Always a bridesmaid...

The time has finally come for Raghav and Ashmi's wedding!  For those of you who don't know, Ashmi was my very first new friend when I moved to DC (and the reason I started this blog), and she is one of the few people I know who had a successful experience with online dating.  Not only is Raghav perfect on paper, he chose her without even seeing her picture.  I can't go into it too much because it's a large part of my speech at the reception, but ladies, you should be encouraged by this couple and know that yes, good guys (that you can be hot for) still exist.

I've never been in an Indian wedding so I'm not too sure what to expect, but I've been instructed to bring two outfits -- one for the Moroccan themed wedding party (I refer to it as "party" because I don't know what else to call it -- the invitation simply reads "wedding," but the ceremony is the next day...I'm so confused.) and a cocktail dress for the reception.  I'll be wearing a traditional sari for the ceremony, which means I'll be baring my midriff, SCARY.

Here's what I'll be packing:

1) I was going to use Rent the Runway and get this dress, but I waited too long.

Word to the wise (I never understood that expression, shouldn't it be word from the wise?), rent your dress at least a week before your event.  However, I happen to have a similar dress in my closet from Forever 21.  It's not Badgley Mischka, but it's the same color and only cost me $30. 

2) To fancy up the dress, I bought some new jewelry:

It's from Forever 21 as well, because I don't pay more than $10 for any piece of costume jewelry. 

3) I also bought new shoes from Macy's:

If I'm not spending money on a dress, you better believe I'm getting new shoes.  These are much sparklier than the picture shows. 

4) A black cocktail dress, my go-to dress for wedding these days, from Nordstrom Rack.  I don't have a photo, but trust me, it's awesome.  The last time I wore it, the groom's mother told her son, "Now that's the kind of girl you need to marry."  (Overheard and relayed to me.)

5) Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. 

I hate tanning of any sort, especially self-tanner lotions and their nasty smells.  But this, my friends, is an amazing product.  It doesn't look orange or fake, it's water resistant and it has a light shimmer to make your legs look smooth and shiny.  If you get too much around your ankles, simply apply some body oil to a cotton ball and wipe it off.  It comes off in the shower when I shave my legs, I don't even have to scrub.  Best invention ever!  I'll be using it on my ghostly-white stomach that will still look ghostly white even with the tanning spray because I am the token white girl.  You can buy it at most drugstores (I got mine at CVS).

Not in my bag will be the sari that Ashmi had handmade in India:

I don't know how it works (she's already designated an auntie to help me) but it looks gorgeous!

Also not in my bag will be Noli, sad.  Lex, her boyfriend and Ashmi's doggie, will be at the wedding.  He now lives with her parents, so reunions are few.  I wish I could have brought her with me.

Lex

Noli without Lex

Noli when Lex is around

Noli thinking about Lex, wishing he were near

This is my seventh time being a bridesmaid (last time was Megan's wedding), but I'm not complaining.  I'm still a romantic and love attending weddings, especially to get ideas for if/when I have my own someday.  I think the No. 1 thing I'll be taking away from this one is....*drum roll please*...the mojito bar!  Genius idea, Ashmi.