Who Pays for the Shower?

I’m a bridesmaid in my sister’s wedding, along with three of her friends and my 12-year-old sister. Her friends planned a very expensive shower without asking for my opinion, then told me I needed to contribute a huge sum of money toward the shower...and they asked my little sister for the same amount.

I don’t think we should be expected to fund this shower, as we had no part in planning it. Should we pay up?

Certainly, a 12-year-old should not cough up her annual baby-sitting income for a shower, even if it’s for her sister. Divide the expenses among the older bridesmaids. Since her friends kept you out of the loop, you technically don’t have to put a penny towards the shower.

But, that’s going to cause enough angst and drama for two seasons of Melrose Place. So pitch in, buy your sister a small shower gift and take comfort in the fact that you were the better person.