How to survive as a bridesmaid

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The movie "27 Dresses" poked fun at the eternal bridesmaid, who has the awful dresses to show for it. If you've ever been one, you know being a bridesmaid isn't a small feat.

"I am not a fan of dyeables," said Denise Fellos as she rummaged through dresses and shoes, trying to remember how many weddings she's been in.

She's had every duty in a wedding.

"I was a junior bridesmaid, flower girl. I've been dog keeper, register girl," Fellos said.

She's spent thousands of dollars, all to be a supportive friend, and she's seen more than just bad shoes and dresses. In one wedding, her green velvet dress caught fire at the dress shop it was in. They were able to get a replacement just before the wedding.

Her best advice for other bridesmaids is to be honest.

"I tell them honestly, 'What will make me look like a canary? What will make me look like a red bird? Mo more babies breath in the hair, things that look like antennas sticking out of your head.'"

Be honest, especially if money's tight.

"Let the person know you want to be involved but you just don't have the finances," she said.

And spread out the cash so you don't have to buy the dress and contribute to all those traditional wedding functions at the same time.

"It's good to make the bride aware of the situation," said Charlotte entrepreneur Kathy Scott Rummage, who started BridesmaidEssentials.com, a site dedicated to nothing but being the bridesmaid.

"Maybe plan the bachelorette and shower in the same weekend. That saves money if you have to travel," Rummage said. "If you're stressed about being single, think about a date. I wouldn't suggest bringing a date you've known for one or two drinks."

What about that bouquet toss?

"If she wants you to catch the bouquet, be a good sport," Rummage said.

Fellos agrees.

"You know I'm down there with little 5-year-olds who are trying to get it," she said.

Give a little now to the bride and one day when you get married, she'll give back.

"She's going to come back and do it for you, and hopefully you'll just put her in a better dress," Fellos said.

But remember Fellos' rule.

"I will only be in two weddings per person," she said.

Bridesmaid Essentials has a way for you to get rid of that bridesmaid dress that your friend promised you could wear again. It's called "flip that dress" and it's a marketplace for used dresses. Visit www.bridesmaidessentials.com.