We have getting married in Vegas and having the reception here at home the weekend after. Is it my job to pay for the bridal party to get to Vegas and for their rooms?

I was thinking of paying for their dresses and etc.. and the guys tuxes and etc...

Honest opinions please!!!

By Trina~moderator on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 04:11 pm:

Typically bridal party members are responsible for their dresses/tuxes and shoes, but I don't know what's considered proper ettiquette for a trip such as this. Obviously that's quite an expense for the wedding couple. If you do request they pay their own way don't be surprised if some members graciously decline simply because of the cost.

By Vicki on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 04:15 pm:

Well, while I don't think it is your job, it would be a nice gesture to at least help pay for their flights, rooms etc. At least in the days when I got married, the wedding party paid for their own dresses and tuxes.

So my honest opinion, I would let them pay for their clothing and I would opt to pay for their flights and rooms. You are asking them to come for your wedding and in my opinion, you should at least help pay for it if you can't pay all of it. But, you also need to let them know that up front so they can make the choice to come and be in the wedding or not. That just seems to be allot of money to ask them to put out when you are asking them to come to be in your wedding.

By Andi on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 04:17 pm:

I agree with Vicki.

By Annie2 on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 04:50 pm:

I agree with Vicki, too.

By Kaye on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 04:54 pm:

If you are intent on getting married in vegas, WITH people there, then YEP I feel like it is your responsibility to pay. Typically bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for their own attire.

I am not sure of your reasoning to go to vegas, but if money is a concern then you could go and get married and just have a really nice reception at home. I know you were planning on doing that anyway, but you could do pics then and have everyone do tuxes or whatever for that.

Another option is to find a venue within driving distance, but still a romantic type wedding. You have lots of options!

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 07:25 pm:

Another option also is NOT to have a bridal party. Then people who come are guests that are paying for themselves and really want to be there. My best friend lives in Seattle (all of her family is in IN, and many friends). She just opted not to have a bridal party at all and it worked out great for them. It also was nice because then no one was eliminated for not being able to afford to get out there.

I agree with the others though, if you're having a bridal party, they are responsible for their own attire. I likely would not pay for all of their airfare and rooms if it were me, but I would pay a portion. Maybe half. That's just me though. If you really expect them all to be there and in the wedding, then you probably are going to have to foot the bill. If not, you might be excluding someone. Or maybe you could talk with them and see if you paid half maybe they could manage the other half.?? Just some ideas.

By Yjja123 on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 - 07:44 pm:

I would go to Vegas with your family and get married & enjoy a vacation. Once you get home had a reception and include your family & friends there. You could even renew your vows at the reception so everyone can see it.

By Reds9298 on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 07:08 am:

Great idea Yvonne.

By Debbie on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 08:35 am:

I wouldn't pay for their wedding attire since in a regular wedding the gromsmen/bridesmaids pay for this themselves. But, I would pay, or at least help pay, for their flights/rooms. I like Yvonne's suggestion.

By Conni on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 09:59 am:

I think in a situation like this you are just going to have to decide can we afford to fly them all in/pay for block of rooms for them all? If the answer is no, then you have to decide if you can pay for all rooms and wedding attire and they pay for their flights. Whatever you decide you just need to be very upfront and I know you be understanding if people were to say they cant afford to go, but will be happy to attend your reception locally later on...

We thought of taking our families to an island somewhere and getting married. But not many peopl in our families could afford the trip or afford to take off work. We couldnt afford to pay for it all. So we opted for a very small wedding in a glass chapel here that overlooks the lake. So we still had a pretty view and water to look at, and it was more affordable for us and our families... We then left the next day and went to Mexico for our honeymoon. So we got to have our family/kids present when we married and we got to go to beach too. It all worked out. lol

You could opt to have small local wedding at home and then honeymoon ALONE in Vegas.... My dh is all about us being alone the last yr or two (especially)... Just another thought!!

Your family may not have any issues w/ going, I may be reading more into your post then I should be! LOL I do that on occassion...

By Tonya on Thursday, March 9, 2006 - 10:45 am:

Thanks ladies for all of your advice. We are going to do it in Vegas family and a few best friends are going and they can all afford to pay their own ways they only 2 people I am worried about for money is my sister and Rich's best man. I think what will happen is we will hlep foot the bill for those 2. We are each only having 2 people stand up for us. My best friend and my sister and his best friend and my brother. Then our 2 kids. I have really been looking into Circus Circus for the ceremony. It is really pretty and affordable. Plus we can get a discount on the rooms by doing it there. We will only be there for 2 nights so missing work will not affect anyone everyone will have 1 vacation day they will use. I was just trying to think of ways to help cut costs for people but without breaking myself by paying for too much.

Again thanks ladies.