74: How The Increasing Costs For Bridesmaids Is Ruining Friendships

When a bridesmaid says ‘yes’ to a bride, they must communicate clearly and early about expectations for commitment, assigned responsibilities and especially the costs. 

But it’s also essential for the bride to be aware of what she’s really asking of her family and friends when she excitedly proposes to them to be in her wedding party in the first place. 

The sentiment of friendship, closeness and fun that a bride may anticipate might not be reflected in real life and at the extremes, I’ve heard of many friendships and family relationships that have ended up destroyed beyond repair when the fairytale doesn’t match what happens when money, responsibilities, time constraints and close relationships all mix into one high-pressure and emotional life-altering event. 

The stakes are high, people.

 So this week, I’m going to delve deep into:

• The traditional role of bridesmaids and how they've changed,
• Some examples of the costs you can expect as a bridesmaid,
• What’s reasonable as far as expectations of a bridesmaid and how to communicate that, and
• My top tips for the bride and the bridesmaids they choose.

RESOURCES

Mama Mia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/average-cost-of-being-a-bridesmaid/

 CBC.ca: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/costofliving/bridesmaid-costs-1.6870502

 The Knot: https://www.theknot.com/content/what-bridesmaids-pay-for

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Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.