Dear Prudence,
I’m a bridesmaid in two weddings in 2025. One is a close friend from high school, one is a former roommate and close friend. Those wedding dates are set in stone, good to go. The bridal parties for each are four or five girls (excluding bride). I have a cousin who is getting married, likely in 2025 (but there is the possibility it will be in 2026). I’m very close with this cousin and that side of my family, and I would truly hate to miss that wedding. That side of my family is pretty small and it would be the first wedding.
My question is, what do I do if the family wedding ends up falling on the same weekend as a wedding I’m already in? My first thought was, I’m not the only bridesmaid in these weddings, there would be others if I have to bow out, and family takes precedence. In general, when conflicts arise, I stick with whatever I committed to first, but family and weddings make it less straightforward for me. It’s worth noting save-the-dates and invitations have not been sent yet for my friends’ weddings.
—(Potentially) Overbooked