Don't feel guilty about asking someone to step out of the bridal party, or allowing someone to remove themselves due to personal or financial concerns. As the bride, you'll probably be in line for a lot of outside opinions - mothers, friends and others who are quick to say, "How could you?!" and question why you didn't offer to pay for their dress, their plane ticket, their hotel room.

The bottom line is that everyone has the right to do what's best for them, you handled the situation as best you could - as did the bridal party member, even if you don't agree with exactly how they let you know they wanted out.

Right now, your only responsibility is to move forward in your wedding planning with the people who are going to be standing up there with you and working with you. This is your wedding day. And you're doing a great job.

And for those folks with opinions, just brush them off with a smile and say, "The decision's been made, it's best for everyone involved, and I am at peace with it." And so you are.