Weddings are tough! And I don't think most brides pay much attention to what things add up to. ALl my attendants were sisters and SILs and both sides of the fam had 2 weddings in the same yr. We paid 1/2 dress cost for girls and tux rentals for the guys.
I let them know up front that their being in my wedding was a true gift to me and nothing more was expected. They all did give a little something at a shower, but most knew better than to go overboard. And one of my sister's gift was to sing in my wedding. I loved it!
If you are that close to your friend, then she knows what she means to you and doesn't need an expensive gift to prove it. That's my 2c.
