Invited to an expensive bachelorette party dinner
One of my friends I made at summer camp years ago is getting married and I am a bridesmaid. Thankfully I can drive to the wedding and the dress is a very reasonable price. My friend, the bride, is pretty well off and I think most of her friends are too but I don't really know them well at all. I am invited to the bachelorette party and one of the main events of the weekend is an insanely expensive dinner, they said it is like $400 per person!! I didn't know places could be that expensive but I looked it up and that's the price without wine. That's more than my food budget for the month lol!
The maid (matron) of honor sent an email that said she recognizes it's an expensive dinner but wants everyone there and she would pay for anyone who can't afford to be there. I think it's nice but I don't know if I can bring myself to tell her I need to take her up on that offer. What would you guys do?
Edit: OK, it's pretty clear I should swallow my pride. I think I felt weird because my friend isn't actually on this email or inviting me herself so it feels weird to take so much from a "stranger". Several of you are right it is for my friend and I should be there for her. I will text the MOH tomorrow and tell her I would love to attend but would have to take her up on her offer. At some point I am going to pull the MOH aside at some point and tell her thank you and how much I appreciate it.
I am actually more excited for this now that you all have given me some confidence to accept this. It is a mitchelen restaurant so on lists of some of the best in the country. Definitely an experience I won't have any time again.