The flakes fell hard and heavy Saturday morning, but my bridal party still hauled themselves from Worcester, the South Shore of Massachusetts and Sunapee, N.H., to Londonderry to get their dresses for the wedding.

Surprisingly, we had a blast. The bridesmaids opted to have their dresses made rather than buy them, so they're going to my dressmaker at Sew Special Designs. Rather than trying to make everyone squeeze into the same gown, we picked a color and a fabric. Then, each bridesmaid designed her own dress. Two of my bridemaids who have been friends for 20 years designed the same dresses -- independently of each other.

The same fabric, color and length will unify the bridal party, while each of my friends gets the chance to express her individuality by designing her own dress. Even better, each bridemaid can cover up anything she thinks of as a trouble spot, without trying to find the one dress that makes arms and legs look thin, busts look perky and tummies disappear. Even worse, Ed's daughters are in ridiculously good shape (they're 13 and 16). We just can't compete.

The bridemaids opted for a dark blue, while Molly and Emily as the maids of honor and because they are only 13 and 16, will wear a very light blue. And since everyone felt comfortable with the dressmaker -- who is fabulously down-to-earth and wonderful to work with -- everyone had a good time and was able to relax and enjoy the experience.

Also in dress news, if you're expecting and about to get married, several maternity stores are offering up bridal gowns now. Check out A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity, Motherhood Maternity and Destination Maternity. Just search for wedding and you'll find stylish wedding gowns that fit your baby bump. And many of them are just a few hundred dollars.