My brother is far more financially street wise than I - If he senses a wedding coming he cuts whoever off at the pas saying "Don't invite me and you'll get a better wedding present . . ." and already he has:- Asked his family not to give presents of store reedit cards or vouchers. He is easy to satisfy inasmuch presents of cash will do.
For the record here, I applaud the potential bridesmaid owning up to not being able to afford to travel abroad for the wedding. Whoever you are girl, Well Done!