The Awful Bridesmaid Dress has taken on a fabled life of its own. You could fill a library with the number of horror stories about them, each attempting to “one up” the other with ghastly tales of color and styles gone awry.

If the bride is lucky, she has chosen her bridesmaids with care and consideration. She has chosen friends and family members that bravely denounce her questionable choices, especially when they realize she’s been struck with that terrible malady, TBG, Tasteless Bridesmaid’s Gown disease. Shouldn’t someone have developed a vaccine for that by now?

Do your bridesmaids a huge favor and realize that:

1. That “adorable” pink flouncy gown is really a perfect Pepto-Bismol flavored nightmare.
2. That oh so patriotic red, white and blue evening gown can’t possibly be worn ever again - no, not ever!
3. And that particular floral makes most derrieres look like a rather large meadow, yes, even your cousin with the size 2 bottom.

Have a talk with your wedding party, invite them to do some window shopping and discuss how certain looks and colors will work for them and you. Maybe that long ruffled confection really works for you all and suits the theme of your wedding. Perhaps a softer choice in separates makes more sense for the bridesmaid watching her budget? Are you being fashionable or a fashionista? Yes, it’s your day, but don’t you want everyone concentrating on YOU and not the neon organza fluff bunny brigade you created?

Don’t keep the maids in waiting! Involve them!