I Sacked My Brides Maid For Getting Pregnant!

A fair decision or just mean? Here, bride Eimear O’Hagan, 35, defends herself…

- Eimear O'Hagan

Hanging up the phone, I burst into tears. My best friend Anne had just told me she was pregnant. I should’ve been ecstatic, but if I’m honest, I was p***ed off.

Three months before, in April 2013, I’d asked her to be chief bridesmaid at my wedding the following spring. I’d already chosen the dress I wanted my bridesmaids to wear – bespoke gowns costing £245. I hadn’t ordered them yet, but I knew it wouldn’t be suitable for a new mum’s figure.

Anne would have had the baby by then, and, fitted and unforgiving, there was no space for a postpartum bump or breast pads.

Aside from the dress, I’d planned for us to get ready at my mum’s, enjoying a calm morning before the child-free church ceremony and reception. At no point had I factored in a newborn.

Looking back, it was naive not to anticipate Anne, then 31, getting pregnant before my nuptials. A newlywed herself, I knew she wanted a family. But in bridezilla mode, I couldn’t believe she hadn’t warned me it might happen. Feeling backed into a corner, I now had to make one of two unappealing decisions. Sack her, risking our friendship and being judged by others. Or change my dress choice, and accept Anne’s baby would have to become part of the bridal party. I resented having to make such a horrible decision when I had so much else on my plate planning everything.