A dear family friend is tying the knot with her longtime love tonight, and I can’t wait to watch the magic. The attire is cocktail, which should be a simple enough concept to navigate, but when you’re a clothing addict who tends to over-dress for every occasion, the possibilities are overwhelming.

Short and sexy yet easy to dance in? A-line and dramatic with a vintage flair? Backless but otherwise demure? Sigh. I’ve driven my Pookie (remember her? Best-friend-turned-sister-in-law) absolutely mad with phone calls and emails on the topic. I feel fairly confident that she’ll settle on her tiny go-to strapless Moschino worn and loved since college. But Jensy is at a loss. Oh, and far too broke to make a purchase.

Ali Ro dress, purchased on Gilt three seasons ago for about $100

While hunting around in my own closet, I found this little number. It does look smashing on the body, with a deep V in the front and some criss-cross action in back. I think this might be the choice. But, if I could buy something new, these would be the top picks.

(In ascending order, from doable to just-beyond-reach to all-out dream dress)

Little girl grows up in a gorgeous blue lace frock with Peter Pan collar. ASOS lace dress, asos.com, $77.58

Upper East Side party girl with a girly flair. Alice + Olivia ruffled one-shoulder cocktail dress, saks.com, $330

Elegant and lovely with a sheer panel and a sexy neckline. Temperley London, net-a-porter.com, $1,325.

And remember, dolls… only the bride wears white!