Here comes the bridesmaid

Hey Dana -

I LOVE your blog. I am trying really, really hard to be a recessionista, but sometimes my gluttonous ways get the best of me. (like the Tory Burch shoes I found on Jildor for originally $375 marked down to $211 – good buy, right? But still a hard card for me to swipe.)

Anyhow, I have a small issue – related to your post about bridesmaid shoes. My best friend has chosen me to be the maid of honor in her wedding (one of 7 bridesmaids in all) – and the beautiful, wonderful person that she is, she has told me that I can pick whatever black dress I’d like. (Simple, right? WRONG.) I can’t do it! It’s supposed to be knee-length-ish, black, and appropriate for a wedding with full mass in a Catholic church! (What do I know about Catholic churches, ps?) It’s May 30 – what to do?

Can you help me find something cute to wear that doesn’t look cheap??

50% of all marriages end in divorce. What I wonder is the percentage of friendships that end over the bridesmaid dresses?

Here’s the reality and I want you to listen because if there’s one thing I know it’s how to be a good bridesmaid. And I only learned it by being a really shitty one. (Sorry, Megan.)

This is particularly important to anyone who is between the ages of 23-29 and just entering the phase in your life where you are going to a lot of weddings.

It. Doesn’t. Matter.

Really. I mean, I know you want to look good. And feel good. And not spend $300+ on a dress that you are never going to wear again.

But here’s the thing.

Thirty seconds after you are done, your best friend -or sister, or cousin, or neighbor or whoever- is going to float – yes, float – down the aisle behind you in a GIANT PUFFY LACEY SEQUINED WHITE DRESS.

And *poof* you’re history.

So choose something you like. Wear something that shows your personality. Wear something that shows your best features (and hides the worst.) Wear something that you can picture yourself dancing in. Wear something that will make the groomsmen remember you.

Wear something that gives the bride a run for her money. (Don’t worry – she’ll win.)

Because, no matter what anyone else says, you’re really wearing it for you.

Oh. And for the pictures.