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Samie
Just Said Yes July 2022

Bridesmaid will not compromise. i need help.

Samie, on February 14, 2022 at 9:47 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 28

Hi, I am in need of some help. One of my bridesmaids is making me compromise more than she is willing to. I changed the style of the shoe we will all wear because she said she would absolutely not wear the shoes I wanted because she doesn't like them. Also, said it does not matter what shoe we wear we will be in a long dress. So now I compromised and am giving 6 options of shoes, all different price range and included the shoe style she prefers.

Now we are having dress issues... I am letting everyone pick their own dress from David Bridal, a long, juniper Chiffon dress. This BM went on her own to try on a dress and showed it to me. She wanted a dress that has lace on it. I said directly to her that I would like to see it on her so I can decide because I am not sure the lace look fits what I am wanting. I go shopping with her to try dresses on. She only tries 4 on, is very rude to the stylist, will not let her size her and decides she is done. Also did not put the lace dress on. When we are leaving she finally tells me one dress was nice. I asked if she was still thinking about the lace dress and she said no. She then goes shopping next weekend with my sister (BM)...acts the same way. The following week we have made plans to go to two davids bridals with my other BMs. She cancels on us very last minute for both appointments. After the appointment I texted her saying, "I understand you couldn't make it today, we still have time to go shopping. We can go this week together.... Also, I am going to tell all the BM this but I don't want anyone to get the type of dress with lace on it. I think it will stick out too much with all the other dresses for the look I am wanting. More flow, no lace."

She write back "welp, wish you would have said that sooner." Turns out she went behind my back and bought the lace top dress two weeks ago without telling me and still went dress shopping even after buying the dress. Then I tell her I would like to sit down with her in person the next day.

This is where things get bad. I explain to her how I am not feeling supported and how I already had to compromise on the shoes and I really do not want to compromise on the dress and it upsets me that she lied to me. I ask if she will exchange the dress, (you can do this at davids bridal at no extra cost). My BM response.. "this is the only dress I will wear, this is my money I am spending and I LOVE this dress. I will not change it." She also says... "it's just a dress everyone is still going to be looking at you, you shouldn't care what dress I am wearing when I am spending my own money." After this I was very upset and said I needed time to think.

Before I asked her to be my BM I explained how much a dress, shoes and alterations would cost. My MOH also had a conversation with her too and my BM agreed to being in the wedding. I even offered to help pay for the dress if she needed it. She also just last month told me how excited she was and that she has saved so much money already.

As a bride, I am not feeling supported and I am feeling like nothing will make her happy. She has not had fun with any of the things we have done together so far as a bridal group. She is not going to the bachelorette trip (which I understand because of money). When I asked if she would like to plan something for us to do in town for a little bachelorette celebration night she said no I don't want to do that. I said ok...

I have been friend's with her for over 10 years, we knew each other since HS and were roommates in college. She is also my and my fiancé's roommate for the last 3 years. She needed a place to stay and we had just moved into our house together so we offered her a room. She knows after the wedding she will need to move out. We have been upfront about that.

I am at the point where I can either let her wear the dress (which I am very upset about) or ask if she will just come as a guest. I am worried if I let her wear the dress there will just be another issue that comes up. I am trying to be accommodating and understanding but she is not willing to compromise at all. I also wish she never lied to me.

At this point I feel like she is wanting me to kick her out of the wedding party.

28 Comments

Latest activity by tania, on February 16, 2022 at 12:10 PM
  • James
    James ·
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    She sounds like hard work. It's your special day, and she sounds likes she's trying to sabotage it to me. I'd tell her to get lost. Say you can enjoy spending your money elsewhere. Because even if she changes the dress and does everything you want, it's obvious that on the day she's going to do something else, e.g turn up in something else, turn up with a random plus one, moan all day, point out that she didn't want to wear the dress etc. I think it would be a lot better for you to just let her go, so you can concentrate on what matters.. You.. Oh and the groom.
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  • mrswinteriscoming
    VIP December 2021
    mrswinteriscoming ·
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    From what you have said, you have been more than accommodating and it sounds like this bridesmaid couldn’t care less about going with what you want and is to preoccupied on the “me” train - I think you need to have a stern chat with this bridesmaid – she has gone rogue and it sounds to me like she has the level of stubbornness that will continue to cause you issues unless you reign her in now.

    Have a heart to heart with her and explain to her that her actions are causing you stress and that you have so far done everything to accommodate her and she needs to make a decision whether or not she would prefer to attend as a guest, or, if she will honour what you have asked for in the interests of being your bridesmaid. If you put the burden on her to make a decision based on what suits her, it will come off a bit more understanding as the ball will be placed in her court.

    Good luck!

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  • Samie
    Just Said Yes July 2022
    Samie ·
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    Thank you for the advice and taking the time to ready my long post.
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  • A
    Dedicated April 2023
    Ashley ·
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    Wow! She's so unreaonable, especially since you gave her 6 shoes options to choose from and let your girls pick their dress. I would have sided with her , had you picked verything yourself but that's not the case.

    You also said "At this point I feel like she is wanting me to kick her out of the wedding party" : honestly I would kick her out because regardless of her opinion on this, I wouldn't keep someone who wants to make the planning and the day-of about them. We skipped the WP for multiple reasons, drama involving bridesmaids & groomsmaids is one, to be honest. Most bridesmaids & groomsmaids for my fiancé's sister and her husband behaved this way too! I was a bridesmaid and I even dropped out because I couldn't stand drama anymore, to the point that I know from the get-go I didn't want to have a WP for our wedding anf neither did my future husband.

    I'm not sure why bridesmaids & groomsmaids love drama and don't hesitate to start arguments/fight with the bride while groomsmen & bridesmen are easy going.

    If i felt this girl would cause tension/drama on the day of, I would kick her out without question.

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  • L
    Super August 2023
    Lunajay ·
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    Sound like she is coming to the wedding as a guest to me. I don't see how people can be so rude and picky about a wedding that is not even theirs. But really would have did it for me was her going behind my back and buying a dress I didn't approve. Not happening with me. If she wants to be sour that's fine with me, but I wouldn't deal with it 10 years of friendship or not.

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  • Amairani
    Beginner May 2023
    Amairani ·
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    That is completely not fair to you at all. It is YOUR wedding day.

    My bridesmaid are not big fan of the color pink, and its my favorite color. One was honest and said she doesn't like the color but she'll wear whatever I'd like for her to wear and another said its my wedding day they're my bridesmaids and will support me in whatever choices I make.

    Your bridesmaid are meant to help and support you, not bring you down.

    Besides there are far more other things to stress out about and this should not be one of them.

    I understand she is your friend, but she's not being a supportive friend towards you.

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  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks ·
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    Kicking out a bridesmaid will likely end the friendship, but they do only have one job, get the dress and show up. If you guys can't come to an understanding, you can ask her to come as a guest. I would caution you that the potential fallout may look like you've been overly controlling. How much social enmeshing do you have with this person?

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  • Natalie
    Super November 2020
    Natalie ·
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    Clearly she does not understand the role of bridesmaid, and you have been very accommodating, as many times bridesmaids have had to both pay and wear dresses and shoes they despise. Has she always been “difficult” about things, or has it just been about your wedding? It seems like there are possibly bigger issues at play. You mentioned that she currently lives with you but will need to move out once you and FH are married. Could she be resentful of you and your wedding because of this? More so if finances are also a concern.
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  • Kristen
    Expert February 2023
    Kristen ·
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    She sounds like a crappy friend. Agreeing to be a bridesmaid means to be there to support the bride and be a good friend - she is doing neither. You should not be spending another minute stressing over this, my love. Let this one go. Don’t stress over how she feels, she obviously did not bat a lash over how you have felt.

    Edited by WeddingWire
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  • Keyra
    Dedicated August 2022
    Keyra ·
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    Cut her from the wedding now. she is causing you too much stress and you have enough on your plate. I am so sorry that you are going through this and I wish this on no one. I hope this doesn't ruin your wedding vision.

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  • Samantha
    Super May 2022
    Samantha ·
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    I agree, tell her if she won't exchange the dress, unfortunately she is welcome to attend the wedding as a guest only. Its not hard to make a bride happy on one day, especially a bride as accommodating as you. She definitely sounds like she has some resentment issues toward you, maybe because she is losing her place to live, but that's life. I wouldn't want a friend living with me after getting married either. Good luck, keep us posted!

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  • Alysa
    Just Said Yes May 2023
    Alysa ·
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    Kick her out. You won’t regret it
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  • V
    Rockstar July 2019
    Veronica ·
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    I'm obviously the odd one out here as I think you are actually being the one that was unreasonable. I don't think it's reasonable to have expected everyone to wear the same exact shoes. I also agree with her that the dresses are long so their shoes won't really be visible. If anything, I would have just asked them to wear the same color shoes. As for the dress, she shouldn't have lied to you. But as long as it's the right color and length it really shouldn't matter if it has lace. You should want your bridesmaids to feel comfortable and pretty. It sounds like you are focusing more on their image than what they are comfortable in.
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  • Sharon
    Super September 2021
    Sharon ·
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    Was she always like this? If not I agree with the PP. It sounds like there's more at play here, especially given that you're roommates. Maybe she's resentful that you're getting married and she has to move out. Maybe she feels like she's going to be left behind once you start your new life. Who knows what's going on with her? I would try to do something together, just the two of you, not wedding related, have an honest talk with her and ask her what's going on with her and if she's ok.
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  • A
    Expert September 2022
    Allie ·
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    I *totally* agree with Natalie on this one. I also think there are bigger issues at play. Maybe sit down with her and have a heart-to-heart on this transition and how it will be on both of you? By no means should you back down and let her continue living with y'all after you're married or anything (it was SUPER nice of y'all to take her in in the first place), but just talk about the emotions that this whole transition can stir up. Best of luck to you!!!

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  • J
    Just Said Yes April 2023
    Joanna ·
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    Honestly? This is exactly why I’m not having any bridesmaids, nor is my FH having any groomsmen. I don’t deal well with drama like this! Seems to me like you’ve been plenty patient with her. I would tell her she’s coming as a guess or not able to come at all!
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  • T
    Expert May 2010
    Theresa ·
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    So, what are the chances that if you ask her to attend as a guest she shows up in the lace topped bridesmaid gown? I think I'd be tempted to just uninvite her. It sounds like she's all about her, not remotely about you, and isn't really a friend anymore.

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  • R
    Dedicated March 2022
    Renee ·
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    She sounds like a crazy person

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  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks ·
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    I agree with this as well. Expectations may be unrealistic.

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  • L
    Lady ·
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    I agree 100% with Veronica. It's silly to dictate shoes at all ESPECIALLY in long dresses that you won't even see. If she is paying for the dress of course she gets a say in which one she buys. Honestly, as long as it's the same color and length I think you're blowing this way out of proportion. It's totally ok to not like lace, but it will not at all change the "look" or "vibe" of your wedding.

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