Originally posted by: alkemyst
Originally posted by: MrDudeMan
I certainly don't condone going into debt, so don't read this that way. Your sister will have a lot of birthdays - your best friend will probably only get married once. Surely she can understand if she is older than 10 or 11. Christmas presents in general, if I were in your shoes, would be completely skipped as again, that happens every year and presents are pretty much over-rated anyway. You seem to already have answered my question based on the fact that you are having a subconscious preference to spend your money on something else, but how much do you care if you are there? If you guys were really best friends, Christmas presents and birthdays wouldn't be getting in the way.
QFT.
A best man role is a once in a lifetime shot. Others should understand about skipping gifts (you should be able to do something though however small....it's the thought that counts in your situation).
I don't know how a plane ticket will run $500 round trip though (assuming the $1000 you said it will cost you would be only $500 if he covers the ticket).
Are you flying overseas? Booking now should get you decent rates even if you had to fly slightly outside the area and drive in. Also think short trip if you really can't afford it. Maybe fly in a day before, spend a nite in the hotel...do the wedding, spend another nite and fly out.