My fiancee and I are not sure who is suppose to pay for the bridal gowns and tux's. He thinks that we are suppose to, since we are asking them to be in our wedding, therefore he thinks that if we don't pay for them that we are being rude. I on the other hand always thought that they paid for their own dress/tux, and that is just common knowledge that if you accept to be a part of the wedding that you are to buy your own dress/tux. Which one is right?

When I was in a wedding last year I paid for my own and so has all my friends who have been in weddings over the years. I think the only exception would be when you have picked out a couture gown and a brides maid cant afford it, you could always help them out by buying shoes and paying for hair and makeup thats a nice thank you.

Every wedding I have ever been in I paid for my own gown and the men paid for their tux. If someone can not afford to pay for the gown they usually will decline the offer of being in the wedding.
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I believe most men will want to step up and pay for their own tuxedo. It's the perfect opportunity to play a part in a friends dream come true. What good friend wouldn't want to help out in that regard. The same should hold true for the ladies. Since the dress will be purchased, try to find one that can be worn to other events as well.

I would approach each individual differently in case any of your friends are having financial problems. You will want to be sensitive to that possibility. If anyone is having financial troubles, you could offer to pay half of the cost, always keeping it hush-hush. Guard each friends personal business with your life.

You could also offer another scenario to your bridal party by looking for deals online that will allow them to purchase their tuxedo for a hundred dollars or less. The tux will be used but dry cleaned like they always are. Tuxedos are simply dry cleaned and put back on the assembly line; altered and re-altered for the next guy.

By purchasing a tuxedo, one could get the most for their money and wear it any time. Some shops will throw in a tux for the Groom for free. If you don't see "Free Tuxedo for the Groom" advertised anywhere in the shop, be sure to ask for that deal. I'd be surprised if you don't get it. The key is to shop around and find the best price possible. Men should always step up to the plate and pay their own way.

Wedding Tips
By Bridalhallmark