Wedding Wednesdays Q&A: Who Pays for Bridesmaid Dress Alterations?

Q: We just got the bridesmaid dresses in and we now need to get the alterations done. It just occurred to me, though, am I supposed to pay for that? Or do my bridesmaids cover that cost?

Wonderful question! It’s really important that you think about the costs associated with being a bridesmaid. Like the wedding party attire and bridesmaid dress alterations. Ideally, you want to figure this out early before you ask your wedding party, so that they have all the facts, but it’s never too late.

Traditionally, your bridesmaids would cover the bridesmaid dress alterations cost. But, this is 2016 and you don’t have to adhere to that. So, here are a few options you can consider based on your situation.

If your bridesmaids are paying for the dresses…

Then it usually makes sense to have them pay for the dress alterations as well. Unless all your bridesmaids live in the same area and will go to the same tailor, then letting them choose someone on their own and covering it themselves makes more sense.

If you’re paying for the dresses…

Then you can either cover the dress alterations or not. Once again if your bridesmaids don’t live in the same area, it makes sense to just let them handle it.

Now if you like the idea of covering the costs to help them out, you can always reimburse them. This is not a very common choice, but you can certainly choose to go this route.

There really is no right or wrong answer here. You can do what makes sense for you. But, use the above information as a guide. And don’t forget about your dress alterations as well!

And if you’re a dude and you’re wondering about the groomsmen tuxes, you can use the same guidelines above as well.

(Photo credit: Sabine Scherer Photography)

Are you planning your wedding and feeling overwhelmed? You’re not quite sure what you should be doing or if what you’re doing is right? Does this sound familiar? We understand and we want to help!