Friend stole my idea

Paying for bridesmaids dresses is fairly common. Probably more bridesmaids don't pay then the ones that do pay, but a fair share pay. Totes are also SUPER common gifts for bridesmaids and flower girls. Like so common. I don't think she is "stealing" any of your ideas especially since neither idea is uncommon in all weddings.

She may not be stealing on purpose, she just might be impressed by what you are doing

I think this is a little over the top. It’s not like you showed her your entire decor scheme and she went out and purchased it. You’re both doing something nice for your bridesmaids. Let this go. Show her the tote or don’t, but that’s also something that’s fairly popular so even if you don’t show it to her she might end up with something similar.

No I wouldn't say you're wrong for feeling that but I'd also say try to let it go because wedding ideas aren't original anymore so she could have very well gotten the idea later on from somewhere else eventually too. Wedding things now a days are very common with the Advent of social media. What with pinterest people can just all end up with the same or similar enough ideas but it doesn't really matter in the end because everyone's wedding will always be so special regardless of similar aspects. For instance my friend said she wanted glow sticks at hers and I ended up getting them too because it was a good idea but it's not like I purposefully wanted to copy her

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I'm just a little upset but not too upset.

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I will definitely let it go, it's just at the moment I got a little upset.

I wouldn’t be mad at all... it’s not like she got the same dresses. She probably wasn’t sure what was the norm, or who should pay so she was asking you.

She essentially asked for advice “what is normal for this?” You gave advice “this is what I’m doing” and then she followed the advice and now you’re mad?

View Quoted Comment It's more like, I got a little irritated not mad. The irritability didn't last long.

This is super dramatic. She didn’t steal a single thing from you.

If it's plans for events and decor she's copying, you'd be justified in thinking she's stealing.

Taking your etiquette advice isn't a problem at all though!! She's probably just taking your word for it that that's how things work-- not consciously stealing something she thought was your original idea.

I agree this is overly dramatic. I was expecting to see something like she completely copied your wedding vision, decor, dress, etc. which would still be, eh, so what. Most weddings are copy cats of what we see on Pinterest, celebrity weddings, magazines, etc. Instead, as others have already said, what you have mentioned are super common. A lot of brides buy their BMs' dresses and give totes as gifts. Nothing you said was original to you.

I just think she liked the idea. I am sure a lot of us has gotten Ideas from other brides on here that we have used. I know I have.

I would let this go. Honestly, this never would have been an issue for me. She asked for advice on etiquette, which you offered. Is she supposed to totally ignore what you recommended? I think not.

View Quoted Comment I agree with this. I was definitely expecting some huge thing she stole (colors, scheme, dress, etc.) and to find out what she “stole” was doing something fairly common? I wouldn’t call that stealing at all. I’d be flattered she’s coming to you for advice.

This literally was not “stealing” anything.

This is kind of what we do in these forums. We ask what other’s are doing and take inspiration.

If she decided to do the same theme as you I may be a bit more concerned, but paying for dresses isn't necessarily a unique idea. I wouldn't be upset but if it is something you want to be cautious of, then you don't need to share any more with her.

Wait your upset that she asked for advice, you gave it to her and now shes using it? Do you know how many brides pay for bridesmaids dresses and have them pay for hair and shoes? You didnt invent it.
She didnt steal anything from you. If you chose a dress and she copied it, that would be different.
Maybe she is just following your lead on things.
Take it as a compliment and move on.

Its super common and she basically asked for advice and took. I don't think it's worth having feelings for.
If you don't want to give her specifics then don't for the rest of it, just say I bought item at place or for under amount. And she can figure it out herself.
Decorations, menu, venue, dress, would be more concerning.