We caught up with Randy Fenoli, a former NOLA resident who once dreamed of opening a costume shop to sell Mardi Gras ball dresses. Now the current fashion director at Kleinfeld Bridal, the haute hub for brides looking to “Say Yes to the Dress”, Fenoli is about to launch his new show on TLC, Randy to the Rescue. We asked every gal’s favorite “FOB” (friend of the bride) his tips on finding the perfect dress, the number one rule when it comes to having a wedding in NOLA and what we can all learn from Kate Middleton.

TIDBITS: What most excites you about the launch of your new show, Randy to the Rescue?
RANDY: Being able to reach brides across the country. There are some brides who can’t get to New York and don’t have access to designer gowns, so I thought I’d load up a semi truck and bring the dresses to the them!

TIDBITS: Which style of wedding dress flatters every woman’s body?
RANDY: There is no such thing. I talk a lot about this in my new book It’s All About the Dress. Women will often categorize themselves as an apple, pear or whatever. Don’t let anyone compare you to a fruit! Every body is shaped differently and every dress is cut from a different pattern. You really have to look at your body, and instead of labeling yourself, consider your best assets (a long neck, beautiful shoulders) and find a dress to accent what you love about yourself.

TIDBITS: What is your number one rule for brides when it comes to dress searching?
RANDY: Choose the gown that makes you feel the most beautiful. If you feel good, you will own the room.

TIDBITS: What is your advice to brides who start to second guess their dress?
RANDY: Finding a dress is like finding your fiance; you just know it when you feel it. You’ll drive yourself crazy thinking about all of the other possibilities and options. Asking yourself what if there’s another dress out there is like asking what if there’s another guy out there!

TIDBITS: What is the hottest color for bridesmaid dresses this upcoming wedding season?
RANDY: I think black has become very easy for everybody. All bridesmaids are happy with a little black dress. Also neutrals like soft gray, nude and light pink are very popular. What I’m hoping for is that brides will take a note from Kate Middleton’s wedding and look at how Pippa dressed. Imagine just how confident Kate was to let her sister walk out in a dress like that. She knew that she had a guy on her arm and that no one could take away from her beauty. Her sister was single and she loves her, so why not let her shine a little, too?

TIDBITS: Every bride should have ____ in her day-of disaster kit?
RANDY: A Rowenta steamer and an extension cord—because there’s never an outlet in the same place as your dress!

TIDBITS: Do brides have to wear white?
RANDY: Well, they don’t, but I’m a traditionalist and do prefer that they wear at least a shade of white. I’m also a big fan of a veil. Without a veil, you’re just a pretty girl in a white dress.

TIDBITS: The humidity can be major challenge for a New Orleans bride. Any insider tips for staying coiffed when the Crescent City heat bears down?
RANDY: Yes—have the wedding indoors! Your guests will thank you.

TIDBITS: After a long day of matching brides to their dresses, what is your kick-back cocktail of choice?
RANDY: A greyhound. I like a tall glass with ice cubes and about half vodka and grapefruit juice. I like ’em strong. I did live in New Orleans after all!