Who should pay - bride or bridemaid?

Where is the bride from and where is the wedding? The done thing in the UK is the bride pays for the dresses but in American weddings the bridesmaids would always pay. So maybe it’s a culture clash??? If she’s British and the wedding is in the UK though then she’s definitely taking the piss. Hair I’d view as optional. I have paid for it as a British bridesmaid but it wasn’t expected in any way that I get my hair professionally done, I just asked if I could be added on at my own expense rather than DIY. If the bride is insisting though then she should be paying (presuming this is in the UK).

Hmm it's a tough one, could you find a nice dress that you could possibly wear again but on vinted? there's all types of bargains on there. (also know people may not like Shein - but they have some beautiful formal wear dresses very cheap) xx

Unless you say wear what you want, and wear your hair and makeup how we you want - the bride should pay.

The Bride/Groom should pay for any wedding expenses where they are specifically asking you to wear something/get something done. I guess the fact that she is having 7 (WTF) BM's is the reason she wants you guys to foot the bill.

That said- if you really can not afford it then just say so. Explain that when you accepted the roll you didn't realise that you would be the one paying and you can not afford it.

The way I see it (and the way I did it) - if the bride wants a certain dress/hairstyle/shoe the bride pays for it.

I chose dresses and shoes for my bridesmaid which I paid for. I was happy for them to do hair and make up as they wanted so they did their own and looked lovely (I also did my own make up and only my mum and I had our hair done, mainly because we are useless at hair).

I also had a house party for my hen do, so no cost to bridal party or friends. I wanted everything to be as easy for everyone as possible

Don't let other people decide how you spend your money!

Bride should pay. 7 bridesmaids is a lot. Maybe that's why she's expecting you all to pay for your own. Maybe bridesmaids need to help her keep it realistic.

I think the waters are muddying on this one.

Traditionally in the UK and Ireland the bride paid, but in the US the bridesmaids pay. The internet means the cultures are converging somewhat (lots of weddings websites are American) and I suspect it will become more common for bridesmaids here to pay.

I think it would be perfectly reasonable to send her a very nice message saying that you're so excited but that you misunderstood and you just can't afford it. No hard feelings at all, can't wait for the big day etc etc etc.

The bride should definitely pay. To be honest, they shouldn’t have bridesmaids if they can’t afford to pay for them.