Who pays?

[Funkychicken]

This is a toughie! Sometimes the bridesmaid dresses can be sooo expensive and it's not your fault if u don't get a say in it and the bride just says u have to buy it. I think she should pay in that case, but on the other hand she prob asked u to be a bridesmaid because you're really good mates and in that case you probably wouldn't mind forking out a bit extra for your mate's big day. Guess this applies to suits too although u could probably get a cheap suit that's a replica of the 'real' ones. Eek, I don't know how it works so maybe I should just stop talking

[Funkychicken]

lol, I just realised this question was asked AGES ago and so has probably been resolved. Any news on the outcome?

[LightRibena]

If your friend is on a very tight budget, then I don't think it is unreasonable to ask the grooms men to pay for their rentals. The same with the bridesmaids paying for their dresses. Not everyone is willing to spend silly amounts of money on their weddings.

If the grooms men and bridesmaids do have to pay for their clobber for the day, then they should have more of a say in the style and cost.

[suzzie76]

In Australia I'm not sure of the trend but having been Bride's maid twice I've had one of each
One dictated the dress and yes paid and yes it was expensive and was one of a two Bridesmaids, shoes were even mailed to me along with earrings and necklace and things for hair. Basically we were a maniquin.
Other said I want you to where Red, dress is mostly your choice so you can wear after and I paid, chose and bought my own shoes and paid for make-up. I was only bridesmaid but bride was not well cashed up either.

For my wedding as I picked out the dress I paid. My husband paid for guys hire gear.

HB has said he has heard of both and often depends on cost of dress

Edit: A friend just told me she has known of both and also girls who have pulled out when asked to pay for dress, especially if very costly.