Should bridesmaids pay to be included in weddings? This TikToker says no

Nothing stirs up controversy within a friend group quite like a wedding, and one viral TikTok argues that keeping costs for bridesmaids down is the way to avoid it.

One 2023 bride named Claudia, who goes by @partygirlclauds on the video sharing app, recently made waves when she asked whether bridesmaids should pay their own way to take part in weddings.

The Australian TikToker revealed that she is getting married in August, and she doesn't expect her bridesmaids to pay for a single thing, adding that a wedding is "not your bridesmaids' financial responsibility."

She went on to share that they shouldn't be held responsible for paying for the many costs that being a bridesmaid often entails, including a bridal shower, bachelorette party, wedding day hair and makeup, dresses, jewelry, shoes and a wedding gift.

The bride-to-be went on to say that by asking your bridesmaids to take on those costs, couples are essentially placing their financial burden on others.

"Your bridesmaids are dedicating their time, their emotional energy [and] their physical energy to be a bridesmaid," she said. "Asking them to pay financially on top of that...if I was a bridesmaid, I would not be comfortable with that cost."

In North America, it can cost anywhere between $1,200 and $1,800 USD ($1,600 to $2,420 CAD) to be a bridesmaid, according to Wedding Wire. Claudia notes that cost should be carefully considered before deciding whether it's financially viable for members of your wedding party.

If not, the alternative is the possibility of the money situation causing "a wedge" in the relationship.

While she admitted that "every situation is different" and her own bridesmaids have offered to pay their own way, Claudia shared that she doesn't personally "feel comfortable asking them to pay for things."

She then asked her followers for their own opinions on the subject, and TikTok users were split on the verdict. Many agreed with Claudia, saying that it should be up to brides to foot the bill.

"I can’t fathom asking your bridesmaids to PAY for their own dresses/hair/makeup etc! That’s just bizarre to me," one person commented.

"I was a 2021 bride. I paid for absolutely everything down to underwear," added another. "I could never ask for a cent from them when it’s my wedding."

"I feel like you should only have the amount of bridesmaids you can afford. I don’t want to stress anyone out financially," someone else chimed in.

Others disagreed with the original TikTok, and thought costs should be left up to the bridesmaids.

"I got my bridesmaids to pay as I’ve always paid as a bridesmaid…I thought it was normal," someone wrote.

"Bridesmaids have the option to say NO, you are an adult," another person commented.

According to others, "there is no simple yes/no answer to this."

What do you think? Cast your vote above.

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