Moms and Maids

Having the "money talk"

Sorry for the long post! But since money is involved, I want to give some backstory.

Our bride is far from a Zilla, mostly because she has a fantastic wedding planner who takes care of so many details that she hasn't had to lift a finger or give a second thought to any planning. Which is awesome, but she's remained naïve because of it.

This will also be the first wedding she's ever even attended. So that combined with the fact that all the details are taken care of for her, means that she assumes there's nothing left to do on her end, and she hasn't bothered to ask anyone or do any research to learn if there's an etiquette she should follow or if she has other responsibilities. (Not even a Pinterest board!! Wink)

Since she isn't paying a dime herself and her pockets are pretty well padded, she told us that she would contribute $50 to each of our dresses (there are only three of us). When we found our dresses, she reiterated that she would contribute. But then she watched us as we wrote checks for the full amount and didn't say a word as though she had forgotten what she said 10 minutes earlier.

Now it's time for alterations. When the dresses arrived a couple weeks ago, she said, twice, that she would be covering the full cost of our alterations (there isn't much to be done). Well, we have our final measurement this week and she texted us "bring your checkbooks because they need payment up front."

And a few weeks ago she told us that she would be getting us all of our jewelry. But now she's only getting us the earrings, and we have to come up with the rest. And those earrings are her only gift to us. (Which is kind of a slap in the face since we've spent so much of our time, energy and money for her bachelorette party, helping her plan, attending things with her, supporting her in general, etc.)

Then she said that she'd take us for manis/pedis the day before, as her treat. Turns out she isn't paying for that, either. The groom's mom is. (Although this one doesn't really affect us, but I'm kind of appalled at the way she's backed out of paying for anything).

If she hadn't promised all of those things, it would have been fine as we could have budgeted accordingly. But because she pulled out of her promises, we've each had to scramble for an additional ~$150, which she is more than able to afford. Personally, I took all that money I thought I was getting a break from and threw it into her bachelorette party.

I'm pissed, but I'm not going to say anything as long as I'm the only one feeling like that. However, the other bridesmaids have dropped hints suggesting they're not cool with what the bride has done.  So I was wondering, if both of the other girls come to me directly voicing concerns, at that point would it be appropriate for me (MOH) to speak to the bride (after the wedding)?

I feel like what's done is done, and it would be super awkward if she reimbursed us, and out of line for me to ask in the first place. But at the same time I want her to be made aware of her behavior and to see how much we're doing and spending for her. If it is ok for me to bring it up with her, what's a tactful way to do it?

Re: Having the "money talk"

  • hgminorhgminor member
    100 Comments Second Anniversary 25 Love Its
    Wow.  I'm sorry about this.  That sounds like a really crappy situation, and I would be pretty upset if I had been told specific things would be covered and then find out after the budget was set that they no longer would be...

    Has anyone said anything at all to her- for instance, when she said she would cover alterations, then told you guys to bring your checkbooks, did anyone just say "hey, I thought you said you would cover this?"  I know it's not very polite, but neither is telling someone you are going to cover a cost then passing them the bill.  Maybe one of you could play dumb next time she expects payment for something she'd offered before.  

    Is she requiring professional hair and makeup, and did she originally say those were covered also?  If she tries to change that, just tell her you can't afford it and will do your own- that might get a point across, and is within etiquette for you.

  • You should never spend money promised to you until you have it in hand.

    Does it suck that she has backed out of her financial promises?  Yes.  But in the end you should have been prepared to cover all costs from the get go.  We say the same things to brides who say that their in laws said they would contribute X amount to the wedding but they haven't seen a penny from them but have planned like they already had the money in hand.

    I think since you are all adults you shouldn't speak for the other BMs.  If you are really upset about her breaking her promises and such then you should speak to her.  Same with the other girls.  I wouldn't make it about the money.  But I would let her know that it hurt you that she backed out of promises she made without any sort of heads-up or an apology.  If I were you that is what I would be more upset about.  Not the having to pay more money but the fact that she went back on her promises and didn't even apologize or acknowledge it.

  • In Response to Re: Having the "money talk":
    [QUOTE]Is she requiring professional hair and makeup, and did she originally say those were covered also?  If she tries to change that, just tell her you can't afford it and will do your own- that might get a point across, and is within etiquette for you.
    Posted by hgminor[/QUOTE]

    She is doing professional hair and makeup, but they've already put down the deposit so I think we're ok there. She's coming with us to the alterations in a couple days, so there's still one opportunity to say "oh, I thought you said you've cover this."

    I don't usually spend promised money before I actually have it, but since she's my best friend I had more trust and more reason to believe that she would follow through with it. And if I do talk to her, I agree that it would be a good idea to leave the money out and take the approach that I'm more hurt that she broke her promises. Because, really, I guess $150 isn't a tremendous amount in the grand scheme of things, and I'm honestly more bothered by her going back on her word, especially without even acknowledging it.

    Thanks. Smile
  • edited May 2013
    Your friend is a cheapskate. Don't let her get away with it. Call her right away and remind her that she promised to pay for the alterations on the dresses. Don't wait until you're at the dress shop because this type of person never has her checkbook, cash or credit card with her. You should let her know that you have maxed out your budget for her wedding and you won't be spending another penny.

    Don't trust that her FMIL is paying for the mani-pedis, unless you heard it from the FMIL directly. Don't assume she's covering your hair, no matter what she's said. You know that old saying ' Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.' Your friend didn't 'forget' her promises. She told you what she needed to tell you  in order to get you to do what she wanted. 

    You should have bought her "Miss Manner's Guide to a Surprisingly Dignified Wedding," but it's a little late in the game for that, now. 

    I forgot about the jewelry - that was a lousy gift. Don't buy jewelry to wear for her wedding. Wear something you already own or nothing at all. 

                       
  • What MairePoppy said. And what Eleanor Roosevelt said -- you can't be taken advantage of without your permission. Don't give her the chance to take advantage of you anymore than she already has. Otherwise you only have yourselves to blame.
  • In Response to Re: Having the "money talk":
    [QUOTE]Your friend is a cheapskate. Don't let her get away with it. Call her right away and remind her that she promised to pay for the alterations on the dresses. Don't wait until you're at the dress shop because this type of person never has her checkbook, cash or credit card with her. You should let her know that you have maxed out your budget for her wedding and you won't be spending another penny. Don't trust that her FMIL is paying for the mani-pedis, unless you heard it from the FMIL directly. Don't assume she's covering your hair, no matter what she's said. You know that old saying ' Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.' Your friend didn't 'forget' her promises. She told you what she needed to tell you  in order to get you to do what she wanted.  You should have bought her "Miss Manner's Guide to a Surprisingly Dignified Wedding," but it's a little late in the game for that, now.  I forgot about the jewelry - that was a lousy gift. Don't buy jewelry to wear for her wedding. Wear something you already own or nothing at all. 
    Posted by MairePoppy[/QUOTE]


    Yeah, I guess I just hafta grow a pair...  I am planning on bringing my own makeup, hair product, curling iron, etc., just in case. We did hear it straight from the FMIL, but I'll still have my purse. I eventually dug up an old crystal bracelet to wear, but I couldn't find a necklace so I'll do without.

    In the bride's defense, I don't think she does stuff like this intentionally. But she's been handed everything her whole life, so she never learned how to proactively think about other things that might need to be taken into consideration (ok, so that's still bad, but at least it's not intentional).

    For example, she doesn't think to ask if there are things she should do in addition to what the wedding planner is doing. The result is that I won't get to stand out in any way as MOH. No different bouquet, hair, special jewelry, contrasting colors, nothing other than standing next to her. I eventually asked if my shoes could be sparkly and she was totally fine with it. She wasn't against me standing out a little, she just didn't know that was a tradition and didn't stop to think about it.

    She also doesn't understand what it takes to plan a bachelorette party, and therefore has no appreciation for what I've been doing. I started asking her 5 months ago for her thoughts or preferences for the party. I designed my own invites, spent weeks searching for the best hotel for our money, spent weeks comparing restaurants and mapping out the best bars within walking distance. I put care and thought into party favors for all 9 girls attending (their own champagne flute with a personalized wine charm). What really hurt is when she said "Yeah, I can't wait. it'll be nice to just have a regular, fun night out." That was kind of a gut-punch.

    Yikes.... I guess I have some pent-up feelings, huh? Sorry I turned this into such a rant. Maybe I should take up yoga...


  • In Response to Re: Having the "money talk":
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Having the "money talk" : Yeah, I guess I just hafta grow a pair...  I am planning on bringing my own makeup, hair product, curling iron, etc., just in case. We did hear it straight from the FMIL, but I'll still have my purse. I eventually dug up an old crystal bracelet to wear, but I couldn't find a necklace so I'll do without. In the bride's defense, I don't think she does stuff like this intentionally. But she's been handed everything her whole life, so she never learned how to proactively think about other things that might need to be taken into consideration (ok, so that's still bad, but at least it's not intentional). For example, she doesn't think to ask if there are things she should do in addition to what the wedding planner is doing. The result is that I won't get to stand out in any way as MOH. No different bouquet, hair, special jewelry, contrasting colors, nothing other than standing next to her. I eventually asked if my shoes could be sparkly and she was totally fine with it. She wasn't against me standing out a little, she just didn't know that was a tradition and didn't stop to think about it. She also doesn't understand what it takes to plan a bachelorette party, and therefore has no appreciation for what I've been doing. I started asking her 5 months ago for her thoughts or preferences for the party. I designed my own invites, spent weeks searching for the best hotel for our money, spent weeks comparing restaurants and mapping out the best bars within walking distance. I put care and thought into party favors for all 9 girls attending (their own champagne flute with a personalized wine charm). What really hurt is when she said "Yeah, I can't wait. it'll be nice to just have a regular, fun night out." That was kind of a gut-punch. Yikes.... I guess I have some pent-up feelings, huh? Sorry I turned this into such a rant. Maybe I should take up yoga...
    Posted by astimmel[/QUOTE]

    But see this is where you are wrong.  It is not a tradition to have the MOH stand out from the other girls.  That is something that you want rather then something that is required.  In fact, you are not any more special then a BM.  You all have the same duties and that is to buy the dress and show up on time looking presentable.

    And for the bach party.  Again that was all you.  You didn't have to go the extra distance to make a big blow out party.  You chose to do that.  Yes, it is nice when our efforts are noticed and appreciated but you knew how your friend was so I don't really know what you were expecting from her.

  • Ah, a few people told me that it's tradition for the MOH to stand out, so I was kind of expecting that. But if not, then I officially retract my complaint. Smile
  • MissMollyMissMolly member
    Third Anniversary 100 Love Its 100 Comments Name Dropper
    edited May 2013
    Sure, bring your purse, but no way, no how should you be expected to pay for that mani/pedi. Those are pricy, and you shouldn't have to pay for something extra like that. If this ends up being the case, just say to the bride, "I'm really sorry, but I've maxed out my spending for your wedding, and these were supposed to be covered by your FMIL. I really cannot afford to pay for this as well."

    About the jewelry, yes, just wear what you have at home, and if bride says anything, just apologize, and say that you weren't able to afford to buy all new jewelry.

    Sorry, I must be living under a rock...is it really a tradition for the MOH to stand out from the other BMs? I guess both my girls will stand out in their own way then...they're in totally different dresses, different shoes, different hair, jewelry, everything! Oh well, dare to be different, I say! :)

    In Response to Re: Having the "money talk":
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Having the "money talk" : Yeah, I guess I just hafta grow a pair...  I am planning on bringing my own makeup, hair product, curling iron, etc., just in case. We did hear it straight from the FMIL, but I'll still have my purse. I eventually dug up an old crystal bracelet to wear, but I couldn't find a necklace so I'll do without. In the bride's defense, I don't think she does stuff like this intentionally. But she's been handed everything her whole life, so she never learned how to proactively think about other things that might need to be taken into consideration (ok, so that's still bad, but at least it's not intentional). For example, she doesn't think to ask if there are things she should do in addition to what the wedding planner is doing. The result is that I won't get to stand out in any way as MOH. No different bouquet, hair, special jewelry, contrasting colors, nothing other than standing next to her. I eventually asked if my shoes could be sparkly and she was totally fine with it. She wasn't against me standing out a little, she just didn't know that was a tradition and didn't stop to think about it. She also doesn't understand what it takes to plan a bachelorette party, and therefore has no appreciation for what I've been doing. I started asking her 5 months ago for her thoughts or preferences for the party. I designed my own invites, spent weeks searching for the best hotel for our money, spent weeks comparing restaurants and mapping out the best bars within walking distance. I put care and thought into party favors for all 9 girls attending (their own champagne flute with a personalized wine charm). What really hurt is when she said "Yeah, I can't wait. it'll be nice to just have a regular, fun night out." That was kind of a gut-punch. Yikes.... I guess I have some pent-up feelings, huh? Sorry I turned this into such a rant. Maybe I should take up yoga...
    Posted by astimmel[/QUOTE]
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  • edited May 2013
    In Response to Re: Having the "money talk":
    [QUOTE]I don't think she does stuff like this intentionally. But she's been handed everything her whole life, so she never learned how to proactively think about other things that might need to be taken into consideration (ok, so that's still bad, but at least it's not intentional). 
    Posted by astimmel[/QUOTE]

    Being a spoiled brat isn't better than being a cheapskate. Don't kid yourself. She didn't forget that she was going to pay multiple times. If she forgot, she would have assumed that you will be bringing your checkbook. 

    By doing yoga and bringing your check book, just in case, you are enabling her. Try the balls. 

    Here's a script for you:
    "Hi Dahlia, I know you've been very forgetful lately because of all the wedding planning, so I'm calling to remind you that you promised to pay for the alterations for all the bm dresses, don't forget to bring your checkbook thanks so much for taking care of this because I'm strapped for cash right now and can't put another penny into your wedding expenses I love you see you at the bridal shop."

    Notice this is all one sentence. Don't let her get a word in edgewise. Let us know how it goes. 


                       
  • In Response to Re: Having the "money talk":
    [QUOTE]It was wrong of her to offer to pay and then not, yes you should talk to her.  But btw, from your backstory, it really seems you do not like her.  You talk in a passive aggressive style, how she is not a Zilla, followed by all these but, buts.  Don't know why you are in WP.
    Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]


    Well, I'm pretty mad at her for backing out of these things and I don't really like her at this particular moment. I think I am probably being passive aggressive, because I'm mad at myself for not growing a pair earlier and I don't like to admit that all of this could have been avoided if I had just spoken up at the beginning. Foot in mouth  I'm working on that...

    To me, a Zilla is someone who demands control of everything and throws tantrums when they don't get what they want. I think she's being flakey and thoughtless, but she's not at a Monster-level. Things could be much, much worse than being out $150, and in the long run, I'm thankful for that.
  • To me, a 'zilla is someone who doesn't speak up at the time she doesn't like something, and then complains behind her back about it.
  • In Response to Re:Having the quot;money talkquot;:
    [QUOTE]To me, a 'zilla is someone who doesn't speak up at the time she doesn't like something, and then complains behind her back about it.
    Posted by STARMOON44[/QUOTE]

    Ouch. That was uncalled for.
  • astimmel - don't beat yourself up. Most of us have been taken advantage of at one time or another. That's how we learned to say no. I hope you're able to stand up to the bride.
                       
  • KaySea6213KaySea6213 member
    100 Comments First Anniversary 5 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited May 2013
    In Response to Re:Having the quot;money talkquot;:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re:Having the quot;money talkquot; : Ouch. That was uncalled for.
    Posted by astimmel[/QUOTE]


    Completely uncalled for! She's just a frustrated MOH who needed a little advice, and maybe just someone to listen to her concern, no need to name call.

    Astimmel - I think it's great that you came to TK before you just went off on the bride or something. I can tell by your comments that you really do care about the bride and typing it all out helped blow off some of your steam, and there's nothing wrong with that.

    As for your dillemma, I would mention something to the bride about her covering the alterations. You're right, in the scheme of things $150 isn't a lot, but it'd be nice to be able to use that elsewhere. And if you mention it, you may find out why she went back on the other things she said she would pay for as well. Maybe it truly has slipped her mind.If you get a bad reaction from the bride, you can easily explain that you don't feel like it's a big deal, just that you had been under the impression that she would cover the alterations.

    For the MOH sticking out thing, I think it's more traditional in certain areas maybe because it's very common where I come from.

    As for the B-Party  - Maybe the bride is feeling more stressed about the wedding than she has let on and what she meant by a normal night is just time to hang out with her friends. I've been neck deep in work, school and wedding planning so even though my b-party will be much more than a "normal" night, I may call it normal for the fact that it's just me and the girls - no work, no school, and no planning.

    Just take some time to relax, maybe go out to lunch with the bride. You love her and maybe spending time with her would help. :)
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • I grew a (small) pair and left her a message reminding her of her offer to cover the alterations. Haven't heard back yet and the alterations are tonight, so we'll see what happens. I'll bring my checkbook regardless.

    Thanks for all the support, guys. Smile  I'm usually very shy and have a hard time speaking up so this is some much needed practice. Smile

  • In Response to Re: Having the "money talk":
    [QUOTE]I grew a (small) pair and left her a message reminding her of her offer to cover the alterations. Haven't heard back yet and the alterations are tonight, so we'll see what happens. I'll bring my checkbook regardless. Thanks for all the support, guys.    I'm usually very shy and have a hard time speaking up so this is some much needed practice.
    Posted by astimmel[/QUOTE]

    Baby steps! Good for you!

    Let us know how things went!
  • Good for you for leaving that mssage! When it comes time for the mani/pedi session, why don't you have everyone ready to walk out if it turns out that she expects you to pay? Solidarity means you don't get singled out unfairly as an MOHzilla.
    Don't make me mobilize OffensiveKitten

    image

    Anniversary

  • Hokay, a little update. I reminded her of her offer to cover the alterations and when the time came she, again, just watched us write the checks (it came to $50 each for the three of us). But afterwards she said to "send her the bill"... So I did. Still waiting on the check, though...

    When I first reminded her, her response was non-committal and suggested that she wanted to back out of it. That was really irritating to hear because I've already spent a little over $600 for this wedding (as have each of the other bridesmaids), and that's just as much, if not more than, she's spent herself. That's just not right.

    Thanks again to everyone for the help! :)

  • Thanks for coming back. I wondered what happened with your situation. The important part is that you spoke up. You may not get any of the money back, but she'll think twice before making a promise to you that she doesn't intend to keep. 

    I'll bet that you can't wait for this wedding to be over.
                       
  • I'm wondering if she ever paid the "bill" that you sent her, or if she wrote you off.  I hope this all works out for you in the end. 

    Officially hitched as of 10/25/13

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  • She did!! I got the check in the mail a couple days ago! Hooray! :)
  • Happy dance!

    Officially hitched as of 10/25/13

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  • astimmel said:
    She did!! I got the check in the mail a couple days ago! Hooray! :)
    Don't happy dance until it clears.
  • That's great. 
                       
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