Bridemaids

My thoughts are if a bridesmaid stepped down of their own accord (unless there are other issues that haven't been conveyed here) then it shouldn't be a friendship ending move.
Is there a reason she didn't buy her dress?

It depends on the reason. I've had a couple friends drop out of the party due to health issues (she's in California and my wedding is in South Carolina and it's hard for her to travel far from home) and another is iffy due to financial reasons. Neither are any reason I would get mad at them for, so there's no drama there.

If it's because of a dress, is it because it's too expensive for her or is it because she just doesnt want to take the time to find one?

The dress is the only requirement to be a bridesmaid.

I would be asking her why. Was it out of her budget? Does she not support the wedding? Did she forget? Did she fall on hard times?

I would put your wedding aside for one moment to talk to her and get down to the root of the issue. If you can move past it, let her know that you would still love for her to attend as a guest. If it is in your budget you could offer to buy the dress for her and she could pay you back if she really wants to be a bridesmaid.

Why didn’t she purchase the dress? I think it really depends on that and on how both of you handled the situation. If my closest friends couldn’t afford to be in my wedding I would never just cut them out of my life. Is whatever happened worth losing one of your closest friends?
The general consensus is that you shouldn’t replace someone just to have a certain number, it should be quality over quantity.

I originally had 5 bridesmaids and now only have 1 bridesmaid and a maid of honor. I had a falling out with 3 of the girls... long story.. and one decided last minute that she couldn't afford it as she's out of state and just trying to get her life together. I was upset at first but everything happens for a reason. Just talk to her about why she didn't get the dress? Maybe she's struggling financially.

One of my bridesmaids dropped out because of the price of the dress. We had a mature conversation about it and we are still friends. You just have to have open communication

I had my MOH step down - it was financial issues (she just bought a handyman special house) & there’s a lot going on w/ it & w/ her life in general. TBH I’m still a bit sad that she won’t be in the wedding, but we have moved on she will be at the wedding & her kids are in the wedding.

View Quoted Comment The dress was a little pricey ($300) but they had 5 months they could have ordered it but she has been on numerous trips like every month with other friends since January so that's what also makes me mad. I asked her quite a few times about getting the dress she always had some excuse on why she didn't order it so I just sent her a invite.

View Quoted Comment I don't think money was the problem she has been on vacations and trips on a monthly basis but didn't get the dress, so that leaves me to think it wasn't important enough to be in it

Nope avoided any conflict by not having a wedding party! Yippie!

View Quoted Comment Smart woman!!!

I feel like it will only change the relationship of you let it. If she didn't get her dress, there may be financial issues you aren't aware of and a lot more going on than you know. Naturally you're stressed as the bride but the pressure of being there and helping when sometimes you can't help yourself add on to stress too. You can be upset, or you can look at it as something that really may not be personal and just be happy having her as a guest.

View Quoted Comment "Stay out of other people's wallets" is a phrase I've fallen for here in the WW community.

No offense, but $300 is more than some brides spend on their OWN wedding dress. Did you even discuss this with her/bridal party before choosing a dress for that much? Did ste know the price before accepting?

Personally, I'd rather spend that money on a vacation than a dress I'll wear once for sure. It doesn't mean I don't love my best friend but $300 would be the most expensive piece of clothing I own (besides my wedding dress) and that's a ton of money for me! Your friend might be in a similar financial stress or just feel the same as I about how to spend it.

I assume you won't have to remove her, and she will remove herself since she won't have a dress? If not, then yes I would think removing a bridesmaid would forever change the friendship in a negative way. Also, replacing a bridesmaid is pretty rude to the replacement person since 1, they can't order the same dress (since you said the original bridesmaid didn't so I'm assuming it's too late to order) and 2, she obviously wasn't a good enough friend to be included the first time around since she wasn't asked. I'd just see if your other BM steps down and keep the number that's left.

View Quoted Comment

I agree with this, $300 is a ton of money to spend on a bridesmaids dress. I've been a bridesmaid twice, first dress was $150 and the second was $60. Both times I've had to buy shoes, get my nails done, pay for HAMU (optional but I opted to do it), pay for alterations, and pay for bridal shower & bach. So that is a TON of money. I consulted each girl individually prior to picking to set a budget for the dress AND I gave them 18 months to save for it and stayed on top of clearance dresses & deals.