One of the last things you will ever guess will happen when you carefully pick and chose your bridesmaids is that one will drop out of your bridal party, or worse, you’ll have to ask one of your bridesmaids to “step down”. Whether the reason for this falling out has to do with a friendship that’s been lingering on the rocks for a while or because you’re dealing with a friend who is just not showing their supportive side to you during a time when you most likely need the most, having bridesmaid quit their role pre-wedding is something that isn’t out of the norm. This happens more than people know.
So after you have to have the awkward conversation with one of your close friends who is now becoming your ex-bridesmaid, you may wonder what could possibly happen next? One of the things your ex-bridesmaid might do is ask you for a refund. They might want you pay them back for the bridesmaid dress they ordered or even some of the money they spent on your bachelorette party and bridal shower. When this request comes your way, you will wonder if you should dig into your wallet, or your wedding budget, to give them back the money they spent.
If you have a bridesmaid asking for a refund, it’s important to first determine the reason they decided not to be a part of the wedding. If it was purely their decision, then you don’t owe them a refund. If you had to ask them to leave your bridal party because of their unruly behavior or their lack of support, you may want to cover the costs they incurred or at least offer to give them back money for the dress.
It is up to you if you want to give them back the money and if you want to fix the friendship. But both of those things shouldn’t be decided or chatted about during your pre-wedding planning process. You’ll be under enough stress and to-do list tasks that this is something you can figure out and handle after you have walked down the aisle. Ignore the drama and the refund request until you’ve settled down after your wedding.
1-800-BRIDESMAID
The Newlywed
Card Game
something extra to love
Read the weekly newsletter from Bridesmaid for Hire, 1-800-Bridesmaid, to hear about real stories, from strangers, who need advice on love, life, friendship, and so much more.
Looking for the perfect wedding gift for someone you adore? Grab The Newlywed Card Game. It's a fun and interactive game they can play on their honeymoon or future date nights.
