My best friend's wedding

[Lindsey]

The difference in the shower I think is just that we are from a very small town with a population of 500. Everyone knew us, everyone watched us grow up, so a lot of people like to be able to pitch in or know about a shower to stop by and bring a gift or whatever. One woman who was actually our 4th grade teacher has already volunteered to make up trays meats and cheese and vegetables etc. to snack on during the shower, so basically all I need to do that day is decorate! We only have two stores in our little town, so usually when someone is getting married, donation envelopes are left at the stores with a poster for anyone who knows them and would like to leave a small amount of money instead of buying a gift. It could be our old teachers, librarians, old coworkers, or anyone who doesn't feel close enough to the bride to show up at the shower, but still wants to give something
I was also planning on mailing invitations, but the best my friend could do was give me phone numbers, so that's what I was left with!
That's really sad about your daughter's friend My friend and I have managed to stay very close in the past 7 years not even living in the same province. Even though we usually only see each other maybe 2 or 3 times a year, we still finish each other's sentences and have such a good time every time we're together. We've been very close friends since we were 6 years old, so we have a lifetime of memories together. I hope we continue to stay close!

[Blueyes]

Maybe you could at least get out of going to the shower from the grooms side. They should understand that is a lot of extra expense for you. Just explain the situation to the bride..she probably hasn't even thought about how much time and money this is taking from you!

[DianaB]

That's what I was going to say. Figure out what you really want to go to and can afford to go to. Then explain about the expense. If she's a good friend she'll realize what all of this is costing you and let you off of the hook on some things. It really does sound like she's expecting a lot from you.

[Tiramisu]

You sound like a wonderful friend and I wish I had a close friend just like you. I think all these good deeds will come back to you.

[Lindsey]

Aww thank you! I think I may have to skip out on the Edmonton shower... At least I am making it to one shower and I will make it to Edmonton for the bachelorette party. I will talk to her about it next weekend when I visit.
If I budget well, I may be able to afford going to Europe after all. And if I can't afford it fully, I may just put some on my credit card and it can be paid off when I get back. It's just an opportunity I don't want to pass up and I want to have my own little adventure while I am young. I think it's the kind of trip that would have a big impression on me and I would grow and learn so much from it!

[judy]

Originally Posted by Blueyes

Maybe you could at least get out of going to the shower from the grooms side. They should understand that is a lot of extra expense for you. Just explain the situation to the bride..she probably hasn't even thought about how much time and money this is taking from you!

I third that idea. I'm sure she will understand. You are a wonderful maid of honor, and a good friend. Jessie's maid of honor was just terrible. She didn't do a thing, and they are still good friends.

I love that your whole town gets involved in a wedding. That is lovely.

How about not worrying about the money, and just enjoying the experience of being at your friend's side. As long as your bills are paid, and you can still go to Europe, it's only money.

I went to Europe in my twenties with my first husband, and I totally agree that you should go while you're young. I will never forget that trip, and the things I saw and did. We couldn't really afford it either, but here I am, still fine!

[Marilyn]

Originally Posted by Lindsey

The difference in the shower I think is just that we are from a very small town with a population of 500. Everyone knew us, everyone watched us grow up, so a lot of people like to be able to pitch in or know about a shower to stop by and bring a gift or whatever. One woman who was actually our 4th grade teacher has already volunteered to make up trays meats and cheese and vegetables etc. to snack on during the shower, so basically all I need to do that day is decorate! We only have two stores in our little town, so usually when someone is getting married, donation envelopes are left at the stores with a poster for anyone who knows them and would like to leave a small amount of money instead of buying a gift. It could be our old teachers, librarians, old coworkers, or anyone who doesn't feel close enough to the bride to show up at the shower, but still wants to give something
I was also planning on mailing invitations, but the best my friend could do was give me phone numbers, so that's what I was left with!
That's really sad about your daughter's friend My friend and I have managed to stay very close in the past 7 years not even living in the same province. Even though we usually only see each other maybe 2 or 3 times a year, we still finish each other's sentences and have such a good time every time we're together. We've been very close friends since we were 6 years old, so we have a lifetime of memories together. I hope we continue to stay close!

The explaination of the shower makes sense. I have no concept of such a small town where everyone knows everyone and it's natural to do things differently. She sounds like a true friend who will be there for you and you for her after all the dust settles.

Enjoy the experience. Sounds like you have a good plan skipping the other shower.