Share your tales of bridesmaid HORROR

Being in a wedding party can cause severe psychological scarring.

And guys, we're not talking about powder-blue tuxedos.

That's nothing compared to the sartorial torture women routinely endure as bridesmaids who, as a sign of love and friendship, voluntarily wear horrifying -- and, generally, horrifyingly expensive -- dresses featuring ruffles, bustles and eye-searing pastels.

As the bride routinely reminds her loyal friends, "You can always shorten it and wear it again." And her friends are far too polite to say what they're really thinking: "This dress is far too hideous to inflict on innocent bystanders ever again."

Ladies, we feel your pain. So send tales of terror involving your most gruesome bridesmaid's get-ups (along with photos, if you have them) to the Review-Journal and we'll share them with sympathetic readers in the newspaper and online. Include your name, age and a daytime telephone number (not for publication).

Address e-mails to ccling@reviewjournal.com with Bridesmaid Dress in the subject line; mail submissions to Bridesmaid Dress, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas NV 89125. Or faxes can be sent to 383-4676. The deadline is Jan. 25.