Once, twice, three times a bridesmaid

I have been a bridesmaid exactly two-and-a-half times.

1. August 2002. My cousin had four bridesmaids: the groom's sister, two high school friends, and me. We were each told to find a dress in one of her colors, lavendar or light blue. After some searching, I found a dress that I liked well enough to shell out the money for. I had it on hold at the store, pending my mother's approval, when I talked to my aunt, the mother of the bride. She had been at the same store in a different city, found the same dress, and bought it. For herself. At least I didn't have to deal with the store's no return policy.

2. August 2002, a few weeks later. My [college] best friend's wedding, eight bridesmaids. Not even going to try to list off the relations. Middle of August, outdoors, summer, and we were all in floor-length, three-quarter-sleeved deep red dresses. I referred to it as the blood bath. It was more that a little overdramatic.

1/2. December 2003. My [high school] best friend's wedding. This one only counts as a half because I didn't know I was a bridesmaid. I went to the dinner the night before in SLC, but then I had to work the next day. I arrived at the reception, wearing a button-down shirt and khakis, only to be met by a slightly frantic sister-of-the-bride asking where I had been all day. When I told her I had had to work, she nodded and said, "Well, your bouquet is over there and we'll just have to get you into some pictures later." My friend had forgotten to mention that I was part of the wedding party.

So thus far I have narrowly avoided that classic saying, "Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride." Now I'm wondering if it applies if you manage to go over. Yep, that's right. This winter I get to prance around in a dress and high heels for bridesmaid appearance #3. . . and-a-half. The bride is my 19-year-old sister. Oy.