i disagree about not attending the bachelorette or shower because you can't afford it

unless there is a serious reason you are broke like both of you lost your job or something, you should be there for a close friend. plan ahead. i hate people who use money as an excuse.

Me too, skigurl.

I was hurt when one of my BMs didn't attend either my shower OR my bachelorette party because she was broke ... even though she went to Mexico on vacation a few months earlier.

and THIS: the bride-to-be has included you because you're her friend, and it's not part of some evil plot to make you go broke is SO TRUE !!

I completely disagree with the above comments. I am 24 and live in NYC and am in 4 (yes 4!) weddings this summer. Between the bachelorette weekends (not just one night...), showers, bm dresses, shoes, hair, gifts, I am absolutely broke. Not to mention I am starting med school in the fall. I have spent all of my savings celebrating my close friends. I have skipped a 2 out-of-town showers simply because I absolutely could not afford it. My friends have been more than understanding and are appreciative of every effort I have made so far. I think the whole money situation depends on where you live (cost of living and such) and what stage you are in your life (established professional vs. struggling student). I am happy to be apart of these weddings, but I had to draw the line somewhere so that I could afford my rent.