We've all been there, the costs adding up, the last minute hurried floral arrangements, the hyperventillating bride behind closed doors... I've just had a bridesmaid cancel do to financial reasons, though she had 16 months notice, and I thought, what did I do wrong? They say if the dog bites its the owners fault, so if the Bridesmaid defaults, its the brides fault? What can we do to ensure our Bridesmaids happiness?
Being a bridesmaid three times myself, It costs an arm and a leg, so for my bridal party I nixed the shower, the bachelorette party(no vegas plane tickets to fork cash over for), let them choose the dress, gave them more than one years notice to save money, found motels, B&Bs, and resorts, for three levels of accommodations to be practical, created a rideshare page for roomshares/rideshares, and I am not requiring anyone to get their nails done or hair done or makeup professionally beforehand. No rules to follow(hair has to be up-etc), all kids and significant others are invited, no instructions for them in terms of "I need you to do the seating chart" etc. I've tried to be as open and budget friendly as possible, I even offered to pay for the drop outs flight, dress and hotel room, she declined and said she couldn't be comfortable taking money from me. So I lost one. Man Down!
What can we do to make our Bridesmaids life easier? What could I have done better?