Who pays for bridesmaid dresses (if you're a broke college student)?

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My friend is getting married in November. Me, as well as some of the other girls who are bridesmaids, are college students. We have a limited budget and are in debt because of school. Our friend did not say that we could pick our own style of dresses- she chose one style and it is about $200. I can't afford all this wedding stuff because I still have 2 years of school left. However, she says that we have to pay for our own dresses. Help!
 
Normally when you agree to be in the bridal party, you understand that you will be paying for your attire, shoes, hair, bridal shower, etc. What I would suggest doing is discuss with her that you cannot afford the $200 dress. If others feel the same way, maybe you can ask if she could find another dress that is similar but cost less because you will be paying for it.

I think communication is the key here and until someone says something, you cannot solve the problem.
 
No matter what your financial status is, the bridesmaids are supposed to pay for the dress.

If you really can't afford it, explain to your friend and step down from being a bridesmaid. She should understand. Being in a wedding can be expensive, but you shouldn't have to put yourself into deep debt for it.
 
If you can't afford it, then you will have to tell her that unfortunately, due to money issues, you will not be able to be a bridesmaid. Ask her if there is another role you can fill on the wedding day. Maybe you could do a reading or sing a song or something. She should understand and if she doesn't, then she isn't a very good friend.

If all of you can't afford it, she should consider finding a cheaper dress.
 
Usually the BMs pay for theirs, the bride is right BUT $200!? I told my girls if I chose anything over $150 I would pay for half myself. I'd tell the bride the truth, you can't afford that kind of $$$ for a dress you'll wear once. If you've seen them, look online for something comprable but cheaper and show it to the bride. Even if it's ugly she'll get the point. You're doing this for her but you're not made of money. Get the other girls on your side but don't gang up on the bride-to-be.
 
If she didn't get a budget from you guys beforehand, shame on her! Simply tell her you'd love to stand up for her but simply cannot afford that dress. When it comes down to it, if she really wants you there she will find a way to make it work. Don't back down. It's better to have school paid for than to have a dress you'll neve rwear again!

Good luck!
 
A bride should take into consideration her friends' financial status when she has them in the running as an attendant. A friend should take her financial status into consideration when she is asked to be a bridal attendant. Weddings cost money. Period. If you cannot afford to take on the responsibilities of a bridesmaid, then you should decline her offer. Tell her you are honored but you simple cannot do it without breaking the bank. A bride, on the other hand, should not only take this into consideration but also find a dress that is affordable for everyone. If the bride is deadset on a dress and no one can afford it, it would be considerate, but not necessary, to offer to pay a percentage of the dress. The majority of weddings I have been to and been in the bridesmaids have paid for not only their dress but their shoes, jewelry, and hair/nails. It is the bride's fault for not considering your money situation and not picking a dress that is affordable. But you are at fault as well for taking on a financial burden when you knew that you could not pay for the necessities. Sucks, don't it? :/
 
Sorry you pay for it, I had to pay 300 bucks when my sis in law got married. U have to pay, or u can tell her that it cost to much and u cant be bridesmaid. IN November? u have 6 months to save the money, save the money, all else fails ask ur parents
 
You and some of the other bridesmaids who are college students will have to let the bride know that you're not going to be able to afford the dress she chose. Don't all go to her together, though- she'll feel like you're ganging up on her and get all defensive. Maybe you can each separately go out with her or call her on the phone and say, "Listen, I love you and am so honored you asked me to be in your wedding, but on my budget I don't think I'll be able to afford all the bridesmaid requirements." After she hears a variation of the same speech by about the third bridesmaid, she probably will reconsider the dress she picked out and go for something much less expensive. Sometimes brides just don't think about their friends' budget limitations when they get all excited about picking out wedding stuff.
 
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