My best friend just realized how expensive a reception in her home town is and decided to have her wedding ceremony in Las Vegas. In doing this, she is not having a rehearsal dinner the night before NOR is she having any kind of reception following the ceremony.
She asked me (M.O.H.)to throw her a "friends" reception when we return...is this standard? Is it wrong to think that I am spending an incredible amount of money when she is not at all?
Also, she mentioned having two batchlorette parties...one here and one there. Am I responsible for both (there is 1 other bridsmaid).
I'm very confused as her parents don't seem to want to provide room rate decreases or decreased ticket fares and she doesn't seem to be paying for anything other than her hotel room and ceremony fee (she works for the airlines and flies for free). I, however, need to take out a small loan (no joke) to accommodate for a shower, 2 b. parties and a reception.
I understand that she doesn't have much money but why do I have to uphold tradition when she is not even having a reception or rehearsal dinner?
...and my dress is 175.00. Please help me figure out a way to be tactful and get through this.
I think this bride is confused. Does she really think that because she decided to marry everyone should want to spend their money on her? I mean, really?
If it were me, I'd politely bow out and hand her an etiquette book. But, that is just me. You, on the other hand, are her friend--too bad she doesn't remember that So, to maintain that relationship, it would probably be best to inform her that you have been doing a bit of research and have found that not only is there no such thing as a "friend's" reception, you would not be hosting it or any reception. That is her job. Plus (there are so many pluses), the couple is responsible for your lodging costs. She is responsible for some sort of gathering for her guests, usually after the wedding. She should not be requesting any type of prewedding party from you, which is entirely optional anyway. And finally, all wedding guests are invited to the reception. If she hosts one, she is responsible for hosting all guests.
You do not have to host anything. You may opt out of all of it since she changed the location of the wedding. All bets are off now. Please do not borrow money to have the "honor" of being in this wedding.
Destination Wedding
So, to maintain that relationship, it would probably be best to inform her that you have been doing a bit of research and have found that not only is there no such thing as a "friend's" reception, you would not be hosting it or any reception. That is her job. Plus (there are so many pluses), the couple is responsible for your lodging costs. She is responsible for some sort of gathering for her guests, usually after the wedding. She should not be requesting any type of prewedding party from you, which is entirely optional anyway. And finally, all wedding guests are invited to the reception. If she hosts one, she is responsible for hosting all guests. 
