I would never want to spend as much as I have to on a dress and I wouldn’t dream of asking people to spend that much if it was my wedding. If I was just a guest I would ideally want to spend £50 and buy something that could be worn again.But you have to get a dress even if you're just a regular guest? Don't get me wrong, paying £250 for a dress you didn't choose yourself and won't wear again is way too much, but I'll be maid of honour to my best friend in may and I ordered my dress from Asos (and I chose it myself, no dress code or colour scheme), it was around £40 and I'll probably be able to wear again. She's also my MOH in july and she bought her dress that she chose in Zara for 50e.
She wants an expensive hen do and money as a gift too so I’m probably just already feeling done with the whole thing at this point.I would be furious if someone asked me to be a bridesmaid and then told me I had to pay for the dress/hair/make up! If you want someone to be in the wedding party you pay for that as part of the wedding, and if you can’t afford that then you simply don’t have them involved.