The Bridesmaid Dress - You'll Wear it Again (Not)

It is a very special moment between girlfriends. She is happy. She is blissful. You can see it in her eyes. She is telling you she's engaged.

While in your heart you are ecstatic that she found her soul mate, your head knows better. You know what's coming next. Your heart rate picks up. Your palms start to sweat. Here it comes.

"And I want you to be one of my bridesmaids!"

She's so happy and deep down you are thrilled to walk down the aisle in support of her on her big day.

But being a modern-day bridesmaid isn't just about encouragement and friendship anymore. Let's get real.

It's all about the bridesmaid dress!

Now, there are many aspects I could discuss in terms of bridesmaids dresses. I think I'll stick with these crucial elements: color, money and general appearance. Let's start with color.

When did things change? Now even colors have a qualifier attached. It's not just lilac, it's Victorian Lilac. It's not just rose, it's Euro Rose. What does this mean? That one color represents an entire continent? That in Europe dark pink looks different than here in the States? And they're capitalized too which means that the colors are important.

You don't just say olive, but Olvine. Why have a pinkish dress when you can have Chambord. Your color is blue? What shade: navy blue, turquoise, tealness, slate blue, titanium, cornflower, calypso perhaps?

All I have to say is the next time I wear eggplant, euro-eggplant or raspberry I better be acting in a Fruit of the Loom ad.

Sometimes the bride pretends to try. Ever heard the infamous statement, "I want to find something you can wear again." I mean, get real. Where in the world am I ever going to wear this dress again! Perhaps another friend will get engaged and I can convince her to pick the exact same dress, in the exact same color. But unless the stars truly collide I think my satin strapless gown in celadon is staying at the back of the closet.