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Jai
VIP May 2020

Bridesmaid dropped out

Jai, on September 29, 2019 at 4:34 PM Posted in Planning 0 14
I don't know how I should feel. I asked a friend Friday night to be my bridesmaid; we recently reconnected, we've been friends off and on for the past 17 years (both of us are 25 now). She said yes! She is recently married herself, works fulltime and has a newborn. She texted me today and told me she cant be my bridesmaid because after some thought and discussion with her husband, she feels as though she can't dedicate herself to it because of having to find a sitter (she has family watching her child), getting days off of work for certain things, and wants to start trying for another baby in january 2020. I have a backup I can use, but feel hurt and let down because why tell me yes, just to change your mind a day later? I'm contemplating If I should even still be friends with her. Shes already invited to our wedding, which is May 9 2020. I dont know if this sounds selfish, but I'm considering not being friends with her since she cant be there for me on my big day and it makes me feel mad at myself for even asking her to be a bridesmaid to begin with.

14 Comments

Latest activity by Jeanie, on September 29, 2019 at 8:20 PM
  • V
    Champion July 2019
    Veronica ·
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    It honestly sounds like she got caught up in the excitement of being asked, but after further thought realized it wasn't a good idea. Personally, I think it is better that she was honest with you rather than her trying to commit to be your bridesmaid only to realize later on she can't fully commit to the role after all.

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  • Sarah
    Master September 2019
    Sarah ·
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    I agree. It sounds like she was excited but realized after speaking to her husband and taking some time to think that being in the wedding isn’t something she can commit to right now. If you’d stop being friends with her over that, that’s your choice but yes I think that’s selfish.
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  • Jai
    VIP May 2020
    Jai ·
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    Yes I love her honesty! That meant alot. Better now than later
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  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    That sounds like a really selfish reason to lose a friend.
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  • Mrs. Bubba
    VIP September 2019
    Mrs. Bubba ·
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    It’s better for her to let you know now instead of later. I and another 👰 did the same. She got married 2 weeks before me. I told her that I couldn’t be a part of both, but I would provide whatever support that I could. She then told me the next week that she couldn’t do both either. We did attend each other’s Weddings (which were lovely if I do say so myself). I couldn’t imagine a better outcome.
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  • Cyndy
    Master May 2019
    Cyndy ·
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    I would say it’s good that she was honest with you now. She likely was so excited you asked and she really wanted to do it that she said yes. After thinking about it more she clearly thought about the commitment it would take and was honest with herself and you. That’s a good thing. Personally I would not fit her out of your life.
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  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    You're hurt right now and I understand you were excited for her to be a part of your party but it isn't really something to lose a friendship over considering she sounds very valid.
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  • Courtney
    Dedicated October 2019
    Courtney ·
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    I agree with pp, she may have just gotten caught up in the excitement and later realized she may not be able to be there for you the way you need her to be. I wouldn’t stop being friends with her.
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  • Megan
    Expert October 2019
    Megan ·
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    As a mom myself, I could see myself getting caught up in the excitement of being part of your day and then realizing all of the complications later. I'm sure her intent wasnt to hurt your feelings. I think you should take this as a good thing... she knew she couldnt prioritize you and bowed out gracefully and tactfully. If you honestly love her, and want her to be a part of your life... just let it go. We all make mistakes, and at least she tried to rectifiy it quickly so you could prepare. Smiley smile Best wishes in all your planning.
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  • Sara
    Expert February 2020
    Sara ·
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    I agree with all of the previous posters..including caytlyn who you asked to leave because she said it sounds like a selfish reason to lose a friend. You said you didn't know if it sounded selfish or not and she gave you her opinion; which is one that I share. If you're going to ask an entire forum of people for their opinions; take all of them into consideration and accept the advice gracefully..whether it is something you wanted to hear or not.

    A new marriage, a new baby and a full time job is a lot to have on her plate. From the sounds of the posts in here, being a bridesmaid for some people has a lot of responsibility attached to it..and there is no way I would want to be tied into that with a newborn while working full time. Heck, I probably wouldn't want to if I was a stay at home mom. It's like agreeing to go out at night only to come home and remember that there's laundry and dishes to do, you have stuff due at work..etc. The responsibility hits hard once you're away from friends and back home.
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  • A
    Dedicated October 2022
    Allison ·
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    It seems like she wants to but she realizes she can't commit to it the way you deserve. I think its nice of her to be so honest especially since shes backing out.

    One of my bridesmaids has been my friend for 20 years and has two children. My expectations of her are much less than my MOH and my other bridesmaid but it wouldn't feel right without her in my bridal party. I'm paying for her dress and I'm not requiring her to attend extra events if she just can't. I also realize her kids come first.

    Its up to you but if just having her stand up with you is enough and if you can cover some of her expenses that may sway her decision. But if you need her unwaivered support and can't pay her way you may need to accept finding someone else.
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  • Jai
    VIP May 2020
    Jai ·
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    I like your suggestion, but she feels as though if she cant commit herself fully then she rather not be in it
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  • B
    Just Said Yes June 2020
    Barbara ·
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    Hi Jaimie first off congrats on your engagement
    it is great that she got back the next day and not a month later.A lot goes on in people life and they don’t want to share half of it we never know the whole story please don’t uninvite her ,,,invite her to everything show her what she is missing go with plan two but at some point let plan 2 know that she is plan 2 so no one else will be able to and Jaimie it’s all about you!!!!
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  • Jeanie
    Super February 2020
    Jeanie ·
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    I wouldn’t cut off the friendship over this. It sounds like she was trying to do the right thing. She didn’t ghost you, she didn’t say mean things about your or your fiancé, and she didn’t make things difficult for the rest of your bridal party. Maybe if you still want her as a bridesmaid, ask her to reconsider with her only requirement to show up in a dress. Let her know you understand she’s got a lot going on and you will be ok if she can’t plan a shower or anything else. Unfortunately life happens that sometimes doesn’t coincide well with our wedding. You have plenty of time to fill the bridesmaid spot if you choose, or time to plan your wedding with one less bridesmaid. I’m sorry you had this happen, but I don’t think it’s worth losing a friend over.
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