Bridesmaid squabbles in New Orleans - What would Elizabeth Von Arnim advise?
October 20, 2023
| Tea | Music |
|---|---|
| Earl Grey | Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper |
Dear Erica,
I am planning my best-friends Bachelorette party, and I’m getting more and more annoyed with one of the other bridesmaids. I’m the Maid of Honor, and I was the one who came up with the idea of doing the Bachelorette party in New Orleans, but now she has gotten involved, and is taking over everything. She has organized the restaurant for our big night out, decided what clubs we MUST go to, booked the hotel, without even asking for any advice from me(the bride’s best friend!). Now, honestly, she has made good choices, but I hate that she has taken it out of my hands. Am I being petty? How do I handle it?
Bridesmaid in Boston
Dear Bridesmaid in Boston,
It is totally natural that this other girl’s behavior would annoy you, but the only advice I can give you would be to repeat Lotty Wilkins’ words to Rose Arbuthnot in Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim. When the elderly and extremely opinionated Mrs. Fisher took over the housekeeping of their rented villa in Italy(a villa that Lotty and Rose had found!), Rose’s initial reaction was resentment and frustration.
“But we found San Salvatore,” said Mrs. Arbuthnot, “and it is rather silly that Mrs. Fisher should behave as if it belonged only to her.”
But her friend, Lotty Wilkins, soon puts things in perspective.
“What is rather silly,” said Mrs. Wilkins with much serenity, “is to mind. I can’t see the least point in being in authority at the price of one’s liberty.”
Rather than feel petty resentments at Mrs. Fisher for taking over the housekeeping of their Italian holiday villa, Rose realizes that her friend Lotty is right. Free of the burdens of day-to-day housekeeping, she can better enjoy her holiday, and I suggest you do the same. Enjoy the Bachelorette party, and don’t get lost in the little nitty gritty details of the planning. If you think this other bridesmaid is making a bad decision and the bride will have a terrible time, speak out. And speak out loudly. Otherwise, allow this other girl to commandeer the planning of the trip, and use the free time you will have to create something special for your friend. A scavenger hunt, a scrapbook with pictures and mementos. Focus your energy elsewhere, and try for a zen-like attitude, a la Enchanted April. I know it’s probably easier to let things go when you are staying at a gorgeous Italian villa on the coast, but I have a feeling the Big Easy will wield its own sort of magic. Just remember, if you have a wonderful time, you will help ensure that the bride also has a wonderful time!
Best,
Erica