Bridesmaid Burnout

Bridesmaid Burnout: It’s Real and Here’s What You Need to Know

Yes, bridesmaid burnout is a real thing and it’s more common than you think. It’s well documented by many media sources. Every other day, I receive messages from drained bridesmaids who’ve metaphorically hit the deck during and after wedding festivities. Can we blame them? Absolutely not.

Image Credit: Jennifer Clapp Photography

When a bride asks you to be her bridesmaid, it’s one of the highest honours. It means you’re her chosen partner in crime, ready to leap onto that wedding planning trojan horse alongside her. But, it comes with two sides: the emotional and the practical. Both are demanding in their own right.

The Emotional Realm

Here, it’s all about the mental and emotional support a bridesmaid provides. From helping the bride navigate through potential pitfalls, offering a listening ear during overwhelming times, to simply being there to celebrate the small victories. 

The Practical Side

Ah, the practicalities! Organising a hen party? Try orchestrating an entire opera. Finding the destination, sorting out activities, chasing payments, ensuring everyone arrives on time, and – not to forget – getting those novelty willy straws. Layer on dress and accessory shopping weekends and the demands skyrocket. It’s no simple weekend hangout; it’s akin to a full-time job!

The overarching theme in the messages I get revolves around the time commitment and the unforeseen costs. Bridesmaids are spending upwards of €2000-€3000. Given today’s cost of living, this places a heavy strain on many, not just financially but emotionally too. For brides, we must be mindful of the financial pressure that others take on when it comes to the big day.

Setting Boundaries and Communicating

So, how can we ease this burden? For one, bridesmaids should set clear boundaries early on. Understand the bride’s expectations, distribute tasks among the bridal party, and don’t shy away from seeking help. Clearing practical hurdles provides room to be there emotionally for the bride.

Is Declining an Option?

Can you decline the role of a bridesmaid? A tricky question. It’s essential to evaluate your current responsibilities and communicate with the bride. Maybe she’ll adjust her expectations. If conflicts arise midway, have an open conversation. Sometimes, recognising and addressing the underlying issues can mend the rift. Remember, the role of bridesmaid isn’t for everyone. I wrote an article on the 10 types of bridesmaids and we see that some are more in to this than others! Also, if you are a bride and fee you need to fire a bridesmaid, here are some considerations.

In conclusion, being a bridesmaid is an honour, but it shouldn’t lead to burnout. Plan, communicate, and remember to take care of yourself too. For those worried about finances, consider setting up a savings vault, like on Revolut, to budget for the big day. Planning early is, after all, everything.