Bridesmaid can't make the wedding. What to do instead?

Just have an uneven wedding party. It's not a big deal! I don't think having someone step in will make that person or your original bridesmaid feel good, especially if you're allowing her to join back in the party if she gets a job. You can have the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk in single file or have the men at the front already. There's tons of options.

Just have 2 guys walk with 1 girl. Problem solved. I would not ask anyone to step in - I would be incredibly hurt if I was just asked to fill a hole, personally.

Just remember that these people are not there to fill quotas, but rather because they are the most important people in your life and you want them to stand with you while you are wed. I wouldn't "replace" her. Uneven sides are normal.

Just leave it as is. Don't have someone else step in. So many things wrong with that...but not a big deal to just be short a BM. (Everytime I type or see BM I think bowl movement and not bridesmaid...just a little off topic humor there. Sorry).

Sorry your friend lost her job, but good for her realizing that financially she couldn't handle going to a wedding. I know it sucks that she won't get to be there, but just be there as a friend for her. This is hard for her and probably super frustrating since she has been looking for 3 months now and hasn't gotten any offers. Hopefully everything works out for the best for her...and regardless your wedding will be great.

This might be an odd idea but you can have the best man walk by himself or already up there with the groom.

I am so sorry, because it sucks. Does anyone have Frequent Flyer miles she can use?

Don't pick a B-list bridesmaid at this point. That would be hurtful to the person being replaced because...well...it shows her that she can be replaced. And it's hurtful to the stand-in because she would know she was only invited because the person you really wanted couldn't make it.

Can you cover your friend's airfare?

Just leave it as is. Either have them walk separately or have one guy walk two girls.

Calm down... I had a list of 10 wonderful women I would love to be by my side and had to reduce it down to 6... I'm not hiring an extra or seat filler by any means. I kinda wondered when I posted if there were going to be some attacks... Haha.

The two guys going down with one girl is a good idea. I haven't seen uneven parties before, so I didn't know how they are typically handled. I will probably lean that way just in case she can suddenly make it.

My wedding is Saturday. One of my bridesmaids just informed me she might not be able to make it due to a funeral that may be scheduled for the same day.

Instead of scrambling- the best man will stand up with my FH and the rest of the bridal party will walk evenly.

Life happens. Stay uneven

I don't have any miles I could give her, otherwise I would in a heartbeat.

The thought of paying for her airfare crossed my mind. I'm a little hesitant just in case one of the other girls found out, all but one of my girls are flying in.

Sigh.. gotta love the curve balls.

I would just have the best man walk up to the altar with FH. He may need someone to catch him when he faints when you come down the aisle.

@MDEasternshorebride - awww you are too cute! Thanks for the encouraging words!

I had 2 BMs drop out. for the ceremony, traditionally the men do not process and for the reception, i'm having 2 goofy GMs walk in together. i'm sure they'll end up skipping and holding hands

I'm so confused because I read nothing that sounded hostile or like someone was "attacking"...

But besides that, I do think you have offered all that you can. If she is actively looking there is a good chance she should get a job by the time of your wedding, but if she does not then there truly is nothing wrong with uneven sides.

First thing is to tell her you understand and make sure she knows she's your BM in your heart, regardless of whether she is there.

Do not replace her or cut a GM. That will make her feel replaceable, make the new girl feel like she's second string, and will make the GM feel like he was nothing more than a prop to you and FH. Have an uneven WP and have two GM walk with one BM. No big deal. Plus, if things turn around for your friend and she is able to make it, then her spot will have been waiting for her.

My mom was very hell bent on me sending her a formal invite thru the mail and no returned rsvp card i know they recieved it, its literally sitting in theyre junk mail pile... rsvps/guest list are prob my least favorite steps of the whole process

Just leave as is. If she's able to come last minute even better

I've actually never been to a wedding where the BM doesn't come in with the groom. That would fix your "dilemma" perfectly.

It's okay to have uneven sides. Don't ask anyone to back out or try to ask anyone to step in it's too soon