From Bridezilla to Bride-Chilla
Here's the thing: a woman who's planning her wedding and wants everything to be perfect is called a Bridezilla.
While a man who is planning a wedding and insists on perfection is called assertive (and maybe a few choice swears, but mostly assertive!). People may even admire how particular he is!
While we at Forever Yours, Flowers like to insist that :
There is NO Such Thing as a Bridezilla!
Ok, so maybe there is... but...
A lot has changed around the ritual of getting married in recent years. But this is one thing that hasn't. It's fine to want things a certain way in everyday life, but as soon as a woman combines "my wedding" and "I want" in a sentence she's labeled a Bridezilla. If she gets annoyed and shows some of the stress she's feeling in the lead up to one of the most important days of her life? Yep, the 'B' word.
So how do you get what you want and remain a Bride-chilla?
Glad you asked! Here are a few methods to embrace if you're worried about being labeled the 'B' word.
1. Be organised
An organised bride is usually a less stressed bride!
Get a wedding journal, a binder, a spreadsheet, a million post-it notes... whatever you need to do to get organised. Choose a method that works for you and your partner, and stick to it.
A journal or binder is a great option because it's nice to have a hard copy to scribble on. Just make sure you choose a journal with a compartment for holding business cards and all the little bits and pieces you'll collect. Or buy plenty of plastic sleeves if you're going the way of the binder.
If you're really not a pen and paper type of person, try a google doc and calendar that you can both edit. Remember to take pics of any business cards or fliers that you will need (or want!) later on.
2. It's ok to have an opinion
Many brides are so concerned about being labelled as difficult that they tend to not express themselves fully.
I know so many women that said, "if you're not happy, say something". The problem being, they said this from having experienced being unhappy in the lead up, or the big day itself and not having spoken up.
For me, I didn't speak up about my wedding photos. Every time I look back on those pics now? I'm so annoyed with past Carol!
This is a big day! You've probably been thinking about it for years, possibly (probably!?) since before you met your significant other. It's ok to have an opinion!
3. It's Your Day!
Well, yours and one very special person's day! Some couples get so bogged down in obligation, family expectation and not wanting to be rude or pushy that they forget that this is a day to celebrate something pretty special... You're undying love for each other!
Pick some special moments to give tradition and family obligation the finger and make them just about you and your S.O. I wore thongs at my reception so I could dance my heart out with my new hubby, my best friend wore thongs at her reception and had the Chicken Dance as her bridal waltz! Believe me, it is sanity saving!
4. Choose a supportive and fun bridal party!
Again, give obligation the finger and choose who you want to be with you through this crazy, fun and stressful journey. Not only will a good bridal party help you plan this extravaganza, they will keep you sane on the day and be there to party with once all the hard stuff is out of the way.
5. People are gonna say it. Let them
Finally, no matter how constrained you are. No matter how much you hold back and don't speak your mind...
someone will still come out with the B word.
Even the most chill of brides will get a "funny"groomsman telling them to "chill out Bridezilla". They think it's funny. And as unfunny as it is, and as hard as you try to be the cool bride... people will still say it.