When I was asked to be my best guy friend's "Best Woman", the first words out of my mouth (aside from "yes") were "what do I have to wear?". Before knowing anything else about being the "Best Woman", the bride and groom were happy to tackle my first question. And let me tell you, there is no obvious answer. In this first entry of the Being the "Best Woman" series, I will share my Best Woman shopping experience with you.

First, the bride, groom and I put together the following list of Best Woman attire options based on certain assumptions:

ASSUMPTIONS:
- The wedding colors are canary yellow and pink.
- Groomsmen wear black tuxes.
- Bridesmaids wear canary yellow strapless floor length dresses.

ATTIRE OPTIONS:


1. Be just like one of the guys. Dress like a groomsman.
2. Wear a dress in a different style but same color as the bridesmaids' dresses.
3. Get a girlie version of the groomsman's tuxedo.
4. Try a dress in the same style but match the color of the groomsmen's tuxedos.

As expected, the bride, groom and I varied in opinion:
Bride's Selection - #2 - The bride thought a tea-length version of the bridesmaids' dresses in the same color would create a seamless look among the women of the wedding party while making the Best Woman stand out.
Groom's Selection - #4 - The groom preferred having a uniform look of black across the groomsmen while giving the Best Woman a burst of yellow with a ribbon sash around the waist of her black dress.
Best Woman's Selection - #1 or #3 - I thought a sexy, skinny tuxedo or a bolero with a puffy skirt would be the best way to show off my femininity while still making it obvious that I was a part of the groom's party.

All right... so my selections were fashion-forward but a little unconventional and progressive (not to mention uncoordinated with the romantic, spring outdoor setting the bride and groom were going for). Kissing goodbye #1 and #3 and down to two choices, I tried on a few dresses at a local boutique. Based on the fittings, the groom and I came to the conclusion that the bride was right on this one. This Best Woman is wearing #2!

KEY TAKEAWAY:
The Best Woman has more attire options than any bridesmaid or groomsman. Talk to the bride and groom and choose one that will best complete the wedding and wedding party's look.

NEXT in the BEING THE BEST WOMAN SERIES?  Planning the Bachelor Party