmaid styles, odds are she may be open to the conversation about other dresses. If you think this applies to you, present the bride with a few suggestions that closely mimic the style and color of the original dress. Clearly, Arbor & Co. has no shortage of affordable dresses to suggest, if you need a place to start! If she can see another, more affordable style she loves just as much, she may have no issue with making a compromise.

Essential Info

To shop all of Arbor & Co.’s stylish and affordable bridesmaid dresses visit their website.

Arbor & Co. designs dresses for the memorable moments in your life, including bridesmaid dresses, mother-of-the-bride, flower girl, and getaway dresses.

Be sure to follow Arbor & Co. on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for endless ideas on how to style your bridesmaid and special-occasion looks.

This post is made in partnership with Arbor & Co.