So I am a bridesmaid in a wedding and I've just received an e-mail from the MOH asking all of the bridesmaids to pitch in 20 bucks for the bridal shower. Now this is no big deal right? It's just 20 bucks. But then I also have to pay for the bridal shower gift, pay for the bridesmaids dress ($155), pay for the shoes, pay for the destination bachelorette party (hotel, kayak/bike rentals, club admission, restaurant, 6 hour drive gas spending), and pay for a decent wedding gift on top of that. I just got married this past January so its not like I have all the money in the world and I didn't have things nearly as expensive for my bridal party.
My question to you all is:
Is this normal? Should I not be surprised to have to be paying this much just to be a bridesmaid?