Planning my best friend Kate’s bachelorette party was meant to be fun, but it turned stressful when some bridesmaids refused to pay their share. As the maid of honor, I arranged a beachside weekend at a resort, costing $312 per person. I paid upfront, trusting everyone to reimburse me.

Weeks before the trip, I reminded the group to send their payments. Some bridesmaids delayed, and others went silent, which made me anxious and frustrated. With advice from my fiancé, I decided to plan exclusive activities like a private yacht trip and a fancy dinner, only for those who paid.

When we arrived at the resort, I informed the bridesmaids about the extra activities and the payment requirement. The atmosphere was tense, but soon enough, everyone settled their share. The weekend turned out to be an unforgettable experience filled with laughter and bonding. In the end, the bridesmaids apologized, and I felt relieved for standing up for myself.