James Allen News Center

Although a wedding ring on your finger symbolizes the start of a new era, it can also symbolize the start of stressful times for the bride, groom and everyone else around them. Bridesmaids are no exception to this rule – they take a very active part in the bride’s wedding and usually end up investing a lot of time and money. We at Jams Allen were curious to know what people think of bridesmaids’ rituals – dresses, parties and the whole shebang. To what extent is it an honor? An obligation? A financial burden? Read on to find out what our readers think…

“Being a bridesmaid is an important symbol of any longstanding and significant friendship. It’s a beautiful tradition that’s been around for ages, and anyone who doesn’t like the idea of taking part in a good friend’s special day is just bonkers.”  -Anna, 28

“I don’t mind the bridesmaid’s duties on the actual wedding day, but everything else leading up to it is a lot for me to handle. Between planning a bachelorette party, a bridal shower, helping pick dresses, flowers, helping make wedding gifts or stuff invitations, it ends up just being a lot of time that I quite frankly, don’t have.” Mackenzie, 32

“I would have loved to have been a part of my good friend Angela’s wedding party, but quite frankly, I couldn’t afford it. I live in Denver and she lives in Los Angeles. I calculated that I would have to spend about $2,000 between the dress, the flights, a hotel and the bachelorette party that they wanted to do in Vegas. I kind of think all these wedding expenses have gotten out of hand and as much as I was sad to be sitting with all the other guests and not standing up there, I knew I made the right choice (especially in this economy).” Grace, 26

 Whatever your feelings may be about the issue, make sure you communicate them cleraly and constructively. That way, you can help the bride's wedding planning be as stress-free as possible!