ArcaMax

-- Wedding Woes

Dear Woes: You could research the cost of renting a gown (most I looked at seemed fairly expensive).

Otherwise, I'm saying a qualified yes to the dress -- with some modification. If you could wear it "as is" and not feel tacky, you should -- but it doesn't sound as if you can.

If you can afford to have the dress altered, I vote no to the pantsuit idea and suggest having a floor-length skirt made. You can then pair it with any variety of tops (borrowed, or bought second-hand). Skirts are extremely versatile, and you would likely wear it again.

Dear Amy: I have a friend from high school. We spent our entire college career as roommates. Throughout college I considered her to be my sister and we became very close. I would often invite her out when I was going out with other friends, and she has had several meals at my parents' house.

After college we grew apart and the communication lessened.

I expressed several times to her that I would like to speak more often, but she brushed it off and even said, "That's life as an adult. I don't really talk to anyone anymore."

This friend's wedding is coming up in June and she did not ask me to be a bridesmaid. I felt hurt and angry about this, but respect her choice.

I am torn about attending the wedding. She was a very close friend at one point and I honor that time we had together, but we are not close like we used to be and attending the wedding may only hurt my feelings more. In addition, it is an out-of-state wedding so the cost of attending is more than I would like to spend.

Am I a bad person if I do not attend the wedding? Is our future friendship compromised if I do not go?

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