I am facing a dilemma right now. I decided long ago that I would be have family as a bridal party due to wanting to avoid drama as I've all been in the bridal party for friends I don't even speak to anymore. I am also extremely close to my female cousins and we talk all the time. Add in that we're part of a big Italian family and see each other for holidays all the time.
Right now, I'm getting a lot of flack from a group of my friends over this decision as they believe that they should be the ones to be in the party as they're my close friends. I've tried explaining that I would prefer family and they keep telling me that it doesn't make sense because having family doesn't avoid drama. The people specifically giving me issues are ones that I was a bridesmaid for them, and while we're close, I'd rather have family in this role.
How can I navigate this without damaging my friendships?
