Bridesmaid's travel budget?

I have been asked to be an old friend's bridesmaid. Very happy to do it--but problem is that we live on different continents, and the flight to her wedding will be about $1800.00. I don't know if I will be able to afford it, and not sure what the etiquette is? I don't want to ask her to pay for my trip there and add to any wedding planning stress for her...

Part of being a Bridesmaid is paying for your own dress and anything else that is incurred with the wedding. The only thing the bride will pay for is the gift you will probably receive. She has enough to pay for without having to worry about your flight. If you cannot afford to pay for your ticket then you should just kindly and regretfully tell her you cannot be her bridesmaid.....if she can afford to pay for your tickets then you might ask her...but if you don't think she can then don't even ask....only you know that answer. Good luck and good question a star for you!!!

Traditionally, the bridesmaid pays for her own travel expenses. But these days tradition has often been outdated by modern truths, such as the cost of travel that is higher than ever. Given that the cost could prevent you from going, it's very important that you talk to the bride right away - the earlier the better. As a bride, I had a bridesmaid who was unable to afford the expenses of a dress and had to back out. Because she let me know early on, I was able to maneuver around and figure out something else with very minimal stress. Just talk to her. She may not have a problem paying for half or all of the ticket or letting you back out. The sooner you tell her, the more understanding she will be and the less stressful. In the end, if she can't do anything to help you out, you will have to consider not going. You will have to weigh the value of the friendship against the value of the cost of going. The ticket will not be the only cost - it is only the beginning.

Money is tight for a lot of people right now, so she should understand that. She cant expect you to not be able to pay your bills to make it to her wedding. I would tell her the situation so she understand you aren't just blowing her off. If she really wants you to be there and has the extra money she will probably offer to help you out, but I kinda think it might be rude to ask. ( the new in-laws may be rich, ya never know ) I'm sure if you don't end up getting to go it will be disappointing for both of you, but it really shouldn't hurt your friendship because a friend would understand if you can't afford something, you just can't. So unless she turns into some kind of bridezilla b****, she shouldn't freak out or make you feel like you are a bad friend.