Annie’s Mailbox: Bachelorette limo expense too hefty

Tue., June 23, 2015

Marcy Sugar and Kathy Mitchell Creators Syndicate

Dear Annie: An office co-worker is getting married and she invited me to her bachelorette party. The plan was to take a limo and the cost was $60 per person. The maid of honor asked whether the price would be OK, and even though I thought it was a bit pricey, I agreed.

The day of the party, two of her friends did not show up. Two days later, the bride and her maid of honor texted the rest of us to pay an additional $20 to cover the cost of the no-shows.

I feel this request is tacky. Why am I responsible for friends who aren’t reliable? And isn’t this part of the cost of planning a party? You don’t expect your guests to pay for food that doesn’t get eaten. Why should we pay the limo costs for people who don’t show up? – Not My Problem

Dear Not: While it is expected that bachelorette party expenses be shared, it is unfair to have everyone agree to a specific amount and then change it later. The planning was done with a certain number of guests in mind, and the extra amount due should be paid by the ones who didn’t show up.

However, this is a woman you work with and will have to see on a regular basis in the future. We think $20, even in installments, is a small price to pay for maintaining peace in your office environment.

Dear Annie: I have a solution for “Trapped by Nosy Nellie,” who is worried that putting up a fence will reflect poorly on them. She should tell the nosy neighbor that she’s considering adopting a dog and one of the requirements is a fenced yard. Problem solved. – Dog Lover in Oregon

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox creators.com, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

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