Bride criticized after choosing 'ugly' bridesmaids for cruel reason (2025)

A bride's sister has revealed her sibling's 'mean girl' strategy for ensuring she looks nothing short of stunning in her wedding pictures.

The 24-year-old US-based woman told how her older sister was so determined not to be outshone on her big day that she asked 'ugly friends' to be her bridesmaids in place of her closest pals.

The younger sister, who was herself asked to be a bridesmaid, explained that the bride's approach was so unethical to her that she ended up turning the role down.

Taking to the 'Am I The A******?' thread on Reddit, the anonymous woman admitted that she was initially 'excited' at the prospect of being her sister's bridesmaid - but that all changed when she discovered 'who the rest of the bridal party was.'

She explained: 'Every single one of them is someone she's either not that close to or has made fun of before for being awkward' or not photogenic.

'Some of her actual best friends - the ones who she sees all the time - weren't even asked'.

Baffled by her older sibling's choice of bridesmaids, the younger sister decided to chat about the decision with her.

Recalling the bride's revealing response, the sister added: 'She kind of laughed and said, 'You'll understand when it's your wedding. You don't want people who'll outshine you in your own pictures'.'

Uncomfortable with the bride's logic, the sister probed further, asking: 'So you picked them because you think they'll make you look better?'

At this, the bride 'rolled her eyes' and told her sister: 'It's not that deep. I just want to feel confident that day, and I'm allowed to be a little selfish for my wedding'.

Astounded by the bride's comment, the sister continued: 'I told her I didn't want to be part of a bridal party built on tearing other people down - even subtly - and that she should've picked people she actually cares about.

'Now she's calling me judgmental and sensitive, and our mother says I'm being too idealistic and should just support her. But I feel like going along with it makes me complicit'.

Reddit users were quick to weigh in, with the sister's post accumulating 547 comments in a matter of days.

One person wrote: 'NTA [Not the a******]. I would be extremely hurt if a loved one or someone who I thought wanted me to be part of their special day asked me to be part of something like the wedding party, but to be used as a pawn like this.

'It is mean girl / catty behaviour. Yes, she deserves to feel beautiful on her special day, but she's ugly on the inside for doing this, even if no one else knows.'

Another Reddit user, who appeared completely absorbed by the saga, added: 'NTA - tell the other Bridesmaids then post an update (gets popcorn ready).'

The sister later revealed that she had informed the other bridesmaids about the bride's strategy, leading three to drop out.

Further casting doubt on the bride's character, the sister also told Reddit users that her 'modelesque' and 'beautiful' older sibling has 'never failed to shame' her for her curvier figure.

The sister added: 'I have a good-looking partner and she has subtly hinted that he could do better than me.'

Discussing the bride's approach, one person wrote: 'NTA that's such ugly behaviour'. Another agreed, writing: 'NTA. Your sister is shallow.'

Reddit

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