In the US it is customary for the maid/matron of honor and the bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses. But what happens if the dress the bride picks for the maids is very expensive and not all the bridesmaids can afford the dress?
With the tough economics times, this predicament is happening often. What should you do if this problem comes up as your planning your wedding? What is the proper wedding etiquette?
These are your friends so you're going to have a heads up on their personal issue such as a job layoff. Good etiquette dictates that you speak to each woman and make sure they feel comfortable with the price.
If not, offer to pay for the bridesmaid dress. If you can't afford to pay for the dress yourself, then it is time to reevaluate the dress choice. Can you rent them? If n0t, is there a suitable less expensive substitute?
Keep in mind that you want these women to be a part of your wedding. It is one of the biggest days of your life. The bridesmaid dress they wear shouldn't be as important as them not being at your wedding.
Family can make this issue a bit tricky, especially when it is your new family that may be having the money issue. What I suggest for instance, if your new to be sister-in-law is the one with the money issue then your fiancé should speak with his sister. You should definitely be there when he does.
In this case, you and your fiancé should offer to pay for the bridesmaid dress. Let her know that it is a gift that you would like to share with her, because you both want her in the wedding party.
The best thing you can do when faced with this situation, is to not make a big deal out of it. Work with your friends and family to come up with a solution. Remember, the key to a great wedding is for it to be conflict free.
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