Expert: Weddings Etc LLC - 6/22/2009

Question
About 9 months ago, a *friend* of mine got engaged.  She does not have many girlfriends, and I am in fact better friends with her fiance.  At the time, I had been dating the same man for four years, and we spent time together as couples.  I was asked to be in the bridal party and he was asked to be one of the groomsmen.  Had we not been dating (and we have since broken up) I doubt I would have been asked to be in the wedding.  I recently have been burdened with many expenses...an unexpected move, car troubles, and plane tickets to attend to a family emergency.  I have already skipped the Bachelorette party due to finances, and I truthfully cannot afford to go to the wedding shower and attend the wedding.  Is there a graceful way to bow out of a wedding due to unexpected financial hardship?

Answer
Hi Kelley,

Unfortunately, life happens.  Just be honest with the bride and tell her that you just can't afford it.  You are so sorry to have to cancel out as you had looked forward to being there to support her, but you just can't do it. (Do call her, don't do this via email or text!)

This is all you can do.  If she really wants you there, she may offer to pick up the additional expenses.  

Hope this helps.  Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. You aren't the first who's had to do this and you won't be the last.  It's just one of those things.