Contrary to rumor, bridesmaids are not obliged to entertain in honor of the bride, nor to wear clothes that they cannot afford and that make them look stupid.
And no, the bride does not have a “right” to demand either one because it is “her day.” Any sensible person who hears someone speaking in an imperious tone of “her day” would be wise to consider that it therefore isn’t going to be anyone else’s day, and to leave her to enjoy it alone.

Judith Martin (b. 1938) American author, journalist, etiquette expert [a.k.a. Miss Manners]

“Miss Manners,” syndicated column (1993-03-07)
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