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Akirah
Dedicated October 2019

Awkward “who’s in your wedding?” conversation

Akirah, on June 16, 2019 at 11:39 PM Posted in Family and Relationships 0 10
I spent this weekend with a good friend for the first time in awhile. She isn’t one of my bridesmaids, but I’ve asked her to read a poem during the ceremony. We had a conversation about whether I’m having bridesmaids and she appeared surprised to learn that I am, possibly because it’s my second wedding. There’s a part of me that also wonders if she was surprised that I haven’t asked her to be a BM, as I asked her to be a BM for my first wedding. At any rate, I really struggled with telling her who’s in the wedding and didn’t want to look her in the eye or anything. It just felt awkward.

This friend and I have a really honest relationship and I’m inclined to mention it again and explain my awkwardness. If I do, I’d want to keep it focused on how much she means to me and how grateful I am for her agreeing to read in the ceremony.

Has as anyone ever had a conversation like this with a friend? I know I don’t need to defend my decision about who I’ve asked to be in my wedding, but because this friend and I have such an open relationship, I think we can both handle the vulnerability I’d be bringing to the table by initiating this conversation. Thoughts?

10 Comments

Latest activity by Demi, on June 21, 2019 at 11:29 AM
  • CDickman
    VIP September 2019
    CDickman ·
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    She may have just been surprised you did not Brin it up before.
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  • Akirah
    Dedicated October 2019
    Akirah ·
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    Possibly. But this is a friend I don’t talk with frequently. We usually schedule weekend visits to spend time and catch up. So me not mentioning it sooner kinda fits our dynamic.
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  • Lynne
    Super August 2022
    Lynne ·
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    I have a friend like this. She is more jealous that I didn't ask her to be a bridesmaid. But I told her why I chose the people I did and then the jealousy went away. But, I felt awkward that I had to explain myself.
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  • Sinéad
    WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
    Sinéad ·
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    Hey Akirah!

    If you are merely bringing up the conversation again because you want to explain your own awkwardness, then I don’t feel like it is necessary. She will obviously understand the way you felt, especially since you told her that she wasn’t a BM in your wedding.

    If you feel like she is upset by not being chosen, or not being told sooner, then perhaps discussing it further is a good idea. I know you mentioned that she was surprised to find that you were having a bridal party, but did you feel like she was upset by not being chosen?

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  • Future Mrs. McCully
    Devoted July 2019
    Future Mrs. McCully ·
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    I sort of had an awkward conversation in the beginning of my wedding planning and an even more awkward conversation months into the planning.

    My best friend asked me who was in the wedding party and I explained to her that I chose just family - my 2 sisters, my FH's 2 sisters and my niece - she totally understood. A few months later his one sister dropped out and I had to ask that same friend to be in the wedding without sounding like she was plan b....I feel like I stumbled over my words and repeated myself like 90 times because I was so nervous she would feel slighted in some way.. I felt awful but she understood both times.

    The way I see it: you chose her to do something really beautiful on your big day and I am sure she understands your reasoning behind it! I don't think you have the need to explain yourself.

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  • Akirah
    Dedicated October 2019
    Akirah ·
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    Thank you! This is helpful. After the initial awkwardness, she appeared fairly supportive about the wedding. She made it clear that she’d be there and willing to do whatever is helpful for the big day. I feel grateful for her.
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  • Akirah
    Dedicated October 2019
    Akirah ·
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    Yes, surprised; but I’m not sure if she was upset. Your comment is very helpful, thank you!!!
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  • Katherine
    Expert July 2019
    Katherine ·
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    If you think that she's reasonable normally then maybe this was just her gut reaction, but she understands. I do think that it could be tricky sense she was your bridesmaid before. Like in an "oh no what have I done since then gosh am I the worst friend" spiral kind of way, but again, if she thinks it through she'll get it, and most likely already has. I'd just take some extra care to affirm this friendship and what she means to you. And like you said, her reaction could have been about her preconceived notions about 2nd marriages, and not about you at all. But if it is bothering you at all, I think it's worth talking to her about!

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  • Sinéad
    WeddingWire Administrator January 2025
    Sinéad ·
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    I'm so happy that she is so supportive of you.

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  • Demi
    Beginner August 2020
    Demi ·
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    I had to have that awkward conversation with a friend of mine.

    This particular friend is my neighbor, and she was there for me when I went through a nasty breakup a few years back, and we've been close ever since, even though shes about 20 years my senior. To be 100% honest, I think it would be a bit odd for my wedding party to be:

    me: 25
    my sisters: both 21
    FH's sister: 29
    FH's cousin: 24
    Friend: 46

    I think she was kind of expecting to be in the wedding party, and of course she pried and asked "so who are your bridesmaids?" ugh. The answer is at least somewhat easy for me, and I said "I really want it to be a family oriented wedding, so its going to be my sisters and 2 girls from his side of the family". I could tell she was a bit bummed, but in the end, it will be ok.

    Like you said, you don't need to defend your decision. I personally wouldn't bring it up again unless she says something.


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