'Bridezilla' Slammed for Charging Guests $150 to Attend Wedding
A teen has shocked online by revealing her sister's "bridezilla" ways, including demanding a fee for all guests and frequent spa visits ahead of the day.
Research suggests that a third of brides could be classed as bridezillas, but this bride seemed to top that with her list of demands.
The bride's 18-year-old sister and bridesmaid took to Subreddit "weddingshaming," posting as u/Cute_Quarter_9399, to share her wedding nightmare leading up to the big day, which is set to cost $100,000 of their parents' money. In 2021, the average wedding in the U.S. cost $28,000, according to wedding planning website The Knot.
Since the very day of the proposal, her sister has gone into full bridezilla mode, with constant demands, many of which have huge financial implications.
"All bridesmaids are to pay for their own dress (a $300 dress in blush pink), shoes, hair and makeup," wrote the sister, adding that "bridesmaids need to attend all wedding and bachelorette events."
According to Cute_Quarter_9399, these events included a "bachelorette spa day $800 each," "bachelorette vacation weekend to Toronto and stay at the Fairmont hotel $1,000 weekend just for hotel," as well as "dress appointments (even if just for the bride), all alterations covered by the person themselves," with alterations costing $300.
Bridesmaids were expected to attend "all things to do with the wedding (cake, venue, catering etc)" and would need to all pay $25 for the cake and food tasting. Guests, as well as the bridal/groom party, "need to pay $150 to reserve their spots," she said.
"And gifts have to be either cash, check, or from the list of registry items. She has a spreadsheet of what everyone is gifting, and has said she will return items that aren't from her registry/match her theme."
Other rules by the "bridezilla" ensured that all bridesmaids must attend hair and skin appointments every six weeks for "flawless" pictures on the day, along with all tattoos being covered and no unnatural hair colors. Plus, the dresses are only in sizes 00-10, meaning those who don't fit, need to change.
Bridesmaids, she explained, also should communicate with the vendors and make decisions on the bride's behalf, along with reminding guests that they need to pay a $150 fee.
Reddit users were left startled by the bride's behavior, imploring the sister to drop out of the wedding as soon as possible.
"Please drop out as a bridesmaid. Your mom can just say she can't control you. Lol. Tell your sister you love her but due to commitments for school and finances you won't be able to make her wedding the priority it deserves," wrote one user.
"I'd gracefully decline," suggested another. "Sister, thank you for inviting me to be part of your big day. However because of time constraints, I'm unable to dedicate my full attention to your upcoming wedding. I look forward to being a part of your day by being a guest."
Another user similarly advised to "tell you mom you don't the sort of money being a bridesmaid for the sister will involve. Tell sister she is free to include you out of the wedding party. You will probably find that you will lead the change."
In an update, the sister confirmed that she informed her dad who did not previously know about the wedding budget, which caused the family to reconsider their generous donation.
Now, the bride is set to receive $15,000 from her own parents and another $15,000 from her in-laws.
Newsweek reached out to u/Cute_Quarter_9399 for comment. We could not verify the details of the case.
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