Being a repeat bridesmaid is a great honor, but it can leave you with a closet filled with unwearable gowns (we've all watched 27 Dresses). Bridesmaid dresses can be very costly, so do your 'maids a favor and select a style that is not only comfortable, but versatile enough to wear again. Sounds like an impossible feat? Follow these tips to ensure that your bridesmaid dresses won't get dusty in the back of your friends' closets!

1.  Select a flattering silhouette with straps. The draping of this Mori Lee dress is what makes it so versatile. Unlike long bridesmaid gowns, this short style can be worn again to a cocktail party, office function, or special dinner.

Dress by Mori Lee, Style #185

2. Give your bridesmaids a color and length requirement, but let them pick the style. Your bridesmaids all have different body types and tend to know what looks best on them, so why not let them select the silhouette? The bride should have the final say to ensure that all of the different dresses will look cohesive as a group, like these two pretty options from Eden Bridals and Liz Fields.

When it comes to deciding on a gift for your bridesmaids, there are any number of ideas to consider, from jewelry and silk scarves to evening clutches and scented candles. And, of course, the more personal your gift is, the better. That's why I love the amazing products from Initials, inc. This company, founded by sisters, Ivy C. Hall and Britney C. Vickery, not only offers a wide variety of fantastic gift ideas for your gal pals (and yourself!), but with their iCare Foundation, it’s also dedicated to “supporting women who are making a difference.” In fact, $5 from each sale of the company’s $18 Zip Around (a clever compact case that unzips into a large tote) is donated to a different cause every six months.

Right now, the proceeds are going to support Registered Nurse Katherine Roberts’ dream of building a new sewing training center in Solwezi located in Zambia, Africa, where she currently lives. With this sewing center, the town’s disabled will be able to support themselves by making products they can sell in their local marketplace. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

You’ll find so many other handbags, wallets, totes and more on initials-inc.com that you’re sure to spot something unique for every member of your bridal party. Plus, almost every item can be personalized with your besties’ initials.

Here are a few handbag options:

The Soho Shopper, $40, holds a multitude of items:

Guest blogger: Rosanna Casper, co-founder of Idojour.com, a new wedding website where brides, grooms, family and friends can purchase a stylish and affordable mix of beautifully curated pieces. Designed to make wedding planning all the more inspiring and enjoyable, Idojour offers accessories and apparel for your wedding weekend, complemented by both inspirational and practical content. Rosanna oversees content, among many other things, and makes sure that everything comes together beautifully on the site.

Here, Rosanna discusses one of her favorite trends right now.

Lavender is one of our favorite things to see in weddings these days, especially with the popularity of outdoor rustic and green weddings. Carrying lavender on your big day was once thought to ensure a long, happy marriage. The bloom also symbolizes love and loyalty, making it a perfect choice for weddings. From bouquets and boutonnières to cakes and cocktails, there are so many gorgeous and creative ways to incorporate this herb into your wedding-day décor.

Bridesmaid Bouquets
Photo Credit: Samm Blake

When I think of bridesmaids, I imagine a row of identical, pretty faces standing duitfully by my side while I recite my vows. However, my husband Michael and I already had a simple wedding ceremony last November, so we're only throwing a reception this second time around. I still wanted to find a way to incorporate my girlfriends into my special day, so instead of asking them to be bridesmaids, they're my "wing girls."

I figured that if guys can have wingmen backing them up in tricky situations, why not have my best gals around to support me? Wing girls help out with planning and provide emotional support, but unlike bridesmaids, their tasks are on a volunteer basis—not mandatory. I don't want them to feel obligated to throw me a lavish bridal shower or wear identical dresses to the wedding.

There’s Kate, my best friend since the eighth grade; Carrie, a fun, sassy coworker from San Diego; Kelsey, my best girlfriend from college who I studied abroad with in Spain; Christina, my lovely sister-in-law; and Minty, my newest friend who I study journalism with here in New York. They’re all really sweet, awesome girls, and although they didn’t know each other beforehand, they get along great.