Verified answer

I think the best way to approach your friend is to tactfully tell her that, as a gift to her, you'd like to contribute some (or all) of the funds to buy her bridesmaid's dress. I'd broach it casually- but definitely in private. Make sure you don't sound condescending or "I'm only offering because you're POOR", but emphasize how much it means to you that she agreed to be a bridesmaid, and tell her that you don't want her to have to stress about the dress. Don't mention that you're buying/contributing (or not buying/contributing) to the purchasing of your other bridesmaids' dresses- just talk about hers. If she protests, say that you'd like to do it, as a thank you (I'd try to stay away from mentioning her finances). Again, just stay off the topic of the other dresses and who's paying for them.

Be delicate and tread carefully, but since you're obviously good enough friends that she's your bridesmaid, I'm sure she'll understand that you don't mean it in a patronizing way.

I understand you don't want to embarrass your friend, especially be discussing her finances with others; but maybe you could talk to the other bridesmaids and say something along the lines of: "Listen, Jenny, Kate, Laura, and Ellen; I think that Sarah may be having some difficulty paying for her bridesmaid's dress, so I'm planning to offer to pay for it. I just wanted to let you guys know." Also, just discreetly ask them not to talk about the paying-for of the dresses around your friend, so that she isn't embarrassed.

Since you mentioned that they all have good jobs, and can definitely afford the dresses, I'm sure they won't be miffed or take it the wrong way. I know I wouldn't. You're not just offering to pay because you like that friend better than the others- it's because she actually may need some financial help. After all, I'm sure everyone has gone through times where their pockets were a bit tight- so I'm sure they wouldn't think it's unfair or rude of you. You don't need to go into an in-depth detail of your friend's finances- say something vague, but worded so that they understand what you're trying to say. Then, just change the subject.

I'd be honest with the other bridesmaids- I don't think they'd be offended. Be very tactful with the friend, and I'm sure everything will work out. Good luck :)

If you can afford to pay for all of the dresses (or offer to pay for 1/2 of all of the girls dresses) then do that. If not, perhaps you could pay for any extras such as hair, makeup, nails or shoes of all of the bridesmaids. That way she does get to save some money on the cost of being a bridesmaid but everyone gets the same treatment.

Wow! In Australia we pretty much pay for everything ourselves too - we dont ask the groomsmen or bridesmaid to pay for things.

I think that you want to offer to pay for (part of) the dress is really nice.

Call her or take or aside and let her know what youre thinking. If she's one of your bridesmaids, you must be pretty close, so she'd have to understand youre not trying to offend, just helping out, like she is helping you out by being a bridesmaid in the first place.

you could just say to her, that you realize these dresses are kind of pricey and you weren't going to offer it to the other bridesmaids but you'd be more than willing to split or pay for hers if it will help her out. just try to phrase it right so that she doesnt' get offended adn just takes it as an offering of help. if she says no and then a month later tries to back out of it or complains about the money remind her you offered and hopefully if it's really trouble she'll take you up on it.

I'm paying for my best friends dress and nobody else's and for the same reason, she don't have to money right now. And my other girls do. But so I wouldn't make her feel bad. My other friends agreed to tell her that their dresses were paid for also. That way she isn't getting hurt and they are in on it also, cause doing it privately usually back fires.

well I think you are supposed to pay for all the dresses, its rude to ask them to be your bridesmaid then demand they pay their way, they are doing you a favour

I say you pay for half of all bridesmaid dresses and then it will help the maid with money difficulties without making her feel awkward

pull her aside and ask her if she is having money troubles and if she says yes offer to pay for her whole or a bit for her dress as you would love to help but tell her this offer is only for her and no one else is to know about it and if she keeps refusing to be polite tell her you want to help a friend out and you want everyone to be happy on your day

well you could always tell her that your gift, to your maids are that you will pay for one thing, they need for the wedding, what ever it is...

Dress,

hair

make-up

shoes

jewerly. depending on how many,

Let her know that , the dress is on the list, she may jump on that.

But no one can pick the same thing, so what ever she needs , she gets firat dibs...

Just keep it private and simply explain to her that the only reason you want to help is because it is so important to you that she is a part of the wedding and you want her to be able to enjoy it. (instead of worrying about money). Its a nice thing you're doing. Congratulations.

if shes ya maid of honour or chief bridesmaid then that should be fair enough to the other bridesmnaids