The question of “Will you be my bridesmaid?” has already been asked and tears of joys have been unleashed all over your cotton sweater. But ever since pouring out your yes of course answer, and giving the bride a hug that will down in the history books as the best hug ever, you have started to think more and more about being a bridesmaid. You may even find yourself asking the important questions around what this will mean and what it will be like? Can you afford it? Do you have the time to sit down and devout to it?

 

After swallowing those questions and checking your schedule and your budget, if you feel as though you want to run for the hills, far away from your bridesmaid duties, it’s important to first take a deep breath and a step back. There is a grace period after accepting your bridesmaid duties when you can go back and decline – but that window is only a couple of days. Either way, it’s important to decide what the reason behind not wanting to be a bridesmaid anymore is. If it’s finances, speak with the maid of honor or bride and let them know your concerns. Perhaps there are ways you can contribute to the events without putting money down. If it’s time, also be open and let them know your time commitments and what you’ll be able to do and when.

 

Either way, before declining, have a conversation. In the end, it’s an honor to be a bridesmaid, even for the 16^th time!