Always a bridesmaid and never a bride, huh? At least you’ve got a new place to shop. Bella Bridesmaid opens on the north end of Belltown tomorrow.

The shop at Third and Vine, locally operated but one of an almost 40-member nationwide chain, carries bubble-hemmed knee-length midnight blue dresses, tiny white flower girl frocks, and one-shoulder chiffon gowns the color of apricots. And everything in between. And all of them customizable. Should you prefer the bubble-hemmed dress in lemon yellow, grass green, or coffee bean brown, there’s a good chance that that can be arranged. With about twelve collections, from Amsale and Alix and Kelly to Queue there ought to be something for everyone.

Including the bride. Did we forget about her? Bella also offers a small collection of informal wedding dresses for those who prefer a little cream-colored mini to a giant white gown.

Co-owner Nancy Kramer stumbled upon an ad for Bella Bridesmaid stores — the fine print read, "Franchises available" — in a national magazine while planning her own wedding. (So many wedding-industry businesses start this way; some people stress out while putting together their big day, others bliss out and never want the process to end.) The former PR, marketing, and events professional turned to her friend Meredith Rebhuhn, who has a background in apparel design, and the chain’s first Washington-state store was born.

Previously, Bellevue’s Moms, Maids, and More has been the go-to spot for, well, moms, maids, and more. Until now, Seattle hasn’t had a shop focused on the bridal party first, and then the bride. So for those of you who identified with the opening line, Bella and MMM represent a nice little slice of justice.

The store opens tomorrow but a grand opening celebration is on Bella Bridesmaid’s calendar for Thursday December 3 from 5p to 7p. Nancy and Meredith will welcome their colleagues – photographers, caterers, event planners, floral designers (I love how tight-knit and fraternal the wedding community is) – and some potential clients, too. If you’re getting married, and planning to dress your attendants in coordinating shades of eggplant, taupe-y pink, or pewter gray, you should consider calling Bella to RSVP.

Nancy made it clear to me that you’re all invited, and considering the expert, wedding-pro guests that’ll be on hand to celebrate, brides-to-be may well find more than just the perfect bridal party look.

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More WEDDING WEDNESDAY content here; if you please, you may work backwards from there.

Planning a wedding? Visit Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom and watch for our winter/spring 2010 issue, on stands January 1.