I'm one of the attendants for a good friend and I'm ready to back out. When we were first asked to be in the wedding, the bride told us our costs would be in the $300 range. To date, we're looking at nearly double that, and that's without hair, makeup and shoes! The bride was supposed to pay for everything except dresses, but as she maxed out her budget, our expenses grew! Any ideas? We've all had it!
Signed, Stiffed and Miffed in LA
Dear Stiffed,
Easy to see why you're so miffed! Have you and the others tried to discuss your concerns over your rising costs with the bride? If not, why not try to come up with possible solutions together - before approaching her. Perhaps do a little searching on your own for a less expensive dress option, eliminate any unnecessary accessories, find affordable shoes, and perhaps agree on a simple hair-do that everyone can do themselves, or be performed by a salon chain. Maybe everyone could ask around to see if someone knows a hair stylist or a make-up artist willing to gift their services to the bridal party as their contribution to the wedding. The solutions to get yourselves out of this situation should be economical, but not chintzy.
When approaching the bride make sure you all present a united front, but instead of pulling a mutiny, make sure you explain your concerns and offer the bride a choice of possibilities to help things go in your favor.
