We paid for the bm dresses, shoes and accessories. We also paid for the mens attire.
I don't think that there is a set way to do these things though. If I was asked to pay for my dress (if i'm ever asked to be a bm again) i'd do it without hesitation and wouldn't think it odd at all.
Just that we could afford to buy the dresses at the time so we did.
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Saturday 16th June 2001 - St Catherine's Church, 
Some people are like slinkies, not really good for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs