Wedding Wednesdays Q&A: Who Pays for the Wedding Party Attire?

It’s time for our Wedding Wednesday Q&A and today we’re talking about the wedding party attire:  I’m in the process of picking out what I want the wedding party to wear and I read something online that said that I should be paying for the wedding party attire.  Is this right?  Or is that just something that some people do?

This is a common question that I get with almost every couple I work with, so you’re not alone!  So, traditionally the wedding party would pay for their own clothes and associated items.  It is kind of part of the deal with being a bridesmaid or groomsmen.  However, nowadays many times the couple pays for the wedding party attire.  This is partially to help with the costs that come with being in a wedding party, but it’s also done so that your wedding party doesn’t have to pay for something they most likely will not wear again.  It’s a nice gesture since you are the ones picking the outfit and it’s also a way of you saying thanks.  Now, if you having them choose their own dress or suit and they have free reign (with guidelines of course), then that is a different story and I wouldn’t recommend you paying for those.

With all that being said, to truly answer your question, the answer is that it’s up to you.  You can pay for your wedding party attire or not.  Either way, would be totally acceptable.  I think the answer just depends on your budget, your wedding party’s budget and how you feel about it.  However, I’m sure you’ll come up with the right decision for you.

(Photo credit: Sabine Scherer Photography)

Do you have a wedding planning question you need help with?  Share it with us in a comment below.