₹90,000 just to be a bridesmaid? Bride’s shocking demand sparks internet uproar!

We've all heard the saying, “Weddings are expensive,” but what happens when the cost of attending a best friend's wedding becomes overwhelming?
A recent post on Reddit went viral after a woman shared her shocking experience of being asked to spend over $1,000 just to be a bridesmaid in her best friend's wedding. This unexpected financial burden left her questioning her role in the wedding and, ultimately, her friendship.
The unexpected price tag
According to a report presented by people(dot)com, when the woman was asked to be one of the bridesmaids at her best friend Megan’s wedding, she was thrilled. Their friendship had lasted for years, and being part of such a special moment seemed like an honour. But when Megan sent over an email with a detailed list of expenses, the excitement quickly faded.
The breakdown Megan provided was surprising. The woman would need to spend:

$500 (₹41,500) on a specific dress from a boutique
$300 (₹25,000) for hair and makeup (done by a stylist Megan had already booked)
$150 (₹12,500) for a gift for the bride (the “minimum amount,” as Megan put it)
$100 (₹8,300) for a deposit toward the bachelorette party at a luxury resort
$50 (₹4,100) to cover “miscellaneous expenses”
The woman, feeling overwhelmed, said, “I understand that weddings can be expensive, but charging people to be in your wedding, especially your best friend, feels wrong to me.”
The struggle of financial reality
As someone who was still paying off student loans and had other financial responsibilities, the woman realized she simply couldn’t afford the expenses. She decided to reach out to Megan and explain her situation, hoping for understanding. Unfortunately, the response she received from Megan wasn’t what she expected, according to the report.

Megan defended the costs, claiming they were the “norm” for weddings nowadays. The report suggests that she told the woman, “I’m just trying to make sure everything’s perfect, and these costs are necessary.” She even added, “If you can’t afford to be at my wedding, I understand, but I can’t change the plans for everyone else.”
This response left the woman feeling hurt and confused, as she had always supported Megan and didn’t expect to be faced with a financial ultimatum. “I’ve always been there for her, but this just feels like she’s using her wedding as an excuse to make her guests pay for her dream day,” she expressed.
The awkward silence
After her message explaining she couldn’t afford the expenses, the woman found herself facing an uncomfortable silence from Megan, as per the report. The once-strong bond between them now seemed strained, and the woman was left wondering whether to just pay up to keep the peace or to stand her ground.
Seeking advice from others, she was met with differing opinions. Some suggested that she should just pay the money to avoid creating tension, while others advised her to stick to her budget and not let the financial pressure drive her decision.
Support from the community

According to the People report, when the woman shared her story online, many Reddit users stood by her, offering support and advice.
“If you can’t afford it, you can’t afford it. You can simply say, I love you and thank you for asking me to be at your wedding but I will have to decline due to financial constraints. I would still love to attend and support you. If she is really your friend, she will understand, but you may have to let things happen based on her response,” one person commented.
Others were quick to criticize the bride's actions. “Being a bridesmaid isn’t a subscription service. If she wants a fundraiser, she should start a GoFundMe, not charge admission to her wedding party,” said one user. Another pointed out, “If she's really your BFF, she'd understand that what she's asking of you & the rest of the bridal party is too much. She's asking you & everyone else to pay roughly $1,100 (₹91,300) to be at her wedding. That’s not a friend.”
Where do you draw the line?
The situation shines a light on the growing trend of extravagant wedding expectations, which can put a real strain on relationships, especially when the costs start affecting friendships. While it’s natural for a bride to want her day to be perfect, it’s essential to remember that love and support from friends should never come with a price tag that causes financial hardship.
In the end, this woman’s experience serves as a reminder that true friendships are built on understanding, not on the financial expectations tied to major life events. The people who care about you should want to celebrate your happiness, not make you feel like you have to empty your wallet to be part of it.