So I want to start off by saying I don't really WANT to get rid of my bridesmaids, although the thought has crossed my mind many times wondering why I thought having them was a good idea.
I have 5 bridesmaids. Originally, it was my 2 sisters, soon to be SIL, and 2 best friends. My older sister decided she didn't want to be a bridesmaid, which I don't really need to go into, but I eventually asked another friend to take her spot. BTW, 6 months until my wedding.
My best friend is my MOH, and I don't expect her to throw me a bachelorette party, bridal shower, or do any of that. What I do expect is for her to be a bit more involved than she is. One of the issues I am having is ones of my bridesmaids is very conservative and can't show her shoulders and even offered to drop out of the bridal party because of that. I let her and everyone know that I didn't care if not everyone was wearing the exact same dress, we could find dresses that were similar enough to make it work. They can wear the jewelry they want, shoes, hair -I'm not very picky. The dress thing is a bit harder than I anticipated, but we have found some things.
I have been group messaging my bridesmaids with different dresses, trying to plan times to try on dresses and get measured and I can barely get a response from any of them! I don't want to be the bride that just says "This is how it's going to be!" and force them to buy a dress they don't like. I finally found one dress that is very elegant that will work for everyone and sent them a picture. Currently trying to make arrangements to carpool (I've offered to drive) to take them to get measured and I can barely get people to give me a simple confirmation.
I feel like I am working too hard on something that shouldn't be so difficult. The more time and energy I put into it, the more I want to nix the whole bridal party. This is someone that I've been best friends with for 15+ years. I don't expect her to be as excited for my wedding as I am, I just didn't expect her to be like an indifferent spectator on the sidelines.