Hello: When I first began planning my wedding, I wanted only a maid of honor and best man, but things didn't really work that way, and it expanded to three male attendants and three female attendants. I asked my bridesmaids over two months ago to be a part of the wedding, and the wedding is now seven months away. One of the bridesmaids, a cousin, just informed me that she will be due around the same time as my wedding. We come from a very traditional Italian family where having a pregnant bridesmaid looks very bad, never mind one who is about to go into labor at any second. Is there any way to kindly suggest that maybe she should step down? Or do I wait and see if she offers? Is it rude to take her up on the offer of her stepping down? And also, if she does step down, is it complete lack of etiquette to ask another friend to be a bridesmaid? I know uneven wedding parties are not a big deal, but not really what I was envisioning for my wedding day. Also, everyone knows I've already picked my bridesmaids, so would it be offensive to the "substitute" bridesmaid? I am thoroughly confused and feeling a little stressed. Can you please help? Thank you very much.
It would be insulting to ask your cousin to step down because she is pregnant. If she suggests stepping down then you can accept if you want to. But, it would not be polite to ask someone to take her place. It would be insulting to that friend, like she was second choice.
Having two bridesmaids and three groomsmen is not a devastating issue. It may not be exactly what you envisioned but there are times in life when we have to make concessions. Making a choice between your relationship with your cousin and having uneven bridal party would be one of those times. The right choice is obvious. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Pregnant Bridesmaid
