being a bridesmaid

Audrey had to go to a bridesmades dinner last night in Charlotte.  She was supposed to be in this wedding for this couple who are mainly friends with Wesley, but this bride wanted everyone who dated to be together as bridesmaids and groomsmen.  Audrey never was really asked to be in the wedding, it was assumed.  She called the bride back in the fall to tell her she couldn't be in the wedding. Mainly at the time due to finances.  The dresses were $300, shoes $75 the lingerie shower present, the wedding in Charleston, and then Wesley's  stuff for the wedding was going to cost the 2 of them about $1000.
In my mind I am trying to recall when it started, this outrageousness that goes before the wedding activities.Their are 5 showers (his and hers, each family, church, friend , lingerie,) then there are bridesmaids weekends that usually cost up to $300 by the time you pay for food, presents for a bridesmaid shower gift, hotels, and travel. Then there is the wedding cost that as a participant you do have to pay for things.   When did people start paying weeks of salary to see other people get married.
I think that this is where alot of the problems have begun, Wesley made the comment to Audrey, so many girls spend so much time on the wedding day they forget about the work for the marriage. I think this is so true, I have seen a number of weddings that cost way more than they should and within 3 years they are divorcing. Back to my looking for laughter.  Audrey went to this dinner last night, the bride has a tendency to shorted all words, Audrey is Aud, Wesley is Wes, her groom is Quinn but she calls him Q.  Audrey got a text say they were having heavy apps, she said it took her a little while to figure out that meant heavy appetizers.  She sent me a text last night saying all the girls were talking in short words, I sent her one saying sor......   ry. Finding something to smile about everyday.....