@twoinanddone maybe you misread or I wasnt clear, but I meant for the mom to tell her daughter that this was an expense that her bridesmaids may not be able to undertake.
DD’s hair and make up session involved no photographers or videography. Some bridesmaids took a few photos. It was delightfully low key. She hosted all her bridesmaids in the same hotel as her; we were in a transformed conference room. Photos of bride dressing/prepping were done later at venue. I had offered shirts or robes; they were declined by bride. She had no interest in matching outfits.
For her, the complexities of the wedding, paired with her pragmatic temperament, created a risk of “wedding nicety fatigue”. There are a lot of fun possibilities; the key seems to be doing what works for the players.
DIL also got attendants waffle-weave robes for the hair/makeup session as the bride’s gift. About $20 from etsy with matching tote bag. Both D1 and D2 took the robe to college and still use the bag 2 years later. The pix turned out very nice.
I think D1 will do the same thing for her 2019 wedding.
We had photos of bridesmaids getting ready, as well as groomsmen. The photographers split up, but the the videographer stayed with the bride (you know who was more important 
).
My daughter also purchased matching short floral robes for the bridesmaids MIL and myself. The girls wore one colir, and the mothers another. My daughter wore a white pj set. As the robes were cheap, after washing they require ironing. Mine is still in my closet wrinkled as I am not really a robe wearer, especially a short robe. For the pictures they served the purpose.
Funny, @oldfort, somehow we have more pictures of the groom and groomsmen getting ready than the bride! Must say, works for me as I have some amazing pictures of my 6’3" S2 helping his 5’11" rather tie his tie and gussy up! Wish my D was hanging with the guys for this step!
DD also gave her bridesmaids the clothes to wear for makeup and hair time. She had fun…got Thai pants, and cotton knot tops with each girls first initial monogrammed on it. I think she ordered from Etsy.
And our photographer was there…and his second shooter was with the guys. We have some fun pics of them getting ready.
I don’t know what Thai pants are. I’m just amazed by all these extras that still cost $$$. Couldn’t one buy white Ts in XL that could easily slip off the head?
It’s all about the pictures.
D1 paid for her future SIL’s hair and makeup because she was going to be in so many pictures. The future SIL felt special. So it was all good.
@bookworm, of course they all cost money. I think that, as with everything wedding-related, choices are made with budgets and visions in mind. No one needs any of this, and choices can be made to accommodate all budgets. Nothing is wrong or right, just personal choice based on personal circumstances. I can’t really describe Thai pants, but my D referred to the ones she brought home from Thailand as fisherman’s pants and they are lightweight, wide-legged pants with a wide waistband. Very comfy.
If anyone is interested, I think what people are calling Thai pants are similar to pants on a site harempants. My son wore their yoga pants for a time. They are pretty inexpensive, and seemed to be a “thing” with him and his friends a couple of years ago. They were very comfy, and lighter than sweats.
DIL did matching flowered robes for the Bridesmaids/MOH and solid peach colored, less sheer robes for me and her mom. I really like mine.
I didn’t get a robe. Hmmm
I didn’t get a pair of Thai pants and a shirt!
For brides who would like to break away from wearing heels:
https://www.keds.com/en/women-ourcollections-wedding/
No.
Not even for the reception?
After all pictures are done. I could think of better shoes for the reception, but every bride has the look they are after.
DIL wore dressy flats for the whole event. She wanted to be comfortable, and not taller than DS in photos (which she may have if she was in heels!)
My daughter also wore dressy “wedding” flats all day. She is close to six feet tall; exact height as her DH. She wanted comfort and the ability to dance all night. Love that there are now true options for dressy flats when you need or want them.