Hi...I was asked to stand as maid of honor in a wedding in Jamaica. The bride decided to have her wedding at a 5 star resort which is VERY expensive. Most of the people travelling for her wedding are fairly well of and do not have to worry about the financial aspect of this expensive resort choice. I accepted the duty of maid of honor and was very honored. I asked the bride if she would have a problem if I stayed at a different resort from the one the wedding was at but that I would make sure I was at her side for every wedding festivity or need/want she may require of me. (The difference in price would be over a thousand dollars). She said she would not have a problem with that at all but that the resort would require me to pay a fee to attend her wedding as I would not be a guest and because it is an all inclusive resort I would have to pay $200. I feel this is a little tacky seeing as how it would be almost like paying an "cover charge/admission" to her wedding after she asked me to be in it. I am now going to save the money to stay at her resort and my father has very kindly and generously offered to help pay my expenses but was wondering if it is normal to expect maid of honor or other attendants to pay expensive fees to get to the destination wedding and then have to pay to attend wedding?
Truthfully, the couple is responsible for paying for your lodging for at least two days. But, if you are willing to pay for your own lodging, they should be paying for your 'day- fee'. And, they may not realize it, but they are also financially responsible for the 'day-fee' for all of the guests who do not stay at the resort. Guests should never be expected to pay admission to the wedding.
Wedding Admission fee
