I Do Du Jour

While blushing brides drown in expert advice, loyal maids are left to drift in a sea of pastel taffeta and high-priced showers. Luckily, native Charlottean Kathy Scott Rummage has come to the rescue with bridesmaidessentials.com.

A former reporter and anchor for WBTV and PR manager for The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Rummage, thirty-three, has been planning her foray into the frothy and frustrating world of bridesmaidology for years. The site started as a brainstorm, evolved into a file folder of jotted thoughts, and finally launched as an online resource in February, offering up creative shower ideas, unexpected bachelorette party options, tips for toasts, and a gallery of the latest gowns.

Having been a bridesmaid six times herself, Rummage's bridal expertise is evident, but the site is also designed to let all maids have their say. Highlights include a section devoted to letting women vent about their high-maintenance "Frankenbrides," and  "Flip that Dress," a feature that allows you to put that unwanted bridal frock up for sale for a listing fee of just $10.  Then watch as your periwinkle nightmare becomes someone else's perfect find.