Advice needed, please. . . a little long

I was recently in a wedding party for a good friend of mine. We all split the costs of the shower. Basically, the way we split it is we spent what we needed to for our shower task (I was in charge of games and the wishing well) and then we submitted the amounts to a bridesmaid who was in charge of creating a spreadsheet to calculate what everyone owes.

Anyway, I wound up laying out a lot of money and one girl (the bride's cousin) owes me $63. I have been going back and forth with emails explaining what it was for, sending multiple copies of the spreadsheet, etc. Basically she has come up with every excuse in the book not to pay me. How do you think I should handle this? I know it's not a whole lot of money, but now it's just the principle. Besides, that's 3 weeks worth of gas or a weeks worth of groceries, etc. etc.

I really don't want to start sending nasty emails because then I'll never get the money, and besides, that's not really my style. I haven't involved the bride, yet, and I would prefer not to unless I have no other choice. Advice???

Re: Advice needed, please. . . a little long

I honestly wouldn't involve the bride. I would just be a squeeky wheel and hope for the best. Usually when your in a wedding party money ends up being spent more by one than others-not that its right but it does happen. I don't want to tell you to bury it but I wouldn't get the bride involved either. Just keep calling.I hope you get that cash back..Good Luck!!

Re: Advice needed, please. . . a little long

Thanks. I feel like I'm being such a cheapskate, but since she's being such a brat about it and her emails are getting a bit rude, I just don't want to let it go.

I definitelly agree that usually some people spend more than others, but all of the bridesmaids agreed to this from the beginning and everyone else payed each other up. I'm the only one that got screwed!

Re: Advice needed, please. . . a little long

Your not being a cheapskate in any way! Now that I am recently married $63 can go a long way. I totally can see where your coming from. I would just bother the heck out of her-she'll probably pay up eventually!

Re: Advice needed, please. . . a little long

This is the Bride's cousin? I would email her a little longer, than get the bride involved. It's her cousin, and maybe she can talk to her and find out what the problem is. Maybe this girl isn't comfortable telling you she doesn't have $63 to spare at the moment.

Personally, I think it's rude to be doing this to you, it's not like she knows you well or anything like that.

When we threw a shower for my friend, we all gave the MOH money and she doled everything out, and gave us a refund when all was said and done since we were under budget.

Re: Advice needed, please. . . a little long

I wouldn't get the bride involved, but I would call the cousin. People can be quite brave in email. When you speak with her, you'll probably get a different response.

Re: Advice needed, please. . . a little long

Thanks for the advice everyone. She definitely has the money, so I know that is not the issue. I sent her another email with the exact break down of the expenses. I haven't heard back yet, but if it's still a problem, I'll guess I'll have to just call her and bug her that way.

Re: Advice needed, please. . . a little long

Good luck!
I would probably just let it go, but I understand why it bothers you.