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EM
Just Said Yes October 2018

Should i ask my bridesmaid to step down

EM, on August 2, 2021 at 4:28 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 10

I need some advice on what to do! A family member, who I've asked to be a bridesmaid isn't in the position financially or mentally to dedicate any resources to be in my wedding. She's been dealing with a lot- boyfriend troubles and her kids are always sick, plus COVID. Everyone is struggling, but her more than others. And I realize/see that.

Trust me when I say I am not a bridezilla. I have been VERY lax with everything. I am paying for beauty services the day of, let the BMs choose whatever shoes, hair style, jewelry they please, and gave everyone 10 dress options to choose what they would feel comfortable in (all dresses were under $100).

When it comes to the bachelorette party, we are leaving in 35 days and she has yet to buy her plane ticket or pay for a few things (group events, decor, etc.) For reference, everyone else bought their tickets 4 months ago. I have stayed out of that as much as possible since MOH is planning, however its come to the point where MOH is asking me what's going on (since she foot the cost of everything up front and is expecting BM to pay her back).

I feel like everyone is on the same page except this one BM. They are all planning to order dresses in a week to try and stay in the same color lot (suggested by the retailer). I am worried she won't buy her dress just as the plane ticket. I know this is putting a lot of stress on her so I am wondering if I should have a talk with her and say no hard feelings but I would be just as happy with you as a guest if you'd like! It would give her the out if she needs/wants one. How should I approach the situation?

10 Comments

Latest activity by Jacks, on August 2, 2021 at 9:20 PM
  • Marie
    Savvy September 2021
    Marie ·
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    I hate to be that person. But ultimately, all you can really ask bridesmaids to do is stand up with you in a dress. If she can't afford the bach, it's an optional event. I get that it's diappointing, but it's the truth. If you're concerned about her getting the dress, talk about it with her. If you're in the position offer to help pay (it's what I would do and I have a bridesmaid in a very similar position). If you really want her to stand up there with her, talk to her about it. But asking her to step down is a relationship ended pretty typically. It's hard to come back from.
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  • C
    Super July 2020
    Cool ·
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    She’s not obligated to go to the bachelorette party and it doesn’t sound like she’s in a position to do so. I’d assume she isn’t coming and/or give her an out. With the dress, you have trust adults to be adults and take care of their responsibilities. If she hasn’t stepped down, she doesn’t want to. If you kick her out it’s a friendship ending move. It doesn’t sound like she’s done anything harmful.
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  • Samantha
    VIP October 2022
    Samantha ·
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    I don't know what your relationship is like, so I can't predict her response. I know that if I was struggling like that, I would be relieved at being asked to step down, but maybe a little hurt. At various times in my life I've struggled with things - finances, mental health - and my good friends made room for that. They didn't expect me to spend money, and understood that work and kids took too much from me to do much for recreation.

    If she's having boyfriend troubles, could he be pressuring her about money? I see through a lens of being in a financially abusive marriage and he would have made my life hell if I had wanted to buy a plane ticket for a fun weekend.

    This could be friendship ending, yes. And it's not your responsibility to help her or give her grace right now, if that's not something you have room for.

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  • Janet
    Expert October 2018
    Janet ·
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    Is the bachelorette travel, lodging, and activities all within her budget? Or was it planned, then the bill was split?

    Either way, if she is on hard times (which can happen at any moment for anyone), then I wouldn't expect anything other than getting the dress and showing up for the wedding.

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  • EM
    Just Said Yes October 2018
    EM ·
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    Sorry shoud have clarified that costs were known upfront and she still said yes she would come on the trip. She wasn't forced or expected to come whatsoever.

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  • Givemeallthepups
    Expert February 2020
    Givemeallthepups ·
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    I would let her try to sort herself out first--she might be doing all that she can to be there for you and that's ok.

    For the bachelorette, while you might want her there, I don't think you should ask her to step down if she's unable to attend. Ultimately, if she doesn't buy a plane ticket, so just doesn't go and that's her choice. I think when bridal stores tell you to purchase from the same dye lot, it's a sales tactic. I've purchased bridesmaid dresses used multiple times and you definitely couldn't tell that it was a different dye lot than the other bridesmaids. If she doesn't get a dress by the wedding, that would be an issue obviously, but I would try to give her as much time as you can to sort herself out.

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  • Viviana
    Dedicated October 2022
    Viviana ·
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    I would talk to her and just check-in to see where she's at/what she's thinking - and emphasizing that there is no pressure, but you'd like to know in order to move forward with planning.

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  • C
    Super July 2020
    Cool ·
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    Her circumstances may have changed since then.
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  • Vicky
    VIP January 2020
    Vicky ·
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    Dye lots aren't an issue anymore with the way that they mix colors by computer, so don't stress everyone buying dresses together (there's no guarantee that they would come from the same dye lot anyway, even if you order them all at the same time). She just needs to order a dress and receive it by your wedding day.

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  • Jacks
    Champion November 2054
    Jacks ·
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    What everyone else said. She's not obligated to go to the bachelorette, especially one that requires plane travel in a pandemic. If she can get her dress before the wedding day then she's fine.

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