Groomzillas

August 12, 2010 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

The wedding articles say that over 80% of grooms are at least equal partners in the wedding planning process.  So, of course, the wedding industry is catering to this group of men who have decided to own the wedding planning process.  Is this because average grooms are older than they used to be – and therefore pickier and more set in their ways?  Is it because most couples cohabitate before they marry, meaning they are paying for more of the wedding than they used to?

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Whatever the reason, the Internet is full of stories of grooms who became completely caught up in the wedding planning process, and are just as hard to please and soothe as those famous Bridezillas that they like to make television programs about.  So, if you end up with one of these, how do you deal with him?  Well, you have choices.

You can let him have whatever he wants.  Let him control the whole thing.  Let him pick the flowers, the food, the table settings, the cake flavor, and even your dress.  What?  No!

You can test his fortitude.  Is he a real Groomzilla, or is he playing at this?  Take him to a bridal show.  Make him read all the bridal magazines with you.  Completely inundate him with wedding stuff.  He might very well cry uncle.

If he doesn’t?  Then it looks like you’ve got a partner for good.  Enjoy planning this special day with him and realize that if you can’t do this together, you’re probably not going to be very good at living together, raising kids together, and functioning as a couple.  It’s a good litmus test for the rest of your marriage.

Are You A Diva Bride?

Television shows, movies and the media all joke about diva brides. Brides who will go to every length to get what they want. “It’s your day” has now become more of a threat instead of a simple saying about treating the bride well for her wedding day. Are you a diva bride? Let’s talk about a few ways to tell. Take our easy diva bride quiz and check your diva-licious score.
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photo by Corey Ann on Flickr

You’re ordering your wedding cake. It has five layers and you want the layers to be raspberry – lemon – raspberry – lemon – raspberry. The baker’s assistant writes it down switching it so it says lemon – raspberry – lemon……You do:

  1. Politely point out the error before the baker pulls out the baking pans and gets to cooking.
  2. Shriek “It’s raspberry then lemon!” and burst into tears.
  3. Call your fiancé and make him explain it. He’s the negotiator.

You are trying on your wedding dress for a fitting. They need to fix the neckline. You:

  1. Ask someone at the shop the status of fixing the neckline.
  2. Throw your wedding veil in the air and run through the store saying, “They’ve damaged my dress!”
  3. Tell your mother and let her talk to the store.

A bridesmaid is not getting the invitations ordered or her other duties done. You need to help get her organized – quick! You:

  1. Have lunch with her and find out what is going on – help create a plan for her.
  2. Cry on the phone to her that she is ruining your wedding and then cry to your other 5 bridesmaids about her for two hours.
  3. Ask your future mother-in-law for advice and let her replace the bridesmaid with a cousin.

The caterer is asking for a second deposit. You’ve paid them but now they want even more. Your wedding is three weeks away and your fiancé is out-of-town. You:

  1. Call the caterer and ask the reason for the additional deposit. Get the information in writing and understand why you need to pay them.
  2. Leave work abruptly and go down in person to yell at the manager that he is “wrecking your day” and that he doesn’t understand. Cry on the way back to work and hire a new caterer.
  3. Call your parents and in-laws and tell them you need a new caterer.

The band you’ve hired has an emergency and now can’t perform on your wedding. You’ve got to find a replacement – fast. You:

  1. Put out the word to family and friends you need a referral to a great band.
  2. Cuss out the band manager and tell him you’ll never forget how he tried to ruin your most important day.
  3. Call your fiancé and let him decide what to do.

Okay, it’s time to tally up. How did you do?

All A’s: Regina Reasonable Bride – rational and practical, you’ve got it all under control
All B’s: Diana Diva Bride – get out of her way, she’s loud, proud and out of control!
All C’s: Beth Baby Girl Bride – time to grow up before you put on that wedding dress

A Bridal Pep Talk!

November 30, 2009 by  
Filed under Wedding Planning

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Congratulations!   He has finally popped the question, and  you have become officially engaged!  And so now you think that  you’ve got lots of time?

WRONG!

Are you planning on having a Spring wedding?  Do you really think that you are the ONLY one in search of the perfect gown and reception hall?

NOW…is the  time to begin making your plans!  Don’t let Santa, Christmas carols, and the softly falling snow fool you;  RIGHT NOW is when you need to get your butt in gear and at least make a start at pulling it all together.  There is no need to become alarmed, but it is NOW the time when  you need to begin thinking about your guest list, venue, music, attendants, invitations…etc.  While it may still seem to be a long way off, do not assume that your “Plan A” is going to work.  True, you may be the bride; and although your close friends and family members may fall under your spell and give in to your every whim and wish;  keep in mind that the world at large will not be at your beck and call.  Bridezillas are not new on the scene, and so it would be in your best interests not to put yourself in the position of becoming one yourself.

Surely by now you must know that The Ritz-Carlton and Trump Plaza will not, as if by magic, suddenly become available to you, upon learning of your exciting news; and that depending on the complexity of your personal and individual dream, you may also need to have a plan  B, and/or C lined up as well.  Get my drift?  O.K. girl…On your mark…get ready…set…go!

Let the bridal games begin!