"For better or for worse"... we know it's part of the bride's vows. But it can also be part of a bridesmaid's vows: you'll wear whichever dress the bride chooses... for better or for worse.

BridesmaidEssentials.com co-hosted a bridesmaid fashion show today at the Southern Women's Show, featuring the best and worst of what's worn down the aisle.

We started with the "for worse" styles (at right), which were entered and worn by finalists of a local radio station contest. You can see why this lovely frock -- I deemed it the "Prom Hell" look -- was the audience choice for the worst bridesmaid dress.

But there are many designers now who provide the "better" end of the deal (at left).

The show's exclusive fashion partner was Bella Bridesmaid, which features a collection for the modern bridesmaid. The company has 25+ locations all over the country. Each boutique offers stylish, wearable bridesmaid dresses, shoes and accessories.

Our models were four young women with College Nannies & Tutors and they were fabulous! The fashion show highlighted dresses from Coren Moore, Dessy, Jenny Yoo, LulaKate, Priscilla of Boston, Simple Silhouettes, TwoBirds, Vineyard Collection.

The dresses illustrated the current trend for brides to choose bridesmaid dresses for their gals that are coordinated -- not cloned. The bride picks a specific color (or palette) and fabric, and lets the bridesmaids select the style. (This is easiest when all the dresses/styles come from the same designer.)

As for the rest of the purchases and expenses bridesmaids must cover, let's talk about the vow of "for richer or for poorer"...

Once the wedding & baby floodgates open, you'll hardly go a few months without attending some kind of shower for your gal pals. If you're the lady of honor at one of those soirees, it's always a good gesture to give the hostesses a little "thank you" gift to recognize their efforts on your special day.

Today, I helped host a tea for my best friend from college, my then-roommate Lee (photo at right - in the middle). We celebrated the upcoming birth of her baby boy.

It was -- by far -- the easiest shower I've ever co-hosted. We held it at a local tea room called La Tea Da's and one of the other hostesses set the menu. I just showed up, smiled and took photos!

After a wonderfully intimate (and delicious) lunch, the festivities ended. Our beautiful guest of honor gave us a humorous hostess gift that's also environmentally friendly: note paper made from elephant dung! I'm not poo-ing you, I'm serious! You can find it and other poo products at the online "poo-tique" of the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company.

Besides saving the dung from the (ahem) dump, the company says its "wide range of fun products also contribute modestly to the welfare and conservation efforts for endangered elephants."

This is not only a thoughtful present (everybody can use some extra note paper!) but it's conversation starter. It's also a gift that's responsibly green.... or, um, poo brown.