Posted on 02/24/2008 5:23:22 AM PST by Huntress
Bridesmaids may soon be forced to sign contracts agreeing not to put on weight or get pregnant before a friend's wedding.
One in five brides-to-be is so concerned that her bridesmaids might let her down that she would ask her maid-of-honour to sign a written "pre-nuptial agreement", according to a new poll.
A bridesmaid contract is the latest American-style trend for brides
Despite the fact that 61 per cent of brides picked a best friend as their choice of bridesmaid and 49 per cent chose their sister, 48 per cent would sack a bridesmaid who failed to stick to the rules.
The survey of 1,000 women, commissioned by You & Your Wedding magazine, asked women which clauses they would put in their contract.
It found that respondents' biggest gripes were with bridesmaids who put on weight, became pregnant or changed their hairstyles before the big day.
A series of suggested clauses included that bridesmaids should not consume more than 10 units of alcohol or make any advances towards "inappropriate male guests" - or the groom.
Many women who had already married reported stories of their bridesmaids letting them down on their big day.
One woman said her maid-of-honour left her dress at a service station on the way to the wedding after deciding she didn't like it, while another revealed a bridesmaid had left 30 invitations unsent in her desk drawer.
Colette Harris, editor of You & Your Wedding magazine, said: "Planning weddings can be a stressful time for brides and while our contract is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, the survey demonstrates that issues with bridesmaids are of concern to many readers.
"Perhaps official contracts are the way forward for brides struggling to keep the peace."
Siobhàn Craven-Robins works with hundreds of brides a year in her role as wedding planner and has organised the weddings of celebrity clients including Joan Collins and Barbara Windsor.
"There has been a spoof contract like this on the internet in recent years but I'm not sure if the brides I know would actually use the real thing," she said.
The bridesmaid's contract is the latest American-style trend for brides. It follows the opening in Berkshire of the country's first bridal boot camp for women determined to shape up to fit into their dresses.
Trudy Dixon, the director of Bridal Boot Camp, said while many of the bridesmaids that work out at the boot camp had complained about the colour or style of the dresses chosen for them, few brides she knew would resort to such draconian measures to keep their ladies in line.
"I've been a bridesmaid several times and if I was presented with a contract, I would suggest they found another friend to do the job" she said.
No, that should be saved for the marriage. :)
Ideally no. ;~)
But I guess it would be a good lesson for the groom to note... how she acts when she thinks she has carte blanche ;~)
I smell a divorce in the air...I wonder who she will hit up to pay for that?
Heck no, I would resent that too. A nice suit shows more class, personality and style. Tuxes just look rented.
That’s true. But in this narcissistic nation it’s very unusual to find young women who are interested in anything but making themselves the center of attention.
There is somebody I need to give an extra hug tonight. 29 years ago Mrs. jimfree dressed her bridesmaids quite differently from her but quite attractively. I can imagine any of them having worn the dress again for another event. She comforted me before the ceremony, removing the focus from her and placing it on the meaning of the vows.
She's working this Sunday afternoon and I have fixed a nice supper for her. This thread has raised a good reason to appreciate her even more.
Oh, the bridesmaids made Ann look good - but I think they did that while making themselves look good. It is possible.
I agree. Any bride who would make such a demand is sure to be a royal pain in the a$$.
On the other hand, unless it's a relative, it would be likely that a bride would have bridesmaids who are close in personality and preferences to the bride. The interesting part would be escalation clauses in a group of friends who take turns having each other stand up at the weddings.
The problem is that when we are getting married, we tend not to notice anything bad whatsover about our bride. In our eyes they are perfect.
If you like having sex with your wife, get the tux.
When did it become the bridesmaid's responsibility to send out the invitations?
I sang at friends’ wedding and the maid of honor or bridesmaid got mad and walked out before the wedding. They had to find someone else to fill the spot. So this kinda crap does happen.
My sister’s 2nd husband (she had seven) propositioned my best friend, her maid of honor, right after the wedding. NOT a great way to start a marriage.
Neither of my weddings was expensive. We had our receptions (cake, coffee, etc.) in the church halls. I bought the material for my bridesmaids in the second wedding and they either made their dresses or had someone else do it for them (one sister made one for our friend in a wheelchair). I paid $100 for my first wedding gown and $90 for the second one. Both were very nice but the first one was a traditional wedding gown. The second was a tea-length ivory dress. I did the invitations for the second one myself and had them printed up by someone who actually didn’t charge me for them. My first marriage lasted only 25 years and the second one is on its 22nd. Don’t need fancy weddings for a marriage. Just do what you can afford without going into huge debt.
Awww, that’s really nice.
I bought the pattern, material, lace and peach or turquoise material for the under gown, for my second wedding. They all looked lovely and only had to have the dresses made or make them. All turned out a little different but very nice and suited to their style. They weren’t slim beauties but they were my dear friends and that’s all that mattered.
Now that’s a good idea. Then you’d know for sure who the best man really is...
Black Tie you say? Solution..wear a suit with a BLACK TIE.
Seriously, that mother is going to be a real pain in her daughter’s life..just wait until the first baby is due..wonder if the doctors and nurses will have to wear black tie too.
I was 205 in my late 20’s. Thanks but no thanks.
First: it’s her event, so she gets to call the dress code.
Second: a tux makes every man look hot. Just rent the thing. Trust me.
Hey, are you Norske?
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