We’ve all seen them – the excited posts on social media of brides-to-be asking their closest friends to be part of their special day. As a new bride yourself, you have probably imaged the scenarios of asking each of your closest friends to join you in all of the wedding festivities as a bridesmaid. Did you imagine any of them saying “no, thank you.”?
In the moment, and probably a little while after, the feeling of rejecting may linger a little and that is okay. Just remember you are human and being invested and feeling hurt by someone as close to you as someone you’d ask to be in your wedding is a normal feeling.
Here are a few tips to guide you through these emotions as delicately as possible to keep your friendship intact:
Try Seeing it From Her Perspective
As hard as it may be to hear, sometimes people are not willing to be part of weddings, especially if there is a high price tag attached. Destination weddings, grandiose celebrations that require a lot of travel, and the general cost of being a bridesmaid adds up in the money department and some people may not be able to participate.
Other common reasons are: work schedules, family reasons (recently had a baby or is expecting soon), or the fear of being in front of people. Whatever it may be, keep in mind that it isn’t an easy thing for your friend to decline and there is most likely an underlining reason why. Sitting down with your friend to better understand her reasoning will soften the blow to you as well as maybe strengthen your friendship.
Include Her in Other Aspects of Your Wedding Journey
If she is choosing to not join you as an official member of your wedding party, respect her decision. Try to include her in other aspects of your wedding planning process that she feels more comfortable with like asking her to get ready with you and your maids the morning of and including her in all the parties leading up to the day.
Enjoy the Day and Process Regardless
Even though one of your friends, for whatever reason, declined to be part of your day, it is still a wonderful day that should be celebrated to the fullest. Along with the love of your life, your closest friends and family will be there to surround you with love and excitement and that is something in itself to celebrate.
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Erica Chambers is a freelance writer and blogger at Styles by the C. After living in New York City, she has made her permanent residence along the white sandy beaches of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with her husband, Michael, and fur child, Maxwell. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her exploring local brunch spots or designing a nursery for her and her husband’s first child, Leo.