Photo Credit: True Photography

What Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Should Pay For

Let’s face it, bridesmaid and groomsmen don’t have a cheap job. With weddings entailing so much more than just the actual wedding day, things can add up quickly. There’s the engagement party, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties and the wedding weekend events. Being present at these events, purchasing wedding attire, travel expenses and gifts can add up quickly. To avoid any awkward moments of deciding who should pay for what, we’ve compiled a list of what bridal party members should being paying for.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Lam Photography

Wedding Attire

The bridesmaids and groomsmen are responsible for paying for these items. Sometimes brides and grooms will cover part or all of the attire as their gift to the bridal party, but this is up to the couple.

Wedding Day Hair & Makeup

If the bride requires her bridesmaids to get their hair and makeup done, then she should foot the bill. Many brides pay for these services as their gift to their bridesmaids.

Engagement Party

This event is usually hosted and paid for by the bride’s family.

Bridal Shower

Typically the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids host and pay for the bridal shower. However, family members often want to throw these events too. If this is the case, the bridesmaids are expected to help with cost, décor or activities at the bridal shower.

Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties

The bridesmaids and groomsmen are responsible for paying for these events. If you are flying to a destination for the event, the bride and groom are responsible for paying for their own flight.

Bridal Shower Gift

Giving a bridal shower gift is not necessary if the bridesmaids are hosting the bridal shower. However, giving a little something, such as lingerie, is always nice.

Wedding Gift

After all of the expenses the bridal party members have, it is not expected for them to give a gift to the newlyweds.

Travel Expenses

The bridal party is responsible for paying for their own travel and hotel accommodations for the wedding weekend events. The bride and groom should, however, try to negotiate a discounted group rate for them at the hotel.

Photo Credit: Holland Photo Arts

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