We are getting married in the mountains of Colorado in the town my fiance's parents (and other family) own the family cabins. We are having an extremely small wedding. Based on price quotes, we may only be inviting 13 immediate family members. If the price difference is small, we are looking at inviting 25 guests. The "B" list are close family members outside of immediate family and a couple friends. Most of the friends are his friends except for one. Her name is Sheena, and shes been a very close friend of mine for a very long time.
The problem lies in finances. Sheena doesn't have much extra, this was awfully apparent when she helped me move from WI to CO 18months ago. I paid for her flight home in trade that she would be my company on a 18hr drive. Unfortunately, we also paid all her meals for the 5 days she stayed with us and she also asked me for money for souvenirs. This wouldn't have been such a big deal, but it did rub my fiance a bit raw since she didn't once say thank you for all the extras. I had extra money to pay for her then, so it did not put a burden on us, it just seemed under-appreciated.
Now heres my dilemnia: I want to invite my one friend Sheena. I don't want to pay for her plane ticket, her hotel, her rental car, all the food she eats. We have a budget and aren't into lavish huge events.
How can I invite my friend and know she can afford it without being rude? Shes almost 30 and lives with her folks (and I'm sure her financial welfare hasn't improved). Last time she visited I was blindsided with the amount of things I paid for her. I don't want to burden her either though. I'd feel terrible if I didn't invite her- bleh. I don't know what to do.
advice.... please... :-(