The Bridezilla Test

We’ve got shows about them. We’ve got books about them. Every bride I’ve ever met constantly makes jokes about being one. But in all honesty, do bridezillas really exist?

In a recent column for the National Times, writer Emma La’Brooy argued, without question that they do. And not only that, bridezillas have a right to this kind of behaviour and should be left alone to get on with the task at hand, however way they choose. I, for one, am not so sure about this.

As mentioned in an earlier blog, before this wedding bizzo fell into my lap, I used to think bridezilla was just a funny name for self-indulgent and disorganised people with a penchant for meringue-style wedding gowns. So, with just over eight weeks to go until my own wedding, and in the interests of journalistic integrity, I decided to check myself out. 
And the results, I hear you ask.

Well, lo and behold … in spite of my previous and smug, self-righteous opinions, I have had three (yes three) memorable meltdowns, that in the interests of true bridal camaraderie, I will share with you now. 

The first one was about the guest list (who I wanted to invite versus who I felt I had to invite weighed me down); the second one was about the venue, (I had my heart set on a very beautiful but very expensive country house but the groom managed to find an excellent alternative) and the third one was about invitations (I’m very fussy about paper is all I will say.)
 
EVERYONE is a bridezilla at some point during this process and if you don’t believe me, just try answering the following questions, as honestly as possible.
 
During your wedding preparation have you done any of the following?   

1. Contemplated calling off the wedding (aloud)

2. Spent waaay too much time looking at different shades of white paper

3. Googled canapés

4. Compared waist-lines with your slimmest friend (or contemplated it)

5. Spoken unkindly to the groom about a member of their family

6. Sent terse emails

7. Cried while watching someone else’s wedding video

8. Watched Four Weddings

9. Taken notes (even mental ones) during Four Weddings

10. Told your very hetero male colleagues about your flower issues

Lucky for all of us, there is a solution to all this drama – I mean bridezilla stuff. And it’s called facts. I’ve taken the liberty of listing the top five below. Read them and remind yourself of them every few days and everything will be fine.

Fact 1: Weddings are stressful. As La’Brooy points out, there are few other events in a persons life where attention to detail will matter as much.

Fact 2: The amount of stress you experience as a bride is solely dependant on your willingness to take it on.

Fact 3: A supportive partner and network of friends and family can make the world of difference to your wedding experience.

Fact 4: Check in regularly with #3 for some hardcore “reality checks”. It will soothe even the most harried of nerves.

Fact #5: Always remember, it’s the person you’re committed to that should really be the focus of your energies. Don’t forget him.