Bride selects bridesmaids based on skills, assigns unpaid labor with contract; AITA?

Asking talented friends or members of the wedding party to help with some aspects of wedding planning is normal, but what about forcing your loved ones to be contractually obligated to donate their time and skills?

So, when a conflicted bridesmaid decided to consult the moral compass of the internet otherwise known as Reddit's 'Am I the As*hole' about whether or not she was wrong to step down from her role as a bridesmaid to a classic bridezilla, people were eager to help deem a verdict.

'AITA (Am I the As*hole) for stepping down as bridesmaid?'

I'm a 36 female and was a bridesmaid to my good friend's wedding, Anna 46. I was initially very honored, until I went to the first bridesmaid's meeting at her house on Thursday.

I realized Anna, hadn't chosen 8 of us, to be her bridesmaids because of our friendships with her, but because of our skills. Example one of her bridesmaids is a Hairdresser, so she will be doing all the hairstyles of the bridesmaids, Anna, Anna's sisters (whom are not bridesmaids) and her mother.

I come from a big family so am used to cooking for large amounts of people, so I was expected to cook for 80 guests. I also make sculptures and jewelry out of wire silver clay, so was expected to make Anna's crown and necklaces, bracelets for Anna, the bridesmaids, sisters and mother. I was also expected make 20 wire sculptures for each table. (She wasn't offering any money for the ingredients and materials).

Anna then said, that each bridesmaid needs to make an around $800 donation. One of the bridesmaids (a Make up Artist) said she is not going to pay, to work for free and Anna said that a bridesmaid is meant to support the bride. Other bridesmaids spoke up, so Anna started shouting and at one point her husband to be, Mark stepped in.

Two of the bridesmaids stormed off in the garden to smoke, but because one of them moved so fast their toddler seemed a little confused, so he ran in circles and then put his hand on my knee. I then scooped him up in my arms and placed him on my lap. Anna then shouted 'why are you moving when I'm talking, you stupid wh*re.'

I was very upset as she was dragging up my past and I don't know the other bridesmaids, they all went to University with Anna, I didn't. I wanted to leave but I had the little boy on my lap. Everyone was staring at me, whilst Anna kept talking and I desperately tried to hold back tears.

I haven't told my loved ones about this because I'm just so upset and don't want to upset them, but Anna sent an email today with her bank details for the $800 and an attachment of the contract, detailing my duties. I emailed back saying that I can't fulfill my duties as a bridesmaid, so will be stepping down. AITA?

Of course, the jury of internet strangers was eager to weigh in on this unpaid internship program disguised as a bridal party. Here's what people had to say:

rachel_violet said:

NTA (Not the As*hole). Congratulations, you just dodged a massive bridezilla. I hope her other bridesmaids follow suit.

Peaceful-Spirit9 said:

NTA. And by the way...Contract!?

ewearehere said:

NTA. She's not your friend. Walk away.

Ravenhill-2171 said:

NTA - your friend is a monster and you need to get away from and never speak to her again.

hatetank91 said:

NTA. I have to imagine you walking outside into the sun like a free woman after you turned her offer down and feeling like you just beat the rap on a life sentence. The air is so much fresher, the sun is so much brighter, food just tastes better. Take that $800 and spend it on yourself. Celebrate making the right decision.

So, there you have it!

Everyone agreed unanimously here that this bridesmaid did the right thing and if this bride has any friends left in her life after her tacky crowdfunded wedding, it'll be a shocking journey.