I have been asked to be a bridesmaid at my friend’s wedding in June of 2016. Some people say I will have to pay for the dress and accessories, others say the bride pays.

I really cannot afford this sort of expense, especially for something I will probably never wear again. Can you help?

This is one of the reasons we don’t particularly like weddings. Oh dear, the expense. Just ask the bride.

Undoubtably, the Boys are right in one respect.

You should just ask the bride to be what she intends.

There is no longer any hard and fast rule on these things, which is why the advice you have been given by your friends is quite accurate.

I think that if you are good enough a friend to be asked to be a bridesmaid then surely you are close enough to ask what you have to pay for, and if it seems exorbitant, then you have time to save or make arrangements with her.

I do agree, sometimes a lot of money is expended on something you will never wear again, but more and more ladies are aware of this and choose dresses and accessories that can indeed be used after the main event.

My advice is simple – talk to your friend.