[unsureMOH]

My best friend has asked me to be her MOH for her upcoming wedding. They've decided on a late February wedding, outdoors, atop a snowy mountain. I was super excited about it all until I saw the dress she wanted me to purchase.

Living out of state, she neglected to invite me to the salon w/the other bridesmaids to pick out dresses. All bridesmaids are 10+ years younger than me, single, with no kids. They chose a strapless, short dress for a winter wedding, outside in the snow.

I am very self conscious about my current weight due to infertility treatments and a resulting pregnancy. The weight isn't coming off at all. So I tend to keep myself pretty covered up and the bride is the same way. I tried to keep an open mind about the short/strapless dresses until I tried them on today.

They were ill fitting and you could see every bit of baby fat. She's not willing to allow me to wear a thick sash to help hide the tummy, or even a shawl to keep me warm. Oh, and she wants super strappy shoes.

I'm having an issue with the dress selection and she's becoming more difficult. Is it really appropriate to dress your wedding party in summer wear for the snow? If I wasn't in the wedding, but attending, I'd wear pants & a coat! Need some help on how to deal with the situation and a non-negotiable bride.

[Makeup Expert]

Dear "Unsure": the situation you describe is pretty shocking, and shows complete lack of consideration on behalf of the bride. Wearing strapless dresses in the snow in winter time will surely result in upper respiratory illness (if not pneumonia) for the bridesmaids. When outdoors in the snow, you have to keep warm, otherwise you'll get ill. In winter weddings, it is customary for the bridesmaids to wear identical faux-fur bolero tops when outdoors, to keep them warm - a stylish and fashionable winter wedding accessory. Also, as a Maid of Honor, you can request to wear a modified dress (although it has to be the same color as the bridesmaids). Again, it is unheard of for the bridal party to wear summer strapless dresses in winter time outdoors, unless it's sunny Florida or Caribbean tropical location! Try to talk to other bridesmaids - maybe together you will be able to reason with your friend! Good luck to you!

[Etiquette Now]

I couldn't agree more. Outdoors in the snow wearing short, strapless dresses??? Crazy.