Who should pay for the tuxedos/bridesmaid's dresses in a wedding?

Question

My friend just graduated college and is getting married soon.

Answer 1

Generally, the bridesmaids and groomsmen are responsible for purchasing their own wedding clothing (including shoes, jewelry, etc.).  I have had situations where I've had a bride want a more expensive dress for her maids, and she's paid all or part of the cost, but that doesn't happen often.  Tuxedos are usually rented, the bride usually (but not always) consults with the groom on the style and colors selected there.  Usually, tux rental places will offer the groom's tux rental for free if all the rest of the tuxedo's are rented at the same time, so it's a great deal for the groom.  

Answer 2

The attendants. Each bridesmaid pays for her own outfit, each groomsman pays for the cost of renting his tuxedo. Sometimes, the bride and groom offer to pay for or contribute to the outfits, but this should not be expected.

Answer 3

I know what the standards are but some families just don't have the money to spend.  Esp in these trying economical times.  I truly wish each and every bride had to pay for their own plans in a wedding and a groom had to pay for all the plans of the honeymoon.  Split it somehow fairly.  But give each one a responsibility and a job of making the final decisions.  (Didn't say alone, just be the one when in conflict that makes the final choice)  her-wedding him-honeymoon.  Then there wouldn't be so much waste involved and worry over how big how far and how much can we do.  It is still about celebrating a combining of lives.  Not about who can throw the biggest party.  You will need your finances for your future.  So keep everything relevant.   That is my answer-  Keep it relevant.  Who has money and willing to pay.  That is who should pay for it. How much of your money are YOU willing to let go of and work for again to pay for that dress that will never be worn again and end up in someones closet til they die then it goes to the dump with anyting else left behind.  I am sorry about that one.  These things are very valuable to some people and they keep them for years.  My only point is you can't take it with you in the end, so you tell me what it's worth.   On your card?  And who should have to fork over their hard earned money for that?  (I made 5 of my own and they were beautiful.  Cost very little and I put no-one out financially for my choices!)  

Answer 4

The groomsmen and the bridesmaids are responsible for their own outfits and accessories for those outfits, however, you as the bride and groom might gift them an accessory like cufflinks or earrings to wear with the outfit on the day of the wedding.

Answer 5

The tuxes and dresses are the responsibility of the people who wear them.  

Answer 6

It’s a nice gesture if the couple can pay for them, but usually it’s the individuals in the wedding party.  

Answer 7

anyone whos offering wuld be my bet.

i think traditionaly the grooms side pay for the bridesmaids , though more recently it seems to be the bride. that said, i didnt have much money for my wedding, and my friends who wanted to be bridesmaids paid to hire their own dresses.

if on a budget, look on ebay for some bargains and just get em fitted at the dressmakers.

Answer 8

they pay for their own! :)

Answer 9

Everybody pays for their own dress/tux.  The bride picks out the dresses and in some cases the tux but the groom's men are responsible for purchase/rental of the tuxedo and the bridesmaids and Maid of Honor all pay for their own dress shoes hair makeup etc.

Answer 10

Go to every; wedding planning website and they will tell you that typically attendants pay for their own attire. If the style etc were so outlandish and unique that the couple desired that realistically no attendant would wear this again or also given the knowledge of the potential attendants financial situation, then the couple is expected to somehow finance this.

Many dresses are generic enough that they could be worn again as another evening dress or be at least sold reasonably if they were only going to be worn the one time.

These decisions (style and colours/theme etc) are decisions I think that should somewhat be figured out before you go and choose your attendants because when you approach someone to potentially be your BM or GM or whatever other role, they need to know exactly what duties they will be responsible for (a simple detailed list is found on a site like theknot.com for what all is involved), so that they have the opportunity to say no, if the duties and financial side of the role is out of their reach. Obviously there are other reasons for picking someone to stand up beside you and so you know them well and are close so you know what they can manage in their schedule and their finances- so make sure all of that is understood so they are not left being overwhelmed by the expense of dresses and budgeting a bachelor party, bachelorette party ,bridal shower, etc etc.

As a bride/groom, it is always appreciated when they take these things into consideration when deciding on what the attendants will wear so nobody is hating anyone or creating stress or feeling unhappy. 'It is my day and I can decide /plan what I want' certainly is true, but you want your guests and attendants to be looked after also and be not b___tching behind your backs after (your friends' back) about how much everything costed that they were expected to put out for)

Answer 11

The groomsmen and bridesmaids are responsible for the cost of their outfits.

Answer 12

the bridesmaids and groomsmen/ushers are responsible for paying for the dresses or tux rentals, shoes, hair, makeup, nails, and whatever else the bride wants you to wear in order to look like she wants you to for her big day.  it's silly but true.

Answer 13

All the weddings my wife and I have been to (including our own), the attendants paid for their own attire (tuxes and dresses).

I had no idea that there were any other arrangements common.

My wife chose the color and style for her and her bridesmaids, and I selected the matching color and style for myself and my groomsmen. Everybody paid for the clothing they wore.

This is nonsense to you because you don't understanding your own analogy. When you ask someone out on a date, you indeed pay for it; you pay for the meal and the entertainment. You don't buy a new skirt or top for her to wear, at least not in any subculture I know. Similarly, the couple invites the guests to attend the wedding, then pays for the meal and the entertainment. Not the clothes.

Answer 14

Usually the bridal party pays for their own garments. However, I am going to be buying my BM their dresses since I asked them to stand up with me and I can afford to do it. My fiance will also be renting his GMs tuxes.  

Answer 15

the people in the wedding party pay unless the people who are getting married are wealthy enough to do it for them.

Answer 16

Unless the bride and groom are incredibly rich or generous, the people who will wear them will buy them.  

Answer 17

The bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for their own unless otherwise specified.