Q. Bridezillas: I'm in my early 40s, so I've already gone through the main wave of my friends' weddings. Things sure have changed. I was recently invited to a wedding and here's the list of events: 1) "Congratlure" party (a pre-bachelor party a week after the engagement) 2)bachelor party, 3) bachelorette party, 4) engagement party, 5) bachelor/bachelorette combined party, 6) wedding shower, and finally 7) wedding reception. It's been made very clear (even explicitly in each invite) that cash or gifts are expected at each event. That means my wife and I would have to pony up for seven gifts. I'm trying to determine what is most ridiculous, that someone would throw so many parties or that they actually request gifts. Is this outrageous, or has it become the norm?A: It's outrageous, and it's become the norm. Maybe our economic meltdown was actually fueled by people taking out second and third mortgages because all their friends were getting married and they felt obligated to give seven gifts. These people can invite you to a "Build Jason and Megan a vacation home" party, but you don't have to go. If you choose to attend the wedding, don't feel pressured to pony up anything more than you can afford. I could totally use a vacation home, you guys.