A woman has come under fire after revealing her unofficial ‘bridal guide’ which required all bridesmaid to pay for their own outfits – and make a financial contribution to the bridal shower
Tying the knot can be bank-breaking – but one woman’s approach to cut down on costs has sparked fierce backlash.
The average price of a wedding in the UK is an eye-watering £20,775, which amidst a cost-of-living crisis is simply unaffordable for many loved-up Brits. However, bride Emerson Schiavone has revealed her unofficial ‘bridal guide’ that features some controversial cost-cutting measures.
According to Bristol Live, the woman wedded her husband John in the US last year – but demanded bridesmaids pay for their own dresses as well as funding a bridal shower. It’s safe to say the strict rules haven’t gone down very well on the internet…
In a series of now-viral TikToks, Emerson explained how children were banned from the big day altogether, and guests had to adhere to a strict black tie dress code. Singletons attending the wedding were not permitted to bring a plus one and guests were not allowed to request music as the event was a wedding ‘not a prom’. Sounds fun, right?
The rules continue for bridesmaids, who were instructed to buy their dress four-six months in advance and fund the outfits themselves. “I chose not to be responsible for paying for their attire other than accessories,” Emerson said. When it came to make-up and hair styles, the bride says her friends could decide based on their own preference but had to have the look approved – arguing: “A bright red lip would look funny next to more natural makeup, in my opinion.”
Even more controversially, the bride expected a financial contribution towards her bridal shower, explaining that although her parents paid for the party she expected her bridesmaid to cough up. “Anyone who is mad about it… it’s literally common [practice],” she added. Other strict rules included only wearing ‘nude or clear heels’ and making sure all the bridesmaid gowns were the same ‘colour and fabric’.
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Emerson has racked up millions of views with her series of ‘controversial’ wedding rules – and has received the support of hundreds of users: “[I’m] getting married in August and I’m following about 90 per cent of this for my bridesmaids too – and the weddings I was in also were basically the same expectations as well! I think it’s pretty fair,” one person wrote.
However, many slammed the woman’s approach, arguing they wouldn’t ‘expect a penny’ from their bridesmaids. “It’s so tacky to require a financial contribution on top of having them self-fund their outfits,” one person fumed.
Another agreed, commenting: “I’ve asked my bridesmaid to be part of my day! I am paying for her dress, shoes, bag whatever! She’s putting so much time and effort into my day with me and my hen party! These rules are just crazy.” Many pointed out the cultural differences when it comes to weddings, stating it’s common in the US for bridesmaid to fund their own outfits and makeup – whereas in the UK the bride usually pays.
What do you think of the bride’s rules? Let us know in the comments section below
