....I came upon this "Dear Abby" letter:

DEAR ABBY: I was recently asked to be a "hostess" in a wedding. When I asked the bride what exactly my duties would be, she said I would pass out programs and make sure that all the wedding guests signed the guestbook. The bride also requested that I buy a $200 matching bridesmaid dress

WOW....That is horrible. I have Hostesses and I thought $50 was alot for their dresses but they agreed to pay for them and were very excited. My Hostesses will only be on duty before and at the beginning of the cermony and will be included in the pics. I feel sooo sorry for this girl she was really taken advantage of.

Wow...I would never have the nerve to work someone like that esp. if I'm not paying them for it. I gather that these 2 were kinda close so I really couldn't imagine doing that to a friend!

That is terrible. That's waaay too much for hostess duties. Who did they think they were? Assembling flutes, favors, name cards, flowers...Pouring cider for 300!!!??? Escorting!!!?? Cheap! They needed a wedding coordinator and a better caterer. I wouldn't even invite her to my wedding much less be in the wedding party. Better yet, she should ask her to be "hostess" at her own wedding. LOL!

What a terrible thing to do to someone. I totally speechless. I guess the bride picked the right one cause not to many people would have done all this.

WOW!!! I would've left long before the reception started. BUT I would've had to let her have it before I left.

Wow!!!!!!!!!! this is sad!! she has every right to be upset, and I agree with Abby, leave the situation and this person alone...

now that's just TRIF!!!....

Just terrible!

What a terrible thing to do. I have 2 hostesses and ushers which I called my "Ladies-in-Waiting" and they will be walking down the aisle first, they will be in every picture occasion, they will also be walking down the aisle immediately after me, keeping my gown straight and they will be honored with all my other attendants.

I could never dream of treating someone like that. So, having a hostess does not mean that this person is your wedding planner or part of the catering crew.

That is just pitiful...I agree with cmt on this one, she would've felt my feedback as soon as I received that "to-do" list from an aunt! What kind of crap is that? I would've had to let her have it!!!

Yeah I am with you! That to do list would of been a dont do list! $1000? Nah man that is just ridiculous!

Ya'll said it best. I have no illusions, so I tend to decline weddings a lot. Unless I have a specific role. Even at my own wedding I had my host and hostesses just black and white. My head hostess gathered them all together and they decided to wear all black. And they looked sharp! They didn't have to buy anything! I was so humbled at them helping me I was greatful for anything they did for me. Some brides are so daggone selfish and high on the hog. I hate when people just EXPECT you to feel like its an honor to be in their wedding when it should be the opposite. If you didn't ask me to do it before hand, you are not gonna get me to pour 300 ciders at the spur of the moment. And where were the other hostesses and the reception staff? Aren't the reception staff paid to do that anyways? Just trifling!