A single mom wonders if it’s fair for a bride-to-be to ask her to pay for her own bridesmaid dress.
The anonymous woman took a British forum Mother network to ask others’ opinions on the controversial topic.
In her post, the mother explained that she comes from a low-income household and that paying for the dress would have a significant impact on her finances.
She added that since the other bridesmaids all have higher disposable incomes, it is likely that they will choose an expensive dress, which may be too expensive for her.
Mumsnet users were quick to share their thoughts on the dilemma, with many labeling the bride as “ridiculous” and “cheeky.”
A single mother has taken to Mumsnet to question who should pay the cost of bridesmaid dresses (stock image)
In her post, the mother asked if others thought she was “stingy” for not wanting to pay for an expensive dress
The original message read: “About a year ago I was asked to be DSi’s bridesmaid. The wedding is in six months, she just casually got into conversation. I’m going to pay for my own bridesmaid dress…
“I always thought the bride paid for this? She’s going to pick out the dress and it certainly won’t be able to be worn elsewhere since her style is very glitzy and glamorous and I don’t go to black tie events or anything like that.
“I can’t say anything because the other bridesmaids are all fine and apparently my mom likes the idea of keeping her costs down.
‘I can’t avoid being a bridesmaid either, because everyone will want to know why and I’ll look like a cheap skater. I am a single parent on a low income and the thought of equipping the kids is bad enough.
“I am now assuming we are also expected to pay for all the extras I half expected, shoes etc. Other bridesmaids are single and have plenty of cash so I doubt the dresses will be cheap if everyone else must agree and I am essentially overruled.”
The anonymous woman then asked if she was stingy in expecting the bride to pay the cost of the dress.
Users on Mumsnet were quick to share their thoughts on the matter, and many were unimpressed.
One said, “Oh, I was in this situation as a bridesmaid – I had to pay AND pay for all the alterations, even though I didn’t choose the dress.
Users on Mumsnet were quick to share their thoughts on the situation, with many calling the bride “cheeky” for expecting the bridesmaid to cover the cost of her dress
“That dress has been hanging in my wardrobe for eight years now, never to be worn again. Being the maid of honor at that wedding cost me about four figures and it made me incredibly angry.”
A second person added, “No way! I wouldn’t pay and I can afford it. Cheeky of the bride (to say the least) and to say the least now. She can’t pick the dress and expect you to pay. Just say you can’t possibly afford it and you weren’t aware she wouldn’t pay, because it’s not customary for her not to pay!’
A third user said, “You tell her you can’t afford it and if she wants you at the wedding, she pays very simply.
‘I think it’s very rude to expect people to spend £££ on your wedding.’
A fourth wrote: ‘Ridiculous. Bride and groom pay for dresses. I had seven bridesmaids, it never occurred to me to ask. If you can’t afford the dresses, don’t ask people to be bridesmaids.”