So, I'm pretty stressed, and I don't know where else to turn to. We've been engaged for 2 years. One of my bridesmaids dropped out a year into the planning, which was ok. She was honestly not sure if she could be available for my wedding and didn't want to mess everything up by waiting until the last second. She wrote me a lovely letter and even bought me a gift. I was totally fine with it. It turns out she can come to my wedding now as a guest, but there was no guarantee on that a year ago. I replaced her with someone I really wanted in the wedding but had no room for, and that friend didn't mind stepping in and doing me the favor. However, I have a NEW problem now with two months to go. Another bridesmaid is having work issues, and her bosses won't guarantee her the day off or even a few hours off to come to the ceremony. We've been going back and forth, and I don't want to replace her with someone I'm not that close to just for the sake of symmetry in the wedding party. This really sucks, and there's nothing I can do. Another bad part? My mother will hit the roof when I tell her. I don't want to jeopardize my friend's job obviously, but I'm just sad that this has to be a tentative thing right up until the day now. I think we may just count her out because it's too much uncertainty.
UPDATE: I just wanted to add that I would never dream of replacing my friend. No one can replace the relationship we have. I don't mean to come across as if you can just stick anyone in there. I don't plan on replacing her. It was just unexpected news, and my friend and I are sad that she can't enjoy this special day with me. (She probably won't be able to attend in any way). We have been friends for about a decade. I just wanted to find a place to share my feelings. I'm sorry if I rubbed anyone the wrong way. I assure you I do value my amazing friends and would never presume to think I could replace any of them. Yes, I am aware that getting married is the most important part of the day. I just thought it was valid that I might feel a little bummed that one of my best friends can't make it.