alison

I was the Maid of Honour for my best friend's wedding, and I wanted to explain everything I did, and your opinion on whether or not I should feel guilty.

I introduced the bride to the groom back in 2000, and they've been together ever since. We're Canadian - and he's from Bermuda - so I flew to Bermuda ($500 flight) for their engagement party. There were only two of us bridesmaids including ,and the other one was on maternity leave, so although we split the costs of the bachelorette ($300 each) and shower ($250 each - in a location 3 hrs from my home, as requested) - I did all the planning, preparation, hosting etc. Since the groom was out of the country throughout most of the engagement, I drove the bride to 17 different bridal dress shops in 11 different towns, took her to every fitting, cake tasting, photographer interview etc. Right before the actual wedding, the bride and groom eloped (secretly), to speed up the process of theme moving in together in Bermuda (passports, etc). At that time, I went with them out of town for the elopement, and helped pay for the "wedding dinner" at the restaurant. I want to express - that it was a labour of love, and I am not complaing, and I would do it again in a heart beat. ... It's just that in the months leading up to the wedding - I was laid off work. When the time came for the (out of town) wedding, I couldn't afford a gift. I was so humiliated, but my mother told me that she's my best friend, and that she'd understand.

For their 1st anniversary (of the elopement) - I sent them a photo album of pictures from their secret ceremony, as well as a beautiful copy of my Maid of Honour speech, from the Official ceremony. I had wanted to give them more, but times are still tough, even though I've returned to work. I just sometimes lay awake at night, and worry that they secretly think less of me.

So I guess my question is - brides, would you think less of your Maid of Honour, if she didn't give you a gift on your wedding day?

Thanks for your honesty.

What exactly do you do, and for how long - and how does it affect your body? Do you gain the weight back right away?

So many people are unhappy with Breaking Dawn as a story - do you think they will rewrite the story before making the movie ?