Contributing money to a shower as a bridesmaid

Just be honest and say that you don't have extra money to shell out. Honesty is the best policy! You were picked to be a bridesmaid because of your friendship, not your money

I have contributed to both and although the opinion here is different, I think as a bridesmaid you should contribute to both if you can. I'm not saying you have to shell out a ton but I think $50-100 for the shower would be nice. I've contributed and given a gift, not had the $50-$100 be my gift. If you really can't, then be honest but I think $50 is a nice gesture for the bridal shower.

Your only financial obligations are the expenses you already addressed. Be up front with the MOH and state that you are willing to contribute in other ways- such as assisting with any DIY projects, preparing invitations, or setting up for the days.

Private User, I wasn't sure whether offering that amount would be so little as to be insulting. Events are expensive in my area. I could do 50-100, though.

@svg - I hear you, events are expensive here too but I think

$50 says - hey, I can't do much but I love my friend and want to help out in some way versus just a no. I think just a no is perceived negatively. Or at the least offer to help in some way, if not financial

Be honest. Don't strap yourself because you feel some obligation. There are tons of other ways you can help that don't involve money.

If you can do it I would contribute what you can to both . If you can't, be upfront with the MOH about it and about any budget you may have

I agree; be upfront about it. I think the whole pre wedding party thing has gotten out of control, and surely the MOH knows you're planning your own wedding too. When I got married, a million years ago, you got a sandwich platter and two salad, some wine, went to someone's house and called it a shower......and bachelorettes didn't even happen.

On another note, if she is requiring pro hair and MU, or specific shoes, she should be paying, not you. The dress is it.

This is pretty common but like PP said it's not an obligation. Be honest with what you can afford

Thank you so much! I'm just going to be honest with her MOH about an amount and offer to help in other ways as well.

I would be upfront about not having money. I would then also offer to help set up or decorate.

I agree with private user, it's not required but I feel like it has def become the norm for bridesmaids to chip in for the shower and bachelorette in addition to the dress. Just do whatever you! 50-100 will help trust me.

I would offer what you can afford, and offer to help set up, clean up, make decorations etc. Depending on the level of fancy I would offer to bring a nice dish of food. My shower was nice and was self catered by my family in my cousins house ( really nice house!) I have only been to a couple showers that were not in someones home and that was due to the guest count. I enjoyed my shower with my nearest and dearest ladies and would have felt bad if they had spent hundreds of dollars for a restaurant or fancy joint.

You shouldn't feel awkward do what you can, i wouldn't ask the others what they did

No self catering please.

.. Susan, the shower is being held at a restaurant. I'm just contributing what I can. Thanks for your input, everyone.