One of the characteristics Andrew and I share is our unique style of dancing—or as some would say, our lack of style. We’re what you might call rhythmically challenged, and while we enjoy going out and dancing at the local bar, we won’t be winning any dance competitions in the near future. So as we were discussing the wedding-day rituals and what our feelings were on each, we were hung up on what to do about our first dance.

While I know many people are comfortable with the “sixth-grade sway” for their first dance, my personal feeling is that for this one occasion, it’s appropriate to incorporate a bit more choreography. Thankfully, Andrew and I had someone to turn to in our time of need: my former colleague Kathy Carroll. She’s a professional dance teacher who can make anyone look graceful on the dance floor. As soon as I told her of our engagement, she penciled us in for lessons, and Andrew and I prepared for our performance debut.

Fun and flirty bridal flip-flops.

Perfect for the fairytale wedding. 

Sweet treats (and tasty party favors) for the ceremony.  

Groom arrested after fighting over nephew's baggy trousers.

Saturday, May 30: Bridal-collection debut at Rizik’s
Brides-to-be can browse through Rizik’s (1100 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-223-4050) chic bridal collection this Saturday for gowns starting at less than $2,000. Designers such as Christos, Peter Langner, Adele Wechsler, Rivini, Marisa, Lazaro and Jenny Packham will be featured. Some dresses as well as veils and headpieces will be marked down. Receive 10 percent off if you order a dress that day. Free by appointment; call 202-223-4050; 9 AM to 5 PM.

Sunday, May 31: Makeup workshop with Favia’s Artistry
Need to perfect your wedding-day glow? Award-winning makeup artist Monique Melton of Favia’s Artistry (800-695-1209) is hosting personalized workshops this weekend, including demonstrations, tips, and free cosmetics. Call ahead to RSVP. $75 per person, but if you bring a friend, you both receive $10 off; 4 to 6.

Be a thrifty dress shopper.

The various costs of gay marriage. 

Camcorders, not iPods, are popular gifts.

Bootlegged JFK Jr. wedding video causes stir.

I watched the light reflect off my ring as I typed. It had been exactly one week since Ben proposed, and I found the new bling to be rather hypnotic. It startled me when a helpful coworker popped into my cubicle to declare that the famous Filene’s Basement wedding-dress sale was the next day and I simply had to go. When I asked why, she didn’t pause for breath as she exclaimed, “Because it’s the best wedding dress sale ever and won’t come again until next year, so if you don’t go now you’ll miss out!”

It sounded convincing enough, but I was nervous. I mean, I’d only been engaged a week—wasn’t it a little soon to go wedding-dress shopping? But it might be my only chance to get a really nice dress for a killer price. Maybe I’d just go to get some ideas and only get a dress if it really caught my eye.

I’d heard about the “Running of the Brides” before, but had never imagined myself going. It seemed so brutal, at least on the news. Then again, would I risk being maimed by a hulked-out bride if it meant getting Vera Wang at $799 or less? Yes, I decided, I would.

Get wed on a boat.

Golf carts the new limos? 

Bridesmaids dresses for the beach. 

Figure out finances before wedding.

A few weeks ago, I got the most random text message from one of the brides: “You’re driving to the wedding, right?” she asked.

“Yup,” I replied, assuming it was about transportation arrangements. “I can pick some people up at the airport if you want.”

Just a few days later, I received a package from the bride. In it was a sweet card, a mix CD, and gas-station gift cards. It was one of the best surprises I’ve received all year.

My blog posts are typically to help other bridesmaids, but I want to leave a quick note for the brides: Take a cue from my friends, and appreciate your bridesmaids. Not only will it keep them happy and easier to manage, but it’ll strengthen your friendship, too.

I’d imagine that for a bride, it’s easy to get caught up in the business of planning your wedding. Saving money, settling family disputes, making changes to your living arrangements and your lifestyle all while working and maintaining your daily life—who has time for friends? Luckily for me, my friends do.