I was a bridesmaid three times in Toronto. One time the bride paid for the dress but only because there was conflict between the sister and her friends and then we were responsible for makeup and hair. The other two times, the bridesmaid is responsible to buying the dress but the bride paid for the makeup and hair. Bride is responsible for the bridesmaid bouquet too. Bridesmaid are also usually responsible for shoes and jewelry. But you need to be mindful of your friend's budget too... If you require $300 dress + $100 new shoes + $50 jewelry... that's a lot of money and Bridesmaids usually plan and pay for the bachelorette (Bridal shower sometimes is the bride or family). All my friends were frugal and we got dresses around $100 and wore shoes we already had (Like black pumps or nude flats) However, brides usually gives a gift. One bride paid for new shoes and another gave swaroski earrings on the wedding morning. --- We went to places in Mississauaga; Sophie's Gown, Izabella and Best for Brides -- These three shops are pretty close to each other! They have wedding dresses too. Sophie's Gown also has a outlet next door so you could try your luck for a great deal. There is also Ferre Sposa in Toronto that a friend a friend owns and it looks great but I've never been. My friend got her dress from kleinfeld but she had a big budget.
