As hard as it is to wrap my head around, other people I know and love are actually planning their own weddings right now too. At this moment even! I’m not the only bride in the world. Weird, right?

On of my bridesmaids is one of those lovely ladies. She and her fiance got engaged in August and will be tying the knot just a few months before The Fiance and I. I’m thrilled by this. I love having someone else in the same mode. The best part about it is that Kate has a completely different wedding vibe than I do. By coincidence, our receptions are at the same venue. By my recommendation, she’s selected the same photographer. We even have a couple mutual bridesmaids. Yet, hers is a totally different wedding. We’re going seated dinner, she’s planning schmancy passed hors d’oeuvres. We’ve booked a DJ, they’ve hired a live band. I went serious ballgown, she went sexy fit-and-flare. We’re trying to keep things under 200 guests, she’s going all out for 400+. I’m selecting a single dress for all my maids to wear, she’s letting us pick our own.

And let me tell you, picking your own b-maid dress is almost as much fun as picking one out for other people.

Kate opted for selecting a color and several styles from JCrew’s bridesmaid collection. She asked that we get something in Spiced Wine from the silk chiffon options.

We could choose from the Twist Tank dress …

I’m super excited to wear the dress (even more excited that I got it with one wicked online sale, 25% off, holla!) and just beyond happy to be a part of Kate’s day. We’ve been friends for ages – I’ve known her about 5 minutes longer than The Fiance – and being a bridesmaid is a huge honor.

Are you playing bride AND bridesmaid with any of your friends right now?