Bridesmaid won't accept presents

[TheSnappySquid]

I asked my (only) bridesmaid to do this for me, which she agreed to. But she won't accept any presents.

I've insisted that I won't have a hen do (because I have a lot of mixed friends). So she is insisting that if she is going to something, then she can buy her own dress. I'm happy for her to choose her own dress, but I want to pay for it.

How can I convince her that being a bridesmaid doesn't come with strings attached?

I doubt she thinks there are strings attached to her role. I rather suspect she is trying to relieve you of some of the financial cost of the wedding by buying her own dress. This will also give her some control over the dress that is bought. I wouldn't overthink it. Make a day of dress shopping and maybe treat her to a meal out and some drinks?

Depending on the dynamics there are probably lots of valid reasons why she’d like to buy her own dress and I highly doubt it’s because she thinks there are strings attached. But as the pp said it’s because she probably doesn’t want to burden you with the expense of her dressn

Thank her but buy her a piece of jewellery and a photo for a thank you.

You could also shout the hair and makeup, tights, accommodation etc. Leave her to buy her dress.

Sounds more like she just wants control of what she wears and doesn’t want you to waste money on something that isn’t her style. Why not offer to pay for other stuff instead like the hairdresser, make up artist or her accommodation?

Yes do the hair and make up planning and paying for it!