Bridezillas? Myth or Monster........

By Helen Lacey
Reading: Wish by Kelly Hunter
Watching: Big Bang Theory
Listening to: Adele

Some of you may know that I work part time in a bridal shop. Not just any shop, though – this one is owned by my sister. When she first opened the store and asked me to help out I had no idea what it took to sell a wedding gown. I’d spent twenty plus years working management in the ragtrade, but had never had any experience dealing with brides. And since I’m not a girly girl, and prefer to be out in the paddock with my horses rather than trolling through fashion stores or buying shoes, I didn’t really know what to expect. In fact, I expected the worst - because I’d heard the stories about needy brides and demanding mother-in-laws, and bridesmaids from the depths of hell.

But the fact is, in my experience, those stories are just that . . . stories.

What I’ve discovered is that there are many different kinds of brides. There’s the super organized, highly efficient I-know-exactly-what-I-want bride. This girl comes with swatches and samples and sometimes a scrapbook/folder and has planned her day well in advance. She doesn’t get swayed by the opinions of others and knows the gown she wants, right down to the covered buttons and sweetheart neckline.

Then there’s the bride who hasn’t a clue – the girl who’s indecisive and swaps bridesmaids and venues and tries on countless dresses – from a fluffy meringue to the slinky satin number and can’t decide which look she likes more. This girl will take advice – although she usually brings a tribe of supporters with her – which only adds to her confusion and indecision. Eventually this bride decides on a style, and then changes her mind at the eleventh hour, hovering between fluffy and slinky, until one wins out.

Then, of course, there’s the bride who simply doesn’t want to be there. She walks into the store with her head down, mumbles something about seeing bridesmaid’s dresses and getting her to talk is like extracting teeth. She’s often shy, or a tomboy who never wears a dress. She could be extra tall, extra short, full figured or a waif.  This is my favourite bride because she is always amazed at how beautiful she looks once the dress and veil have been donned and she is staring at herself in the mirror. It’s especially touching when her mother or sister or BFF is on hand to shower her with compliments. The girl who never thought she was pretty is suddenly transformed into a princess.

So, if you’ve ever been a bride, attended to a bride, been mother of the bride, you probably know someone like the girls I’ve mentioned. Maybe that’s why we read romances and watch movies such as 27 Dresses and Bridesmaids and My Big Fat Greek Wedding – so we can get to know these girls all over again.

Let me know if you have a favourite bride story, book or a bride movie.

And as for Bridezillas? Well, maybe they are out there somewhere, but they’re not on my shift.