In The Event That...

You're Never the Bride

by Aly Semigran

Bridesmaids BallSat., Nov. 3, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., $85, the Diamond Club at Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens Bank Way, 1-800-482-CURE, www.bridesmaidsball.org

In a perfect world, bridesmaid dresses would not exist. But this world is far from perfect, and your closet is full of taffeta. "Remember how much money I cost?" taunts the one-time-use garment. Well taffeta be damned, we're breaking them out again! Not for the umpteenth wedding of the year, but for the Bridesmaids Ball, a benefit for the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Now in its 15th year, the ball sacrifices fashion for a worthy cause. The money raised not only supports cancer research, but also goes toward improving the lives of patients and their families.

Both former groomsmen and maids are invited to strut their unfortunate attire in the Ugliest Dress and Tackiest Tux contests. Local band the Zone will be the wedding singers for the evening, while DJs have the usual dance tunes covered. "It's Raining Men," after all, looks best in a Pepto-pink frilly monster.