Dec 16, 2011

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.

16 comments:

  1. Uh-oh, Helen... you know you've put the moz on yourself now by saying you've never met a Bridezilla! LOL

    I have two "bride" books on my TBR pile right now and I'm aiming to find some reading time over Xmas and New Year! Can't wait... there's Boomerang Bride by Fiona Lowe and The Castaway Bride by Kandy Shepherd! Both have had such great reviews that I know I'm going to have a lovely time.

    May all the Bridezillas stay off your shift!
    :)
    Sharon

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  2. Hi Sharon
    I've read Boomerang Bride and it was fabulous! I have Castaway Bride downloaded onto my kindle and like you am planning to read over Christmas.
    :)

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  3. Hi Helen!
    I love a good bride. As i was reading i was trying to decide where i and other brides i've been involed with fit... None Bridezillas I think... I hope!
    =)

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  4. Helen, I used to work in a wedding convention centre, but I don't recall any Bridezillas...lots of sighing over brides and dresses...and groomsmen. ;-)

    Shall keep my fingers crossed that you remain a Bridezilla-free zone.

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  5. Beck - I'm sure you were the model bride!!
    :)

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  6. All brides are beautiful, just as all babies are. I think it's a law .

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  7. Hi Michelle
    Hopefully you're right :) And yes, it's lovely to see the brides all dressed up.

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  8. Hi Marybelle - sounds like a good law to me. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  9. Love those reality TV Bridzilla programmes - yes i will admit it I still have my wedding dress and veil after 28 years of wedded bliss- marrying a mani met on a blind date 11 motnhs earlier

    Jane

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  10. Fascinating post, Helen. I think you must have two of the most glorious jobs - writing romances and working in a bridal shop, seeing beautiful dreams come true in both jobs. :)

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  11. The last wedding I attended was my nephew's. It took place outdoors in the mountain resort of Banff, Alberta. The bride was late and all the guests were sitting around under huge umbrellas. The groom's mother later said it was appropriate that it rained as the bride was a competitive swimmer.

    I think most brides are just hoping for things to go well but it's often the hiccups in the plans that get remembered very fondly.

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  12. This is off topic but I just have to thank Zana for bringing Rae Roadley in to talk about her book Love at the End of the Road. My husband ordered it for me and I've just finished reading it. I'm still not sure about some of the Kiwi phases and it did make it a bit tricky to read sometimes but I really enjoyed the book. I'll have to sit down soon and Google some of the things that I couldn't relate to like trees and phrases. I have looked at Batley on Google earth. I've loved reading New Zealand stories for a long time as Essie Summers was one of my early favorite Harlequin Romance authors.

    Also have to thank Zana as I've just recently watched the movie Whale Rider which I really enjoyed. I know it came out in 2002 but I really don't watch many movies. Zana sent me a book and I looked up the wrong place in New Zealand as her home address and I ended up reading about this movie.

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  13. How fun that you work in a bridal shop, Helen! I have to confess that I've never been into weddings. My parents got married in a registry office, and if I ever marry, I'll probably do something similar - definitely not a big white wedding with a big white dress! So I guess it's no surprise that I don't have a favourite bride movie or book....

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  14. Hi Jane - I haven't ever watched those TV reality shows - think it might burst my bubble :)

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  15. Hi Rachel - it certainly is interestng spending times with brides. I'm sure I'll have a bridal shop heroine one of these days :)

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  16. Hi Helen... and Kaelee, Delighted you enjoyed my book - yes, Kiwi words would have been new to you... I found in LA it's not so much the accent but colloquial expressions that take some learning. And I guess there is a link to your bridal theme, Helen, given marriage and families are themes in Love at the End of the Road. Kaelee, please say 'hi and thanks' to your thoughtful husband! Rae

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