It's Maid of Honor, Not Made of Money

For many American women, being asked to be a friend’s maid of honor is not only a testament to friendship, but its also something of a coming age ritual. But for many of those women, it also means breaking the bank.

When you include the cost of the dress, planning the bachelorette party and paying your closest writer friend to pen a really great wedding speech (hint, hint, wink, wink), being there to stand next to your friend on the greatest day of her life can cost you up to $1000. And that’s if you’re cool enough to be asked to do the duty once. Some girls like Desiree Jacobsen of Dallas are asked to be maid of honor up to three times in one year!

When you’re planning your wedding, keep a realistic outlook when it comes to choosing your wedding party. Ask them to be honest with you about their financial situations, and set a budget up front so that you’re all on the same page.

Have you had to bow out of a wedding party because of the cost? How will you handle money issues when it comes to your wedding party? [CNN]