When a bridesmaid says ‘yes’ to a bride, they must communicate clearly and early about expectations for commitment, assigned responsibilities and especially the costs. But it’s also essential for the bride to be aware of what she’s really asking of her family and friends when she excitedly proposes to them to be in her wedding party in the first place. The sentiment of friendship, closeness and fun that a bride may anticipate might not be reflected in real life and at the extremes, I’ve heard of many friendships and family relationships that have ended up destroyed beyond repair when the fairytale doesn’t match what happens when money, responsibilities, time constraints and close relationships all mix into one high-pressure and emotional life-altering event. The stakes are high, people. So this week, I’m going to delve deep into:The traditional role of bridesmaids and how they've changed,Some examples of the costs you can expect as a bridesmaid,What’s reasonable as far as expectations of a bridesmaid and how to communicate that, andMy top tips for the bride and the bridesmaids they choose.RESOURCESMama Mia: https://www.mamamia.com.au/average-cost-of-being-a-bridesmaid/ CBC.ca: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/costofliving/bridesmaid-costs-1.6870502 The Knot: https://www.theknot.com/content/what-bridesmaids-pay-forSend Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------ This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Unbridely’s ebook How To Write Wedding Vows That Don’t Suck https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtdsThis is for YOU if you want to write the unique and heartfelt wedding vows your fiancé deserves, but don't know where to start. ?AND want to get it done in 20 minutes or less. ?Grab your instant pdf download of the Unbridely ebook 'How To Write Wedding Vows That Don't Suck' for just $27 now! ?https://unbridely.com/shop/htwwvtds ----- Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:hello@unbridely.com