LJ;767262 wrote:I believe it is customary for the bridesmaids to buy their own dress unless that is their gift from the bride
Yeah, I've never heard of people picking up airfare, hotel and whatever else for their wedding party. Maybe if your friend can't afford it and you really want them to be in your wedding, but otherwise this is just the cost of having good friends. Shitty to bitch about it since they will incur the same expenses going to your wedding.
The last minute stuff is kind of not right, though. Usually they reserve a block of rooms at a decent price, and the dress thing is her fault. You at least have to do your part to minimize people's expenses, especially for those in your wedding party. She should eat the cost of the second dress and probably help with the hotel room, at least for the price gouge of last minute booking.
Consider yourself lucky - sometimes the bridesmaids/groomsmen have to foot the bill for an expensive engagement party on top of everything else. Plus, now people have baby showers for guy friends...just another expense to deal with.