Hello all, I posted a little while ago about a bridesmaid that was waffling on being a part of the wedding party. She ended up dropping out because of her school/ financial situation (she's student teaching right now, and is literally living off of student loans because she doesn't have time to work, let alone extra funds buy a dress). She will attend the wedding, but she doesn't want/ can't afford the 'bells and whistles' of being a bridesmaid. I'm fine with her attending as a guest; her friendship is more important to me than her sitting down vs. standing up for my big day.
My question is: should my MOH invite her to the bridal shower? She's one of my best friends and I want her there as a friend, not as an "obligated" BM. My MOH will make it clear that no gifts are needed or wanted. But I'm worried that this situation is just what my ex-BM wanted to avoid! Any suggestions?