Q. My best friend is getting married and I don't think I can afford the bridesmaid's expenses. Is there anything I can do?

A. For bridesmaids and groomsmen, the expenses of your friend's fairy tale wedding can crash your budget. Here are some suggestions to avoid a wallop to your wallet.

• Scout the scene: Before you agree, ask your friend where the wedding and reception are going to be held to gauge travel costs.
• Know your limit: Speak up if you can't afford all of the bells and whistles. The bride or groom may help cover some of your expenses.
• Streamline your bucks: Try cutting back on the not-so-necessaries:

1. Skip the pre-wedding events like luncheons or salon prep. Instead, do your own 'do and manicuring.

2. Websites such as bluefly.com sell discount designer bridesmaid dresses. Rent attire if possible. Shop around town before choosing a rental tux.

3. Create a joint budget with the wedding party for bachelor/ette parties and showers.

Q. I have a blog and make videos I post on YouTube. How can I protect my ideas from being stolen?

A. Your creative ideas or intellectual property on the Internet may be threatened by plagiarists looking to pirate your work. Try these safeguarding tips:

• A copyright can be secured simply when any body of work is created in physical form. The "physical form" of Internet content, however, is widely disputed, so it's best to use physical backup (CDs, DVDs or tapes) in case you have to prove the idea was yours first.
• Creative Commons licenses allow you to retain and manage your copyright more flexibly than a full-fledged copyright. Get a customized license for free at creativecommons.org.
• Notify the public explicitly on your videos and blog that your work is protected.

Visit legalzoom.com and uspto.gov to learn about obtaining standard trademarks, patents or copyrights.

Editor's Note: When answering your questions, brass consults with experienced professionals from a wide spectrum of industries. We utilize their expertise to give you the answers you need, but it's always wise to seek additional opinions from other professionals.

Sources: moneycentral.msn.com; ivillage.com; findlaw.com; mason.gmu.edu; creativecommons.org; uspto.gov; copyright.gov