By Lynsey Eidell, Allure
Bridesmaids
know that certain requirements usually come with their role: purchasing
a dress, attending or hosting events such as the bridal shower and
bachelorette party, and, of course, being by the bride's side on her big
day. But some brides are taking their requests—scratch that, demands—to the next level by asking members of their bridal parties to alter their physical appearances before the wedding.
[post_ads]The New York Post recently interviewed several brides and bridesmaids about the phenomenon, which more than anything made us grateful we're not in any of the weddings they're planning. One bride detailed how she requested that all of her bridesmaids "get fit," and that she even told a bridesmaid who had just given birth that she needed to "lose a few pounds." The same bride also forbade her bridesmaids from wearing swimsuits with straps during her bachelorette party to prevent tan lines, commanded that another bridesmaid get her earlobe cosmetically fixed so that she could wear chandelier earrings on the big day, and requested that all her bridesmaids get hair extensions.
[post_ads]The New York Post recently interviewed several brides and bridesmaids about the phenomenon, which more than anything made us grateful we're not in any of the weddings they're planning. One bride detailed how she requested that all of her bridesmaids "get fit," and that she even told a bridesmaid who had just given birth that she needed to "lose a few pounds." The same bride also forbade her bridesmaids from wearing swimsuits with straps during her bachelorette party to prevent tan lines, commanded that another bridesmaid get her earlobe cosmetically fixed so that she could wear chandelier earrings on the big day, and requested that all her bridesmaids get hair extensions.
Another bride interviewed by the Post
has reportedly instructed her entire bridal party to follow a diet,
including a set meal plan, in the weeks prior to her wedding. "They're
going to be standing up there with me, so they want to look good and
feel good too," she said. A maid of honor who spoke out in the article
revealed how her sister—the bride—has demanded that she get a spray tan,
grow her hair out, and keep it dyed blonde. "I'm pretty sure if I
weren't already attempting to get in shape, she'd probably make comments
about that too," she added.
We've heard stories like these before: One bridesmaid's anecdote went viral last summer when she posted on Reddit
about how the bride had requested she dye her naturally red hair to
brown to fit in better with the bridal party. More horror stories shared
on the website Whisper
reveal outrageous asks from brides, from a demand that a bridesmaid
cover up her tattoos to a request that a bridesmaid get a breast
reduction. Plastic surgeons, meanwhile, are increasingly reporting that
bridal parties are coming in for filler and Botox — while gyms are creating special bridal boot camp packages and bachelorette parties have become more wellness-focused.
[post_ads_2]
It
should go without saying, but telling your bridesmaids to change how
they look is more likely to make them resent you than it is to improve
your wedding. No one at your wedding will care if your maid of honor has
been doing squats or not, but she'll probably care if you take
it upon yourself to critique her body. And if you're looking to share
your big day with "perfect"-looking women rather than your closest
friends, you could always put out a casting call.
