Why should I pay for that?

1-800-Bridesmaid

📞 Hello? Hi. It’s me, Jen Glantz. Welcome to the 1-800-Bridesmaid, by Bridesmaid for Hire. A place where real stories are shared and your best advice is given.

This week: A groomsmen wrote in asking us to help him settle a dispute with the groom over $650.

Last week: A bride asked for your advice on what to do about her bridesmaids who are talking badly behind her back. What advice would you give her?

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Dear 1-800-Bridesmaid,

I need some advice on a tricky situation with my friend's upcoming wedding. My college buddy Jake is getting married next month, and he asked me to be a groomsman back in January. I was honored and initially accepted, even though we're not super close these days (we live in different states and only catch up a few times a year).

Here's where things get complicated:

1. I recently lost my job due to company downsizing and am struggling financially.

2. I've been having some health issues and just found out I need surgery that's scheduled for the week of the wedding.

3. The wedding is across the country, so travel costs would be significant.

Given these circumstances, I called Jake last week to explain that I unfortunately need to back out of being a groomsman. He seemed understanding on the phone.

I had already received the suit but hadn't altered it. Jake paid for the suits for all the guys so I immediately shipped it back to Jake in perfect condition - tags still on, never worn, in the original garment bag.

I thought everything was settled until yesterday when Jake texted asking me to pay for the suit (around $650). He says it was a final sale and non-refundable. I was caught off guard since this was never mentioned before.

I feel terrible about the situation, but I'm really not in a position to pay $650 for a suit I can't use. Plus, it feels unfair since the suit is in perfect, resellable condition.

What should I do here? Should I offer to pay a portion when I'm back on my feet financially? Try to contact the shop about a refund? I don't want to damage our friendship, but I also can't afford this unexpected expense right now.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Let’s help him out.

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What’s new with Bridesmaid for Hire:

Jen Glantz here! I’m so grateful you’re here. I started 1-800-Bridesmaid as a way to bring you into the world of my life as a hired bridesmaid for strangers.

If you’re wondering what I’ve been up to lately, here’s a little preview:

• A lot of you are reaching out to see if we are still hiring. Yes, but at the moment, there aren’t any open positions. I’ll keep you posted inside the newsletter when open positions to work weddings pop up.

• My team and I developed these interactive maid of honor/best man speech, wedding officiant speech, and wedding vow tools. You chat with us about the stories, details, and memories you want to include and I write the speech for you — in just a few hours. If you have a wedding coming up and need a speech, check this out. We’re expanding this month to offer wedding officiant and father of the bride/goom and mother of the bride/groom speeches.

• Did you know we have a Bridesmaid for Hire book? It’s a best-seller on Amazon and it dives into how I started the business and what it’s been like to work weddings as a hired bridesmaid.

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