4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Agreeing to Be a Bridesmaid

Just because you were asked to be a bridesmaid doesn't mean you have to immediately say yes. This might sound surprising, but it's true! Being a part of a bridal party is a big responsibility, and you shouldn't commit to it if you have any reservations. Ask yourself the following questions before you give the bride an answer.

If work takes up most of your time and you don't have many opportunities to request days off, it might not be a good idea to be in a wedding party. There will be showers and a bachelorette party, and the days leading up to the wedding will require much of your attention. As a bridesmaid, your job is to be there to support the bride. If you have to miss out on most everything, it will probably be best to say no.

If you're a sibling or cousin to the bride or groom, you should say yes to being in the wedding party. The couple wants you to be a part of their big day because you are their family, and you should honor that. Put any obligations or hesitations you have to the side and remember that your family is everything!

Being in a wedding costs a lot of money — especially if you're a bridesmaid. Planning showers and parties and buying a dress will all be part of your responsibilities. If you don't feel like you can afford these expenses, there's no doubt the bride will understand. Just tell her your situation and surely she will see where you're coming from.

Were you asked to be a bridesmaid by somebody you're not very close to? Surprisingly enough, this happens all the time. If you feel like you're simply being asked to be in the wedding party to fill an empty spot, you should not feel like you have to say yes. On the other hand, if the bride or groom is a very close friend of yours, it will mean a lot to them for you to be involved in their big day.