Be a Considerate Bride Avoid Bridesmaid Resentment
Be a Considerate Bride Avoid Bridesmaid Resentment
The Bridesmaid Burnout: A Hilariously Absurd Journey
In ancient times, bridesmaids weren’t exactly living their best lives. They were servants, forced to attend weddings against their will. Whether it was fending off evil spirits or guarding the door from intruders, bridesmaids had it tough. And let’s not forget their role in medieval times: soothing the bride’s nerves with plum buns soaked in spiced ale, all while dealing with uncooperative fathers and outrageous bride prices.
Fast forward to modern times, and being a bridesmaid is still an ordeal. Just ask my friend Emma, who is knee-deep in bachelorette parties she can’t afford and vacation days she can’t spare. “Bridesmaid-ing is a full-time f**king job,” she laments. And let’s not even get started on the astronomical expenses and the never-ending wedding-related texts.
But why do we keep saying yes to being bridesmaids? Olivia Oliasani, a business development manager, has the perfect response: “Why share the spotlight with five other women on your big day?” Who wants their pictures polluted, right? After all, that’s probably the best we’ll ever look in our entire lives!
As much as we may want to abolish the bridal party, the tradition persists. So here are some tips for brides to help their bridesmaids feel heard and considered:
Be democratic; use Google Forms.
Talia Morales, the wedding TikTok thought leader, has found a way to navigate the chaos. She created a detailed Google Forms survey for her bridesmaids, so communication is organized and hassle-free.
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Flag major expenses up front.
Before popping the bridesmaid question, outline the costs and give your potential bridesmaids an honest choice. Make it clear that it’s okay to decline if it doesn’t fit within their lives.
Communicate what is and isn’t important to you.
Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. Do you really need that extravagant bachelorette party, or is it just because Brittany had one? Let your bridesmaids know your priorities, so they can understand and support your choices.
Outsource if you can afford it.
If you’re lucky enough to have the budget, consider hiring a wedding coordinator or professional bridesmaids. It’ll help alleviate the stress for everyone involved.
Take no for an answer.
Give your potential bridesmaids the freedom to decline the offer without any hard feelings. Let’s encourage honest conversations and respect boundaries, even if it means redefining traditional roles.
Build your own traditions.
Who says you have to follow the rules? Make your wedding unique to you and your friend group. You can have your dog as the best man or even a hawk as the ring bearer. Be creative and break free from the traditional mold.
So, while the bridesmaid journey may be absurd and demanding, it doesn’t have to be a friendship-killer. Let’s find ways to make it fun, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone involved. After all, weddings should be about celebrating love, not stressing over matching t-shirts.
