Let's Play Dress Up!
OPTION # 1
All of the Bridesmaid's will get their choice of gown style from the selection below.  If everyone loves the same style, that would be perfect!  However, that usually isn't the case.  As you can see, there are two 2-piece gowns (A & B) and the rest are one piece.  The "G" gown is reserved for the Junior Bridesmaid (Aubrey).  In case you are wondering, the collection is from David's Bridal, so it will be easy to order and relatively inexpensive!  Prices may vary depending on style ($99 - $130).  You can get more details by going to www.davidsbridal.com/express_collection .
Love in Bloom...
    There are so many gorgeous flowers out there that it is hard to choose.  Some of my favorite bouquets are shown here.  My favorite so far has to been this red calla grouping.  I also like the thought of adding a little color like burnt orange and/or sage (see far left).  A definite concern is seasonality.  That will definitely make or break the bank.
  
     All bridesmaids will carry the same bouquet except for the Matron & Maid of Honor.  The Maid of Honor (Toni) will carry a similar bouquet but slightly different--maybe a little more color or fancier ribbons.  The Matron of Honor (Rachel) will carry a larger version of the Maid of Honor's bouquet.

     The only rule I have set for flowers is to keep in theme with early fall.  Not too earthy-toned, but not too pastel.
Here are the wonderful ladies who will be honoring us by participating in our wedding as Bridesmaids & Jr. Bridesmaids:

Matron of Honor  ~  Rachel Sorcic         Maid of Honor  ~  Toni Dresher         
Attendant  ~  Kelley O'Connell          Attendant  ~  Diana (?)                 
Jr. Bridesmaid  ~  Aubrey Hayes         Flower Girl  ~  Meghan Hayes         
         
        (A)             (B)        (C)      (D)               (E)    (F)     (G)
Yeah!  I'm a Bridesmaid, so now what do I do?
    First of all, you are so lucky that you have such a helpful bride!  Or should I say control freak?  I've gathered some information from different places like the Wedding Channel, The Knot and Martha Stewart Weddings to help you in your responsibilities.  Are you ready to take the tour?  Here we go...
Attendants:

- Offer emotional and logistical support
- Help with pre-wedding tasks - addresses invites, assembling reception favors
- Help plan & pay for the bachelorette party - absolutely no strippers!
- Help plan & pay for the bridal shower
- Buy their own gown and shoes
- Attend the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Get hair, make-up and nails done
- Run errands
- Help prepare wedding gown, steaming, fluffing, etc.
- Dance with groomsmen during the formal first-dance
- Purchase a wedding present perhaps with one of the other bridesmaids
- Be a trooper
- Keep the bride laughing
Matron / Maid of Honor:

- Offer emotional and logistical support
- Lead the bridesmaid troupe - fittings, accessories, etc.
- Help shop for dresses
- Help with pre-wedding tasks - addresses invites, nodding enthusiastically
- Spread the news about where they are registered
- Host or co-host the bridal shower
- Attend all pre-wedding parties
- Keep record of gifts received at various parties - or delegate
- Plan the bachelorette party - absolutely no strippers!
- See to it that all bridesmaids get to the rehearsal
- Hold the groom's ring during the ceremony -put on  thumb
- Arrange bride's train & veil before the ceremony begins & just after she arrives at the altar
- Hold bride's bouquet during vows
- Sign the marriage license as a witness
- Dance with bestman during the formal first-dance
- Toast the couple after the best man
- Keep the bride laughing
- Build & maintain "emergency kit"
OPTION # 2
Nicole Miller Separates.  These are so gorgeous!  The pictures really don't do them justice.  I love the fact that you'll be able to wear them again and again for just about anything.  Let me know your opinions, not dressy enough? Too expensive?  These go for a lot more than the David's Bridal dresses, but then again, you'll be able to reuse these separates.  You are looking between $200 - $300 for these.  They come in the red color like David's.  For now, we'll hope that someone will make "knock-offs".