Bad Bridesmaid: an underachieving, inadequate, sinful, vulgar, naughty or disobedient bridal attendant. Usually characterized by eye-rolling, drunkenness, lack of pantyhose and an overdrawn bank account.

Siri Agrell didn't mean to become a bad bridesmaid. It just kind of happened when she innocently asked - in a newspaper piece - if it was really necessary for the bride's best and most loyal friends to endure 12 months of themed showers, endless fittings and the inevitable "taffeta terror" of coming face to face with the chosen dress. Agrell got her answer when she was promptly fired as a bridesmaid.

Part memoir (including both Agrell's story and countless other confessions of bridesmaids-gone-bad) and part cultural analysis, Bad Bridesmaid is smart and funny, a stiletto-heel print on an ivory silk train. Bad Bridesmaid devilishly dissects the hilarious, expensive and unbelievable experiences of leading a treasured friend down the aisle, and asks why it all has to be so damn difficult. From the history of bridesmaids - who in ancient times were used as decoys - to their contemporary role of strapless dress-wearing servitude - Agrell covers it all.