Best and Worst Bridezilla Stories

Weddings are meant to be a day of joy, but sometimes, things take a turn for the worse, leading to what many call a Bridezilla Story. We've all heard the tales—whether it's a bride demanding impossible things from her bridal party, or a last-minute change that causes chaos for everyone involved. These moments can turn a beautiful event into a nightmare, especially for those closest to the bride.

Some of the Best Bridezilla Stories are entertaining to outsiders but stressful for the people involved. From brides who require their bridesmaids to diet before the wedding to those who send out contracts dictating behavior during the event, the demands can be outrageous. Imagine being told what shade of lipstick you’re allowed to wear or having to get approval for the speech you plan to give at the reception. While the guests might not notice, the wedding party is often left scrambling to meet these sky-high expectations.

However, there are also plenty of Worst Bridezilla Stories that go beyond quirky demands and become downright shocking. Brides have been known to uninvite people at the last minute over petty disagreements, or even cancel the entire event if one detail isn’t to their liking. Some go as far as demanding expensive gifts or financial contributions from their guests, turning what should be a joyous celebration into a stressful obligation.

If you’re fascinated by these outrageous wedding stories, there’s no shortage of them to explore. Whether you’re looking for a laugh or a cautionary tale, the world of Bridezilla Stories never disappoints.

The Bridesmaid Ordeal: Friendship Tested by Wedding Woes
Bridezilla

When my friend Anna (29f), whom I met at work and quickly bonded with, approached me to play a role in her upcoming wedding, I was initially hesitant. I (40f) mentioned that being a bridesmaid was something I did two decades ago, and frankly, I was not keen on being the "chubby older bridesmaid" among younger, slimmer women. Despite my reservations, intense family pressure and the thought that Anna must really value our friendship made me put my insecurities aside and agree to participate. Additionally, as a professional wedding florist, I offered my services for her big day, promising to waive the labor costs as my wedding gift, which was significant given her budget constraints.

The planning initially went smoothly; we discussed and agreed on the floral arrangements within her budget, amounting to $400. However, complexities began to surface starting with her bridal shower, which Anna had organized. She requested financial contributions from all the bridesmaids and required us to assist with set-up and other preparations. No problem there, until she started altering our originally planned centerpiece designs, necessitating an increased budget—something I flagged as potentially challenging.

Her behavior escalated at the bridal shower when another bridesmaid, Jane (26f), had to leave early to attend a house inspection, which infuriated Anna. Although Jane delayed her departure till 6:30 PM, Anna did not hide her displeasure, later labeling Jane as selfish in a text—signs of her emerging Bridezilla tendencies.

The complications didn't end there. Anna planned a lavish 4-day bachelorette getaway, which I had to decline due to recent surgery, a job change, and financial constraints owing to a car accident. Anna appeared understanding at the time, even when Jane also had to revise her attendance due to house closing commitments, but her reaction was anything but. She accused Jane of being a bad friend.

Close to the wedding, Anna seemed to aim at continuously reducing the floral arrangements to cut costs, eventually paring them down significantly from the initial plan. This constant back-and-forth and her reluctance to finalize the arrangements made the entire process frustrating.

Payment issues only added to the already high tensions. Despite repeated reminders, I didn't receive Anna's payment until the very week of the wedding when her mother finally intervened, sending the check just in time.

The rehearsal dinner set the stage for an uncomfortable wedding day, as Jane and I received cold shoulders from nearly everyone, excluding Anna's mom who checked on the payment status. On the wedding day itself, despite ensuring all floral decorations were spot on, the atmosphere remained icy. The bride's mother even requested changes to the bridal bouquet, compromising its design. The day ended on a sour note, with the groom informing Jane and me that we were somehow on Anna’s “bad side.”

Weeks later, an attempt to reconnect with Anna and discuss the event, remained unanswered, leading me to accept the silent treatment as her final word on our friendship.

In a curious twist, I sometimes wonder how a reality TV show would portray all this drama and turmoil. Would audiences empathize with my situation, or would they side with the bride, seeing my actions as unsupportive? Reality shows thrive on conflict and resolution—a dynamic editing might cast me as either a villain or a victim.

Bride Expects Bridesmaid to Front Airbnb Costs
Bridezilla

Recently, a bride informed me that she has delegated the responsibility of arranging her bachelorette accommodations to her Maid of Honor and us bridesmaids. The property she's eyeing is an extravagant Airbnb priced over $1500 Caryn asked if one of us could handle the booking, but I’m hesitant as I don't want to be solely accountable, especially as I’m not very familiar with everyone in the group. My concerns are about being liable for any potential damages.

It struck me as odd that the bride assumed one of us would simply charge the stay to our credit card. Given the cost of the Airbnb and the financial strain many are facing right now, this expectation seems a bit much. I don’t have the financial bandwidth to cover the entire cost upfront and I'm sure I'm not the only one in this position.

When I expressed my reluctance, it was clear that the other bridesmaid felt the same, as she’s not in a position to make such a large expenditure either. As for the Maid of Honor, I am not close enough with her to gauge her financial situation or willingness to take on this responsibility. Up to this point, the bride has been taking the reins on most of the wedding planning, so it was a surprise that she didn’t plan to handle this herself.

This behavior isn't isolated. The bride also expects contributions towards her bridal shower and the cost of attending her destination wedding is already proving to be a major financial commitment. It’s frustrating to navigate the expectation that the bridal party should foot the bill for such expenses in celebration of someone else's big day.

The entitled attitude some brides hold, expecting lavish treatment and financial contributions from their friends during their wedding events, seems disconnected from the realities many people face in today's economic climate. This is my first time being part of a wedding party, so I'm unsure if this is becoming common practice or if I'm just encountering a particularly demanding bride.

If this scenario were part of a reality TV show, I can only imagine the drama and tension that would unfold. Cameras capturing the uncomfortable discussions about money and responsibilities could potentially lead to heated confrontations. Viewers would likely be split, with some empathizing with the financial burden placed on the bridesmaids, while others might side with the bride, arguing that her special day should be exactly as she desires. Either way, it would make for compelling television, but living through it in real life is far less entertaining.

Is it reasonable to expect bridesmaids to cover large expenses? I am a beginner in bridezilla detection but I think I may have find one... 😊

Amidst Life's Trials, Bride Laments Over Wedding Expectations
Bridezilla

One of my dearest lifelong friends, Julia, is scheduled to tie the knot next week. At 30 years old, Julia is quite reserved and struggles with ADHD, which has made her quite reliant on external opinions from her mom, future mother-in-law, and her sisters for wedding-related decisions. Despite this, she has occasionally sought my advice, and I've been more than willing to share my thoughts when asked.

Life on my end has been tremendously challenging over the past six months. My father had a lengthy hospitalization, my mother is recuperating from a stroke, my husband's mother experienced a heart attack, and my father-in-law’s house was seized by the bank. On top of all that, my job has been extremely demanding, I’m managing life with a toddler, and I recently received a cancer diagnosis. Julia has been kept in the loop about these developments, so none of this would come as a surprise to her.

A couple of months back, Julia asked for my help in planning her honeymoon. I invested a great deal of time, preparing a budget-friendly, tailored itinerary and even researched flight deals for her. However, with barely a word of appreciation, she followed her mom’s recommendation instead and booked a much pricier package through Costco. Additionally, she chose an expensive hair salon for our styling and unilaterally decided that we would bear the costs. For her out-of-town bachelorette party at the family cabin, although the lodging was covered, the expenses for food, travel, and drinks quickly added up. She also informed me I would be staying with her in a hotel the night before the wedding without asking if it was convenient for me, considering my husband’s difficulty in juggling work and childcare.

Moreover, interactions such as requesting her future sister-in-law's contact information for the bridal shower invites, or providing input on her nail choices, have been met with snippiness. Throughout this, she hasn’t once expressed her gratitude.

During the bachelorette party, I confided my frustrations to her sister, a mutual friend, who unintentionally passed the information along to their mother, and eventually, it got back to Julia. I acknowledged it was wrong of me to not discuss it directly with her. When confronted, Julia retorted, highlighting the pressure of wedding planning—most of which is financially covered by her parents. She criticized me for being ungrateful, ignoring the multitude of critical issues I am contending with simultaneously. I replied that while I do appreciate her, she must recognize that my life doesn’t revolve solely around her wedding. Her response was to label me the ungrateful one.

Is it wrong to speak up about these feelings? According to her, it seems so.

Imagine if this scenario unfolded on a reality TV show. The heightened emotions and frank confrontations typical in such settings could dramatically amplify the tension. Viewers might find themselves split; some might empathize deeply with the pressures of friendship against personal hardships, while others might criticize the airing of personal grievances amid what’s expected to be a celebratory time. The drama would certainly be palpable, possibly sparking lively debates among viewers about the boundaries of friendship and personal struggles.

Was I Too Harsh on Bride Regarding Wedding Costs?

Bridesmaid Height Drama Puts Wedding on the Line
Bridezilla

So, let me set things straight first. My fiancée stands tall at 6'0 — and trust me, she revels in her height. It's almost like she enjoys this feeling of being superior just because she’s taller. Now, she’s got this friend from college, Lexi, who’s only 5’1. The rest of their group varies between 5'4 and 5'8, meaning both Lexi and my fiancée are quite noticeable when they’re snapping group photos. All these friends are also going to be bridesmaids at our wedding.

Just yesterday, my fiancée approached me with this thought that had apparently been brewing in her mind. She's contemplating kicking Lexi out of the bridal party simply because she believes Lexi's distinct height makes her stand out too much in photos and somehow steals the spotlight. She even expected me to come up with a tactful lie to avoid blowing up their friendship. When she told me this, I honestly thought she was joking, but she was dead serious.

I tried reasoning with her, explaining that the spirit of friendship and the joy of the day far outweighed any so-called aesthetic issues, but she wouldn't have any of it. Finally, I lost my cool and told her straight, "Sarah, I love you, but this is ridiculous. Lexi’s been your friend for over ten years, and to kick her out over something so trivial and beyond her control, like her height, is just cold-hearted. If it really bothers you that much, maybe suggest a pair of higher heels for Lexi, but cutting her off like that... It’s just wrong. You have the freedom to choose your wedding party, sure, but if you do this to Lexi, it’s gonna make me rethink us."

Well, that blew up. She claimed I was using emotional blackmail against her and stormed off to her mom's. Now, she won’t talk to me and her mom bombarded me with angry texts for making her daughter upset.

Imagine if this whole scene had played out on a reality show. The drama and tension would certainly make for good TV, but I wonder if the viewers at home would side with me or see my approach as too harsh? Reality TV thrives on conflict and big emotions, and this situation certainly fits the bill. Would they see my fiancée’s request as unreasonable or view my reaction as an overreaction?

Now, suppose this scenario was a reality show moment, how do you think the public would react?

Bridesmaid surprisingly pregnant before wedding date
Bridezilla

I'm getting married in early September and have chosen four friends as bridesmaids, with one acting as my maid of honor. Recently, one of these friends revealed she's two months pregnant. I was quite surprised, not only by the news itself but also because she hadn't mentioned it sooner. When I confronted her about why she hadn't told me earlier, especially since she had known for weeks, she explained that she didn't feel comfortable sharing the news until now and that even her family wasn’t aware yet. She insisted that I was one of the first to know.

I couldn't help but feel that she should have told me earlier since my wedding is coming up, and I need to make certain adjustments. However, she didn't see it that way and believed that she didn't owe me an early announcement since it was her personal situation. She only shared the news when she felt ready.

I couldn't keep my frustration to myself and ended up discussing the situation with my family and the rest of my bridesmaids. My maid of honor and family members sided with me, saying she should've informed me sooner. However, my other bridesmaids felt that I was wrong to expect an immediate announcement and considered my reaction a bit over the top. I'm torn about who's right here.

If this whole situation were unfolding on a reality TV show, I can only imagine the drama it would stir up! Cameras would be zooming in on heated discussions, intense facial expressions, and probably capturing every bit of the emotional rollercoaster. It would be interesting to see how audiences might react — would they sympathize with my need to know early, or would they support her right to disclose her pregnancy in her own time? Reality TV tends to dramatize these personal conflicts, so I bet it would make for some compelling television!

Casual Backyard Wedding Drama: Am I A Bridezilla?
Bridezilla

At 26, I'm about to get married to my fiancé, who's 25. We've been together for six blissful years and engaged for the last two. Our wedding is set for next month and will be a modest event with around 20 guests in total, not including our wedding party, the officiant, and us, making it 33 people. We decided to keep things low-key and are hosting the event in my best friend's backyard. We even picked out simple yet elegant outfits from Amazon and allowed our wedding party freedom in their attire, only specifying a general color theme.

As the wedding nears, we've encountered a few hiccups, especially with the bachelor and bachelorette parties. My fiancé's party is all set, thanks to their proactive planning. However, my side seems disinterested. I created a separate group for them to plan a surprise for me but learned through my best friend, who's also the officiant and part of my bridal party, that there's been no discussion or planning at all. Despite reaching out to my maid of honor, who’s supposed to be organizing it, I’ve been met with silence and vague promises. She even accused me of turning into a "bridezilla" when I pressed for an update, which really wasn't my intention.

On another note, my brother, who’s 31 and my only biological family remaining, is having a hard time. He was supposed to walk me down the aisle but started backing out with various excuses, from financial issues to job obligations. After digging deeper, he admitted that attending the wedding reminds him too much of his failed relationship. He said he feels it's unfair of me to ask him to participate. I tried to be supportive, reminding him of the times I've been there for him, but he countered by saying the world doesn't revolve around my “stupid party.” This has left me deeply hurt, especially considering my own past with a traumatic relationship.

I've made every effort to keep the wedding stress-free and simple, yet I find myself questioned by those closest to me. My fiancé supports me, but the mixed signals from others leave me in doubt. Now, imagine all this being filmed on a reality show. How dramatic and twisted would the producers make it look? Who would the audience side with?

Am I setting unrealistic expectations for my brother and bridal party?

My Bridesmaid Ruined My Mom's Wedding Dress: Overreaction?
Bridezilla

About a month ago, I tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony. For my wedding, I chose to wear the same lacy, floor-length dress that my mother had worn at her own wedding. Tragically, she passed away two years earlier, making the dress an incredibly sentimental token for me.

Due to its sentimental value, I was extra cautious to protect it from any harm. I decided beforehand that I would only wear it during the ceremony and switch to a different, more casual outfit for the party later. Additionally, I refrained from consuming anything but water to avoid stains, and I decided to stay indoors while wearing it.

I’m not usually one to fret over tidiness, but wearing my mom’s dress without a hitch meant the world to me. My bridesmaids were well aware of how much the dress meant to me and my plans to safeguard it. On the wedding day, I prepared upstairs in a special room, my precious gown hanging securely.

However, while I was downstairs briefly, an incident occurred as recounted to me by my bridesmaids. They had popped open a bottle of Pinot Noir, my favorite wine, to celebrate. While admiring my dress, one bridesmaid, let's call her "Elise", aged 27, accidentally spilled wine on the dress’s hem while touching the fabric.

Upon returning and learning what had happened, I broke into tears. My maid of honor immediately contacted several cleaners, but none could help before the ceremony. They gave us some advice on how to preserve the dress until it could be professionally cleaned, and my maid of honor began following those instructions.

Infuriated, I confronted Elise, questioning why she would carry red wine near the dress knowing the precautions I had set. Her dismissal of the incident as trivial and her claim that wearing the dress posed a similar risk of damage infuriated me further. I was so upset that I asked her to leave the wedding and dismissed her from her duties as a bridesmaid.

I ended up wearing my backup dress for the receptions, and it was devastating not to wear my mom's dress. After the wedding, some bridesmaids commented that I might have overreacted by firing Elise for what they called a simple mistake.

I still believe I was justified in my reaction, especially given Elise's lack of remorse. But sharing this story here, I’m hoping to get some neutral perspectives. Am I actually in the wrong here?

Imagine how this might unfold if it were an episode on a reality wedding show. You can just picture the dramatic zoom-ins and tense music as the wine spills, followed by the heated exchange and me asking Eliz to leave. Viewers would probably be split; some might sympathize with my desire to preserve a precious memory, while others might think the reaction was too extreme for reality TV.

Am I Wrong for Feeling Bad Over Absent Parents at Wedding?
Bridezilla

Both of my parents have decided not to attend my upcoming wedding in September, leaving me completely devastated. I am about to marry an incredible woman, yet my mother has abruptly refused to participate due to personal grievances, and my father, estranged for nearly a decade and from a culture that does not accept lesbian marriages, is hesitant about attending due to potential discomfort.

My mother's reservation stems from having to share the space with my uncle who, in the past, reported her to Child Protective Services when my stepfather was abusing myself and my brother—a situation she had been hiding. Although the intervention was justified, my mother has harbored resentment towards my uncle ever since, and she accused me of betrayal for confiding in him. She insists on maintaining her boundaries, even if it means missing her own daughter's wedding. To me, it feels like she could set aside her grievances for just one day, but she views my upset as an overreaction.

The situation has left me both angry and powerless. I wonder if my expectations are unreasonable or if my feelings are validly profound.

Imagine if this personal turmoil were unfolded on a reality TV show—cameras rolling as each family drama layer revealed itself in front of a national audience. The viewers would likely be split, some empathizing deeply with emotional struggles and familial rifts, while others might view the conflicts as overly dramatic or fabricated for ratings. The episode would likely stir up significant discussions on family dynamics, personal boundaries, and the importance of support during significant life events.

Wedding drama with my sister in law
Bridezilla

Happy to be completely anonymous here because I don't want to have any chance to have my sister-in-law finding my story here 🤣😁

My older sibling, Aaron, is tying the knot this coming autumn. His bride-to-be and I share a somewhat rocky past; she graduated three levels above me in high school and, although I wouldn’t label her actions as outright bullying, she and her clique made those days less than pleasant for me. Admittedly, there's been some lingering animosity on my part.

Lately, she's been quite overbearing about the wedding details. This includes throwing tantrums over minutiae—like the event hall’s off-white seat coverings not matching her precise specifications, and a multi-day fallout with Aaron for merely suggesting an alternative cake flavor. Though part of me wants to speak up, I’ve kept silent to avoid family strife.

That resolve ended two days ago. My little sister, who is a bridesmaid in both Aaron’s and our cousin's upcoming weddings, unwittingly ignited a fury when she revealed to my soon-to-be sister-in-law the bridesmaid dresses for our cousin's wedding. Despite the obvious differences in hue and design between the two blue dresses, she accused our cousin of sabotaging her day by "stealing" her color theme.

Following her tirade, I muttered a comment about her acting like a 'Bridezilla' over a silly matter such as dresses. Unsurprisingly, this didn't sit well with her. She stormed off from our mother’s house, later bombarding me with hostile texts and commencing a campaign to have Aaron remove me as a groomsman. While Aaron is exasperated by being caught in the middle, my sister thinks I was too blunt, and our mom has sided with the notion that wedding planning is inherently stressful and deserves empathy—a sentiment I find hard to agree with, given the circumstances.

Imagine if all this drama unfolded on a reality TV show. The cameras capturing every eye roll and heated exchange, zooming in as tensions rise. Her storming out might have been accompanied by dramatic music, and confessional cuts could show each family member's frustrated or defensive reactions. In such a scenario, the audience might even side with me, seeing her reaction as disproportionate, or they might critique my choice of words, pumping up the drama for entertainment. Either way, the episode would be unforgettable.

Wedding Woes and Family Strains: A Personal Saga
Bridezilla

At the age of 24, I found myself in an awkward position with my brother's then-girlfried, whom I initially embraced like a sister. She joined us on family vacations and integrated seamlessly into our circle. When my brother, who was 30 at the time, asked her to marry him, I was excited to be chosen as a bridesmaid. At 21, I shared a place with a roommate and didn’t have much financial leeway. My mom had graciously offered to cover any of my expenses for the wedding. Initially, my sister-in-law had promised to pay for the bridesmaids' dresses, but as wedding plans progressed, she unexpectedly sent over details which included the costs for us to cover, along with an expensive bachelorette party plan.

After sharing these details with my mom, she confronted my sister-in-law since we had proof of her initial offer to pay for the dresses, which she denied. Given the financial strain, I made the tough decision to step down as bridesmaid, and I wasn’t alone; all but her sister made the same choice eventually.

My relationship with my sister-in-law grew tense following the incident. Her interactions became blunt and uncomfortable during her visits. Recently, when my mom, who’s been battling menopause symptoms, prepared a lavish meal during one of their visits, my sister-in-law found reasons to complain yet again. Upon their departure, she expressed her annoyance over not being included in our family photo frame – even though I hadn’t even included myself. After some heated words, relationships cooled significantly.

This incident led to a brief period where no one communicated until my mom reached out to mend fences. Despite her efforts, my sister-in-law's demeanor remained cold and dismissive. I’ve since decided to limit my interaction to sending gifts to my niece, relying on my mother for any updates. It’s painful missing out on family moments, but the emotional toll was too heavy.

Honestly, if this drama unfolded on a reality TV show, I wonder how people would react to seeing it all play out on screen. Would they see the situation from my perspective, or judge me for pulling back from family ties? I can imagine the intense discussions and polarized opinions amongst viewers, dissecting every look and decision.

Bridal Woes: When a Friendship Meets an End
Bridezilla

My university buddy recently got hitched, and I was supposed to stand by her side as a bridesmaid. We last met at her engagement celebration about a year ago. Regrettably, since then, she's been a pretty terrible companion, fully engrossed in her wedding plans and consistently neglecting our friendship. Even though initially we chatted about her wedding, she soon started ignoring my messages. Whenever I tried opening up about my own struggles, she responded cruelly and was overwhelmingly obsessed with her role as the bride. As a result of her behavior and me facing ongoing health issues, I grew distant and decided against maintaining the friendship after the wedding festivities concluded.

When our interactions resumed, it was purely for bridesmaid duties. Still dealing with health troubles, I hadn't yet bought my dress due to potential changes in my weight from new medications. Her reply was blunt, stressing the necessity to have it altered by June. Close to the wedding date, she suddenly demanded $200 for hair and makeup costs—expenses she hadn't previously discussed nor sought agreement on from any of us bridesmaids.

Feeling cornered and reconsidering the strained relationship, I decided against attending the wedding, blaming it on my health complications. She reacted selfishly, making the issue about herself and showing no concern for my well-being. Later, she demanded I pay the $200 for the services she booked without my consent. After a heated exchange, I agreed to settle the amount, even including an extra $150 for the venue costs she mentioned, hoping to end all communication thereafter.

Following five weeks of silence, she messaged me to inquire about my health. But soon, her tone shifted to expressing how hurt she was that I hadn't reached out during or after her wedding. I was stunned by her audacity. My grandmother advised ignoring her message, aligning with my intention to dissolve the friendship altogether.

Imagine if this situation unfolded on a reality show, the dramatic tension would be palpable! With cameras rolling, viewers would likely be split—some sympathizing with my health struggles and recognizing the bride's self-centered nature, while others might view my withdrawal from the wedding as a betrayal, sparking controversy and debates across social media platforms.

Am I wrong for wanting to end this friendship?

Navigating Wedding Drama with a Difficult Mom and Problematic Sister
Bridezilla

My fiancé and I are about to tie the knot, and we’re eagerly counting down the days. Here’s some background info: my parents divorced about 4 or 5 years ago, and my mom has remained bitter ever since. She hasn’t been supportive of my engagement, often voicing her opinion that I’m making a mistake because she doesn’t see the value in my fiancé. Despite him living here for the past two years (we were long-distance for five), she’s never made an effort to get to know him and treats him like a stranger. In contrast, my dad and his wife, who’ve been married almost two years, have been incredibly welcoming and consider him part of the family.

We knew we’d likely be paying for our wedding ourselves and were fine with that. I did ask my mom if she’d like to help, without any obligation, but she wasn’t interested. Beyond that, she’s furious that I’ve asked her to share the spotlight with my stepmom during the mother of the bride walk. She insists that my stepmom isn’t my real mother, but my stepmom has been more present in my life over the past six years than my bio mom ever has. Additionally, I’ve included my half-sister from my dad’s side in the wedding because she’s important to me and around the same age as my fiancé’s groomsman. Meanwhile, my half-sister from my mom’s side, who has a history of causing trouble and being unkind, isn’t invited as a bridesmaid.

My mom has “jokingly” threatened not to attend the wedding to show me how it feels to have my feelings hurt. She’s been disrespectful and wants nothing to do with the wedding besides the mother of the bride walk. She claims I’m inviting her out of pity, not because she’s my mother. It’s my day, and I want a relaxed wedding. I feel justified in being a little selfish to avoid problems her daughter might cause. If my mom’s absence ends our relationship, I wouldn’t mind. Am I in the wrong here?

I also wonder how all of this would play out if we were on a reality show. Can you imagine the drama and reactions from viewers? It would be a spectacle for sure!

The Nightmare Bride: A Tale of Poor Communication and Vendor Neglect
Bridezilla

I'm a 32-year-old woman who used to work at a local tavern with a bartender, Patricia, about ten years ago. Patricia now owns her own bartending LLC, which she's been running successfully for about three years. She gets hired for various events, including weddings at the venue I now manage.

I married into a family that owns a wedding venue, where I work as the office manager. My responsibilities include emailing, calling, and meeting brides frequently. I work closely with my mother-in-law (MIL), who has owned the venue for about a decade. I started in this position about a year ago. The bride in this story was a client of both our venue and Patricia’s bartending service. Brides typically hire multiple vendors for weddings, such as the venue (us), bartenders (Patricia), DJs, caterers, photographers, etc.

The Situation

When the bride booked our venue, it was before I began working there. My husband and I lived across the state for a few years before moving back in 2022, and I started working at the venue in May 2023. The bride had already toured the venue, booked it, and communicated via email with my MIL (the owner). By the time I got involved, I had never met or interacted with the bride.

In January 2024, the bride's wedding was scheduled for April 27th. Her final payment was due in January, so I sent a reminder email. A few days later, she responded, saying the wedding was canceled. We use a single business email, and we don’t have personal emails tied to the business. My MIL, who is kind and understanding, emailed back, offering to work something out if the cancellation was due to financial reasons, as it was too close to the date to rebook, and we'd lose money. The bride simply replied, "We broke up." We never heard from her again despite multiple attempts to get her to sign a cancellation form. By early March, I sent a final email stating that I would use the email chain as her cancellation notice, as per our contract. No response came. I assumed the bride was either embarrassed or just poor at communicating.

Patricia's Experience

Patricia knew I was now working at my in-laws' venue, and we were looking forward to working together again. Last week, she texted me asking if the wedding was still on for the 27th. I informed her that the bride had canceled in January and hadn’t made her final payment. Shockingly, the bride never informed Patricia of the cancellation, leaving Patricia out of money since she had prepared her staff for the wedding. Despite multiple attempts to reach the bride, Patricia received no response, which was baffling. Why would the bride ignore Patricia but cancel with us?

Five days before the wedding date, the bride finally told Patricia about the cancellation. Patricia, understandably irritated, replied that she had already found out from the venue and advised the bride to inform her vendors sooner next time to avoid potential financial losses. Upon reviewing her contract, Patricia realized there was a clause requiring only a five-day notice before canceling the bartending service. This meant the bride had deliberately waited until the last minute to notify Patricia, despite canceling the wedding nearly four months earlier. Who does that? It's cruel and inconsiderate. I'm sure other vendors also suffered financial losses because of this bride. What a jerk.