Financial expectations for bridesmaids vary significantly by region.
Etiquette experts often suggest that the person "making the demands" should be the one to pay.
The approach is often mixed, though many modern Australian weddings see bridesmaids purchasing their own gowns while the couple covers beauty costs like hair and makeup. Control and Flexibility
Do most brides buy the bridesmaids dresses? : r/weddingplanning
The question of who pays for bridesmaid dresses is one of the most debated topics in modern wedding etiquette, often revealing a sharp divide between traditional norms and evolving cultural expectations. While there is no universal law, the responsibility typically shifts based on geography, the bride’s degree of control over the attire, and the financial transparency established early in the planning process. The Geographic Divide
Cultural standards lean toward the bride and groom paying for the bridesmaid dresses. It is often considered a faux pas to ask a bridesmaid to pay for an outfit the bride has chosen.
Traditionally, bridesmaids are expected to cover the cost of their own dresses, alterations, and accessories. The logic is that the invitation to be in the wedding party is an honour that carries certain personal expenses.