Don't worry Groomsmen, I haven't forgotten about the tuxedos. I just need to get to a store and start looking at styles. I hope to do that really soon and I will get back to everyone about getting measured. Thanks for your patience.

We'll probably have limo transportation for the wedding party from the church to the reception. We'll have to negotiate the drive back to the hotel afterwards. I'm thinking that people can leave their cars out there in the morning/afternoon, but I need to check with Crooked Lake House to make sure that's okay with them. Also, I'm concerned about having enough sober drivers. But the limo companies usually book in blocks of three hours, so having the limo wait would be mad expensive. Still thinking, there. My mother says she knows some limo drivers second-hand, so she's trying to get us a deal.

I want you girls to feel gorgeous and comfortable in whatever you choose.

Black. Real black, not dark grey or pewter.

Fabric. We don't need an absolute consensus here... I like matte fabric, because I look lumpy in shiny clothes, but I'll leave this up to you. Samples of acceptable fabrics include what I'd think of as dressy-fabrics: crepe, velvet, satin, etc. Embroidered or beaded is okay, too, if the detailing is all black on black. I think something like cotton-jersey or cotton/rayon would look kind of casual, so you probably wouldn't consider it anyway.

Neckline/straps: Strappy (Ex. 1/Ex. 2) or strapless, as opposed to wide straps. But, if you are sensitive about your collarbone, I'm flexible. Nothing backless and no see-thru sheer panels. I really dislike those. So, from there down, clean, fitted bodice is good (doesn't have to be tight, just neat). Skirt should be straight or A-line, not big and/or flouncy.

Slit? Okay, sure, if you want. And again, ankle length or floor length.

Just remember, it will be April and that could potentially mean cold and clammy or hot and humid. Also, the ceremony will take place in a church, so you might want to keep things toward the modest side. And the reception will involve dancing, so you probably want something you can move in without having to yank it up every five minutes.

And finally, if you need on-site guidance, I'm available as a shopping partner. :)

As for shoes, just wear something black that makes you happy. I am all about comfortable shoes, but I've also been known to sacrifice heel skin and the ability to walk for the sake of the perfect strappy sandal with the two-inch heel.

You should probably plan to have the dress by mid-February, in case you need to have anything altered.

Also, once you've all picked dresses, we can talk about accessories.