<![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like? - Jezebel Comments]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like? - Jezebel Comments]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I got married last year after living for 15 years with my boyfriend. We were 18 people, a mix of family and close friends, we asked everyone to wear black and white and I wore a very simple black and white dress. Our wedding pictures looked fabulous, no freaky aunts with feathered hats or drunk uncles insulting people...
It was the happiest day of my life! Mainly because there was no hassle or stress whatsoever, after 15 years of living together expectations of a big white wedding dwindle, I think most people had given up on the idea of us marrying!
We had the wedding reception at the restaurant owned by Vanessa Paradis' parents. Johnny Depp and Vanessa didn't show, much to the disgust of my mother in law who thought they would turn up (like they have nothing better to do than crash weddings)! Mrs. Paradis came by and told us stories about the wonderful Johnny and what a great kind of guy he is. No-one who has met him has a bad word to say about that man!
I have to say that I love Jezebel, my husband doesn't get my obsession with your clips from Tyra, but I blame that on the fact that he's French...

Rbkboot

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I'll be honest: I want a HUGE wedding.

::ducks::

No, really... hear me out.

I will pay for all my nearest and dearest to fly to some exotic locale, pamper them with spa treatments, shopping sprees, water sports, and endless booze. I will pay for my wedding party's every expense, and I want them to wear whatever dress/suit they feel they look their best in. My maids will sip mimosas on the beach, the fellas will tee off at dawn. It will be a 4 day party/vacation, with the focus not on me but on the people I love most having the time of their lives.

And I will pay for it all in CASH.

Go ahead... hate me now.

ceejeemcbeegee

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I never wanted my wedding to be big event but in the end that's what it's turning out to be. It's not a bad thing.

In Asia it is a tad different where your parents are throwing the wedding FOR you - as in announcing that "Hey our daughter is getting married, come celebrate with us". And as such 80% of the guests to the wedding reception will be people I do not know - or do not know very well (distant relatives etc).

I have to admit that I do want to be 110 lbs because the dressmaker repeatedly told me that he hoped I'd 'tone up' by the time the first fitting comes around in May. He made it out that being just me (Size 10, curvy) on my wedding day would not be good.

I'm used to being told that I'm fat so I let it get to me. The fiance on the other hand? Wanted to throw the guy out of the window.

katsmeow

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Add me to the list of people who planned their wedding quickly and cheaply. I was 4 months pregnant at the time of the ceremony. If it were up to me, we would've been married at the courthouse, but my mother threw a fit and I caved. We ended up getting married in a hotel suite in front of a few friends and family members. I wore a $60 dress from Motherhood Maternity. I was so nervous that my bouquet was shaking. Well, up until the phone rang in the middle of the ceremony. (It was the front desk calling to tell us the cake man was there with the cake.) After that, the tension was broken and it became fun instead of nervewracking.

We had a huge reception 2 months later. Our first dance was to "Having my baby". I thought it was funny, but I heard later a lot of the older people there thought it was tacky. Whatever. I was hugely pregnant by then, it's not like it wasn't obvious.

MrsJ

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Thank you so much for this post. The wedding industry is currently OUT OF CONTROL. It blows my mind and depresses me that people think they have to be perfect princesses and have a huge party to "outdo" the next couple. F&%* that. I wore my mom's wedding dress, made my own bouquet, and had 11 people there. My immediate family, his, and my brother was my "man" of honor. Our friend took beautiful photos and we spent practically no money. It was perfect, I wasn't stressed out for a year beforehand, and we didn't go into debt! It was beautiful and meant so mch to me, and no, I didn't get my nails done. Actually you can see the link below to a story on our wedding on offbeat bride:
[offbeatbride.com]

BraidMyHair

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I love her bouquet!

ltlbbynthn

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> That, and everyone looks better in black and white.

merci

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> When we decided to get married, the conversation went like this: "I need health insurance."

"Okay. Well, I have health insurance. Let's get married."

"Okay. Tomorrow? Courthouse?"

"My mother will kill me."

"So will mine."

"Well, hell, we've got that trip to Maui in six weeks. Why not just do it then?"

"Oooh! That'd be cool. But my mother will kill me."

"So will mine."

"Invite them?"

"Yeah, but they're paying for their own vacations."

"SOLD!"

We celebrate eight years in May.

howdybeep (runs with monkey wrenches)

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Inkymonkey: I let my mom plan my wedding. She loved it! The whole time she was telling me about how her mother had made all the wedding decisions for her -- from her dress to the reception -- and how she felt like she missed out on the experience. I only had to be around to give final "stamps of approval" on things; it was great. Then again, my mom has good taste. My grandmother on the other hand... well, I can understand why my mom was upset...

phrygian

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @TwoScoops: I am terrified of this happening to me. It's 99% of the reason why I want to elope. That, and I'm cheap as all hell.

kentuckienne

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @BeSarcastic: @misskaz: my sister got married this past summer and it was honestly the best wedding i've ever been to. it was simple, held at their church, the members of the families, along with some of their friends read poetry and told the story of their time together as a couple. my mom made the wedding cake and the flowers were long stemmed calla lilies purchased at whole foods in a big bunch.

the reception was at a local restaurant with a really cool atmosphere and everyone really got to talk to each other, which was really nice.

it was about the forging of a new family, about love, about togetherness. it was beautiful and poignant and cost a fifth of what the average wedding in DC costs. it was extremely meaningful and wonderful.

i applaud the focus on sentiment and sincerity of feeling rather than pageantry and theatrics.

lermanzo

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Algren: awe.some.

lermanzo

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @misskaz: We planned ours in 7 months. It can be an advantage because places and vendors that aren't already booked will be eager for your business. It can definitely work in your favor.

We had pies, too. :) Good autumn dessert. And Mr. iPod was our DJ, as well. He rocked!

BeSarcastic

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I'm getting married in September (I hope - we don't have a deposit down at a venue yet but should by next week.) It's pretty insane how some places I've called are like "OMG that's only 7 months away YOURE SO BEHIND" The place we're going with was like "You're not behind, you're right on schedule. Don't worry." I think that's half of why I like that place the best.

Anyway, we're having budget-busting great food and drink, and most of our family and friends will be there because that's what is important to us. My fashion design-major sister is designing my dress which hopefully I can have made by a dressmaker for relatively cheap. (And I'm hoping to find an orange sash and orange crinoline to go under my tea-length ivory party dress.) I don't care about veils or nails or (ugh!) tanning or flowers or a cake - in fact, we're having a selection of pies instead of cake. The music will be an iPod hooked up to speakers.

Luckily I have great parents that are helping with the cost (although we could swing it ourselves without going into debt) which is allowing us to splurge a bit.

My colleagues and friends do ask me about the wedding a lot, but most of them are pretty down to earth and are just asking to be nice. None have said a word about what I'm wearing, who's doing my hair/makeup/nails, or any of that.

I have yet to buy a bridal magazine. However, my one shame is that I am on a diet.

misskaz

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Spaceman Bill Leah: That's the funniest shit I've ever heard! Your last night single should be spent getting drunk with your friends, cheers!

Snicker-snack

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> On my wedding day the temperature was in the 40s and we all had sleeveless or strapless dresses. That's pretty much the only thing people remember.

ForeverBlueGirl

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @TwoScoops: agreed! all i wanted was a simple, elegant, small, cozy wedding but it seemed no one else was happy with that... especially the generous family members who were funding. made me feel like if they were PAYING for it, i kinda had to at least entertain their ideas of what it should be.

meanjeanne

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Algren: GAHHHHHHH that sounds amazing.

Any time discussions of out of control weddings come up, I think of Ginny in 16 candles taking too many muscle relaxers cuz she got her period before the ceremony. "It's gonna be a piece of cake!"

type_slowly

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> thank you!! I guess my budget for my WHOLE wedding (someday) will be about $5k unless the dude kicks in. Damned if I go into credit card debt to pay for it, and I'm not made of money. In the end, I'd rather have a nicer house, and be able to help my mom out... I'd think that'd make for a happier family than a damn BOUQUET.

I swear, if you have good taste, an eye for bargains, and are in reasonable physical shape, there should be no reason you can't pull off a very nice-looking wedding for less than $10k. Which, by the way, could build two orphanages/schools in Rwanda that would raise 25 kids at a time, each.

jeweltones

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> When my parents announced their engagement to my Dad's mom (three weeks after they met), my grandmother immediately started planning this huge church extravaganza. It freaked Mom and Dad out so badly that they eloped the following week. Dad wore his only suit and Mom wore a white blouse, red pencil skirt and black pumps. There was only one photo taken that I know of, and no one has been able to locate it in over 20 years. Had my Dad lived long enough, they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past October (he passed away 4 years ago).

Chuck Barris says ROLL TIDE!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I'm getting married next year and am beginning to feel the pressure. One of my old bosses told me that he didn't even recofnise his wife on his wedding day, hair dyed and wearing a lot of make-up, which she never wore usually. I'd like my partner to feel like he's actually marrying me. A little more glamorous perhaps but without dayglo teeth and orange skin.

mepo

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> So many people had so many opinions when I was planning my weddings (two and holding): Why wasn't I wearing a gown? Why weren't kids invited? Why wasn't I getting my hair done professionally? Why wasn't I having dancing? My answer: When you pony up some money, you can have a say.

Need I add that the hubbies and I pretty much did everything the way we wanted? And wedding number two was the best ever (fab honeymoon too!)

girlhowdy

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I don't think I'll ever need to be worried about a wedding. That is unless someone is able to convince me that monogamy is a worthwhile effort.

the dude

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> My parents got married for less than $25, with a borrowed dress, homemade meals and cake, and a ceremony in my great aunt's living room. Guess what? They're still together, almost thirty years later. Moral of the story: love is what really makes the wedding memorable. You know when it's there and really feel when it's not.
I'll stop with the cheesy anecdotes now. Point made.

Schez

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I'm engaged and planning a wedding. Nobody asks me if I'm dieting because I'm already fat, and they are probably afraid I'll punch them. My manfriend wanted the big wedding. I'd rather have scurried off to Vegas and played in a poker tournament in a wedding dress.

Now that we're planning the big shindig, though, we found a place that does everything but the DJ, includes an open bar (bonus for my Irish-Catholic relatives) and is 3 blocks from my apartment. I'm all about convenience, and drunkenness. My uncle is officiating, my 90 and 93 year old grandmothers are walking me down the aisle, and right after the ceremony I'm hitting the sushi bar and cocktail bar simultaneously.

And then,vacation! I'm using the whole "honeymoon" excuse to take all of my vacation at once. So all this wedding bs is good for something else besides an excuse to drink heavily.

dirtyfez

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Pichincha:
beautiful!
my favorite pictures from my wedding were on our honeymoon in vegas.
Photobucket
this was just before spending tooooo much money on dinner.

tmmkitten

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Amen Dodai. After attending many weddings, most of which were very lovely, I've determined that as much as you can try to make them "about you", there can be very little individuality involved. So, for me - there will be no chicken dance, no posed pictures...just a fun time.

peliroja

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @baa: oh wow that picture is SO CUTE!!

militia

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Lisa Frank: Your mom is officially my hero. That is badass (and romantic -- is that possible?)

Political Party Girl

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I love looking at other people's wedding photos, so here's mine:
[i137.photobucket.com]

We were married in the Civil Regristy in the down-town of Buenos Aires, Argentina. My husband is the one in the leather pants.
Awwwww, yeah.

Pichincha

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @JSINAK: my grandfather called my grandmother his bride up to the day she died. i always thought that was so sweet and romantic. so maybe "bride" can be used on the wedding day and then sentimentally after the 40th wedding anniversary.

militia

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> And furthermore, does not a photo album of you at your most exquisite just make you look uglier every day of the rest of your marriage? This seems counterintuitive to me.
onwards and upwards!

Lisa Frank

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Hear hear! my mother made her wedding dress out of curtains in 1950s Iraq for a wedding her father refused to attend. It was her first and most defiant act, and as she remembers it, the most miserable day of her very happy married life.

Lisa Frank

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I'm with all the girls that said "happy" ... when you know your girls that are getting married to the men that are just oh so perfect for them -- in the BEST most perfect way that only best friends know -- and a "happy" bride makes the beautiful bride of all.

katiescarlett

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @kittyholmes: So gorgeous!

I love these photos!

LipstickLibrarian

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> After I post this, I'm going to search Jezebel for that Anti-Bride book (note: so much cooler than that Anti-Femme douche).

SBJ

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> In the old days -- say before 1975 -- pre-marriage cohabitation was not the rule for the bourgeoisie, as it is today. The wedding day actually represented something real: the start of living together (and regular sex), the start of commitment, the beginning of a new life. The wedding event had far less significance than what followed. In that context a simple yet dignified wedding was the norm. Now the wedding is just another excuse for consumer excess.

petersonny

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> My grandma was married five or six times, and all I got was this stupid t-shirt. I never saw any photos.

I used my own wedding pictures as an opportunity to get acquainted with what I really look like. I'm glad I didn't diet, and I will never Photoshop them. I prefer accuracy, and the farther away I get from that day, the easier it is to see their loveliness.

Eight years and many more, Lord willing.

peggynature

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> My parents got married by the river. They both wore jeans, and the photo is gorgeous. If I get married I will do something very similar.

Canarybird

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I proposed, we got married at the courthouse (which has a gorgeous stained glass rotunda) six months later, and had a kegger/bbq reception a couple of months after the wedding when the weather was warm enough to party outdoors.

@LeggoMyEggo: I was 20 then, and we just had our third anniversary in January. Honestly, before I met J, I never wanted to get married. But it felt absolutely right, and still does.

I do think some people take marriage lightly, though, but that happens at lots of ages. I recently watched my parents "stick out" a painfully fractured marriage for far longer than necessary because they were too proud to admit that they may have made a mistake. Family members have told me they had problems before I was even born, and my mom has told me that she thought about divorcing my dad 16 years ago.

touchmyshoe

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @kittyholmes: That photo is beautiful. I bet her wedding outfit wasn't cheap though, and his suit is amazing!

BlondeGrlz is having a BlondeBoyz!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> here's my great aunt getting married in ireland in 1928. i love the enormous bouquet! can you imagine trying to throw/catch that thing?!
[www.flickr.com]

kittyholmes

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: ahahhahaha you protect me from robots that think I'm a robot and therefore don't have to obey the 2nd law of robotics. That's AWESOME.

lisas

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> My parents had a simple wedding in 1980. My dad made his dad be his best man, because he didn't know which one of his friends to make best man, while my mom's maid of honor was her sister, and no bridesmaids. My mom was a few months pregnant (though she doesn't look it in the photo), and they didn't take their honeymoon until two months later. She was more pregnant in those photos, but she said she wasn't uncomfortable or feel bad.

I like small, intimate weddings. The best I went to was in a small church, and the reception was at the bride's mother's house, where she hired a mariachi band and it was warm and very peaceful and comfortable. I don't really like banquet halls, they feel stiff and fake and I don't like the echo of the DJ's voice or too-familiar pop tunes cranked out.

I went to my aunt's wedding last year, and the women in the seats near me kept whispering about how much thinner she was, how she and her husband met, asking each other questions. It was rude and obnoxious and they wouldn't shut up until someone told them to. It was very crass of them. Those are the types I DON'T want at my wedding, extended family who I never see and don't give a damn about.

beatrice3000

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @dearheart: Thanks! Being married is peachy, saying "my husband" is still wierd.

And Costa Rica is GORGEOUS. would recommend everyone goes.

skittlbrau

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I occasionally shock people by telling them that I didn't even wear lipstick to my own wedding.

VioletFirth

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: that is fucking insane. The weddings amongst my friends are just beginning, a wedding trickle if you like, but soon it will be a full scale deluge. My only complaint is that I'm not allowed to swear at the reception and have to be on my best 'wedding' behaviour, and that gives me tourette-like tics. To me, the only benefit of having a wedding is an excuse to hire a caterer. At the last wedding I went to there was an open bar and these fried olive things that I could not stop eating, and neither could anyone else, and the company was good and I was happy. My friend, on the other hand, looked plain uncomfortable in her tight, boned wedding dress. I really felt for her.

bachelorette

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Hooray Jezebel for taking on the Princess-Bride obsession in our present cutlure.

Not that long ago most brides expected to wear a nice suit and get married at the court house -- big splashy weddings were "ethnic" or for fathers who wanted to cultivate business connections. Now people bankrupt their futures going into debt for these monstrosities.

oldschoolfeminist

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Great post. I, too, watch those wedding shows like I'm watching science fiction. Fascinated but horrified at the same time. And if you wait for it, every one of these shows has the bride-to-be at some point sobbing or screaming, "But its MY day! It's all about ME and everybody has to do what I WANT!" Oh my, they look so attractive and appealing when they do that. The saddest thing about those poor girls (not women, because a real woman could give a flying fuck about shit like that), is that most of them superstitiously believe that if one tiny thing goes wrong on their wedding day, it means that their marriages are doomed. As if honesty, integrity, maturity, friendship, sense of humor, and god forbid, Love, has anything to do with it. Good brainwashing, wedding industry.

ThePanther

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> ...the saddest part is people are still in debt from their weddings when they sign their divorce papers...whammy. Am I jaded to think that 23/24 is STILL too young to get married? It could be the NYC girl in me but when I moved to Boston, I noticed a lot more younger gal's getting hitched. Meh. Maybe Boston is so boring, I notice the little things more. ZING. Yah, I know, I'm move back in Sept.

LeggoMyEggo

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I think a lot of women (and men) view weddings as a rites of passage into a new part of their lives. Consequently, brides (and grooms to a certain extent) feel pressured to reach a new state of well-being. However, instead of attempting to reach emotional and mental perfection, brides attempt to reach physical perfection. The bridal industry has capitalized on this. These million dollar weddings make me sad.
My parents got married (eloped) in their jeans, on a row boat. Just seems like a better idea than a princess party.

ProjectZoe

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I just finished reading Rebecca Mead's book "One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding" and she goes at length into the idea of the bride as "celebrity for-a-day" and how both American culture and the wedding-industrial complex create that archetype. I attended 5 weddings last year and was MOH in 2 of them, and it blew my mind to witness what wedding planning would do to otherwise logical, rational young women.

Piranha426

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Mr. Ipomoea and I lived together from the day we first kissed, so the wedding was no big surprise-- we had a long engagement because we were lazy. However, I bought my dress the week we got engaged (and it was beautiful, I love it so much still).

Our goal for the wedding was to have everyone we loved together for a good party-- the ceremony was under 20 minutes, and there was an open bar beforehand. We had the reception and ceremony at the Seattle Aquarium, so everyone was entertained by the beasties. Both my maternal grandparents had passed away in the preceding year and a half, and they were home winemakers. We served their wine during the reception (and at 10%, got most of our guests tanked). Mr. Ipomoea teared up repeatedly through the ceremony, so I spent most of it trying to discreetly push my tits out of the top of my dress even more to distract him.

It's been almost five years since the wedding, and every one of our friend who also got married that year, in even more elaborate ceremonies have gotten divorced. We didn't have programs, a sit-down dinner, or an engagement party, but we still get compliments on the wedding at family reunions, and we're still happily married.

To the Jezzies who are engaged: as long as you two love each other before, during, and after the ceremony, you'll be ridiculously happy and gorgeous. Tell your crazy relatives to get bent. If someone had tried to get me to stop eating, I would have slapped them right back. I was gorgeous and a size twelve, and didn't tan a day.

Ipomoea:

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> We went to City Hall, had one witness. My face hurt from a root canal the day before. The judge gave us a sermon about what makes for a successful marriage. When it came time to recite the vows, I couldn't stop cracking up. Judge thought I was being emotional. After, we had Asian food, then went to get Lo-Jack installed in my car. Hubs and I have been together for a total of ten years, married for two. Don't count our wedding day as our anniversary. I'll brag a bit: everyone who meets us remarks on how good our relationship is. No shit! Fuck the wedding industry. And fuck De Beers and their worthless diamonds.

Here's my formula:

cost of wedding is inversely proportional to the happiness and duration of the marriage

LAmonkeygirl

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @baa: Wow. Everything in that photo looks gorgeous. And everyone in it looks very, very amused. Awesome.

And congratulations!

dearheart

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I'm torn between wanting something small (and with my family and circle of friends it REALLY would be) and having extreme moments of "my boyfriend's extended family is large and well-to-do and will EXPECT a big wedding and will lavish us with presents accordingly" greed. He doesn't feel guilt over that though, since he missed out on a graduation party (his older brothers each had one). I know it will be better if we stay within our means, though.

golden-gama

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @MissPeacock: did you see the episode on last week when the bride went to the hunting store to buy camo gear for the entire wedding party and the groom gave the bride a hot pink shot gun as a wedding present? her parents were not amused.

blumpkin

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I'm getting married in three months or so, and I'm really not equipped to care about what I look like. We weren't trained to be girly-girls in my house (I still don't know how to have nice hair, oh well). I hope my no-fuss wedding with short blue homemade dress will inspire my numerous young female relatives to worry more about whether the groom is a jerk, and less about whether their lipstick matches their orchids, or whatever.
It's a faint hope, but I'm trying to hang on, for the sake of my sanity.

Embot

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Great timing - I've been married exactly one month today :)

I was barefoot walking down the aisle. My dress was less than $100.

My husband said "I do" way too soon and the attorney had to tell him to calm down. He didn't break the glass on his first try. [farm3.static.flickr.com]
We took shots at the bar after the reception was done.

It was perfect, I was thrilled that day and still am. Have the party YOU want.

skittlbrau

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> used my twin sister's dress. spent all the money on food and drink. family friend took the pictures for free. whole wedding, almost a year ago, was 2 grand.

my wedding rocked. i regret nothing.
i don't understand why a "perfect" wedding is the way to start a marriage. especially when that wedding puts you half a million dollars in debt, and makes your fiance want to kill you.

tmmkitten

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @librarysmut: My boyfriend recently met some old guy at an airport bar who told him "the cheaper the wedding, the longer the marriage."

We love airport bar philosophy.

Archetype

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> my mom's wedding dress was $40 and they got married by the wall in israel. they've been married almost 30 years, so i think that says something!

librarysmut

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I am a cake decorator and I take a perverse pleasure in slamming bride-to-be and her mother right through the whole process of deciding and ordering....just get it written down quick smart. The poor gals always end up reeling. I guess in that Alternate Bridal Reality, Albertsons should offer a nice room painted in quiet tones with ferns and glasses of wine while we "chat" about plans. Nah....it's a CAKE, ladies. And just to be snarky, I get bothered when people pay for big elaborate wedding cakes with foodstamps or someone's social security payment. I mean really...is your wedding about appearances or a commitment between two people? Make your own damned cake and save that government money to feed your family for the month.

shellibears

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> i actually just got a photo my mom scanned and sent to me of her parents on their wedding day. my grams looks so amazing in her BLACK SUIT. Yep, my grampa was in the service and she was so excited about both marrying him and getting a job she celebrated both. together. at the same time. and the photos are proof of just how happy she was to be able to have both.

beandsee

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> If you have the money, by all means, feel free to spend it... who am I to judge?

If you are putting it on credit cards, refi-ing your house, putting liens on your car, and selling your blood.. then maybe you should re-evaluate your priorities.

ceejeemcbeegee

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> We got hitched after a long engagement and eloped to Vegas. 48 hours to put it together. We had the 5:00 slot (ceremony for you traditionalists) on a Saturday night in a hotel. Me in a Bebe dress (God forgive me),drag queen makeup put on by someone in the hotel (I coudn't scrape it off) on the verge of diarrhea attack, because, you know, this was my wedding day. Fortunately, just me and him. Nobody to witness my shame. 8 years later, so happy.

sheallegedlysaid

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @ScarletBegonias: by honey.. i ment money.

ScarletBegonias

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I had a formal-type wedding in Vegas with about 50 people with open bar, dinner and dancing.

My parents flew in the Clergy, because they were scandalized that I might be married by a ::gasp:: woman! I didn't care. I was marrying my husband and changing my world.

I was totally a celebrity on my wedding day. There's no experience like walking through Bellagio in your wedding gown. Lots of waves, blown kisses and congratulations.

My professional hair and makeup lasted from 3 in the afternoon up through midnight and my wedding-tour-of-Vegas pictures show the 'best' me. I wouldn't change a thing.

And I wore Isotoner slippers under my gown. I had an indoor pair and an outdoor pair.

missdona

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LuxLisbon: Ha! The only evidence of my parent's wedding is a faded Polaroid taken by my aunt as they left the courthouse. They look ridiculously happy.

madamdalriada

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> when i get married, whenever that may be. im giving my sister all the honey and telling her to plan Everything. im gunnaget my own dress and the color of bridemaid dresses but im trusting her with everything else cause then itll be a surpirse and who doesnt like surprises?

ScarletBegonias

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> As far as the bridal industry goes, I knew I was in way over my head at the first store I tried on dresses at. The saleslady asked me to put my arms over my head to get the first dress on, and as I put my arms up I said "I surrender to the bridal experience!" and she backed slowly out of the fitting room saying she was leaving me in the "capable hands" of my friend. After that I bought a Martha Stewart bridal magazine and figured out the rest with no help from professionals, just my loyal maid of honor and some craft glue.

mpresto

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Great post! Mr. Gretch and I chose between:
1. wedding with reception and moderate bells and whistles
2. marry at the courthouse and buy a house
We chose the latter. I bought my dress the day before - a simple suit in white brocade. My best friend and I made and decorated a small wedding cake with two tiers and real flowers on top (carrot with cream cheese icing). My parents had a few people over to grill burgers, crack open some brews and chat. We did not send invitations and told my parents that gifts were NOT allowed since we had everything we needed.
We were not suckered or pressured into the whole wedding industry thing, had a lovely ceremony and will be married 15 years this summer. And we got a house!

Gretchen

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: " By the way: I'm a size 4. A 4. And even if I weren't, eating a turkey burger isn't going to make me fatter. And even if it DID, fuck you!"

Now THAT'S what we were waiting to hear.

What I love is the same men who complain that their brides "aren't thin" or who "blew up after the wedding" are usually the exact same ones pissing and moaning about how much everything costs to get that Red Carpet Model Sheen.

My mom was built like the proverbial brick ****house and made her own (custom-fit to death; I will never look like that) dress. She was hawt (and IMO and that of my friends, remains so to this day).

Rooo sez BISH PLZ

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I found out my boyfriend was going to propose and I spent a week figuring out how to make that moment perfect. When he sprang in on me unexpectedly (on the day before Valentine's Day rather than V-Day), I realized I didn't give a shit about my hair or clothes or makeup at that moment. Now that I'm planning our wedding, I realized I want something very simple (and VERY feminist). But our engagement really put things into perspective for me- it is the moment that matters, not how you look.

soofthemoment

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I used to sell high-end bridal gowns (Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, etc.). I had a girl buy a $5,000 Monique gown a size too small, and her mother screamed at her for 15 minutes because she didn't lose the weight. When we said we could let it out a little, her mom yelled, "Oh, no! She's the idiot that bought it too small and didn't lose the weight. Don't you touch that dress...she's going to lose the weight and it's going to look right!" Lovely. I was working there for the discount on my own dress, and ended up quitting two weeks before my wedding. Bitchy? Yes. Necessary? YES. My favorite reality show is "Say Yes to the Dress." It reminds me of my life last year.

amandahugnkiss

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Too tired to go through all the comments now, but I want to shill this book I bought-I think I've already shilled once-"One Perfect Day" on Amazon. Got it in the bargain bin; all about the....whoring out of weddings? I can't think. Anyway it's full title is "One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding."

[www.amazon.com]

Also, my close gal pal, when I was down on myself because I felt like if I wasn't thin I didn't deserve to get married, showed me all these pics on Google Images of brides ranging from curvy to obese and they all looked happy. I saw her point, but she lost 50 pounds before her wedding because someone got her a personal trainer as a gym membership. She's also quick to point out she had no job at the time, but eh. I say this as I eat fried chicken.

lalaland13

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @exelizabeth: Mine had twigs, leaves and berries with some lovely velvety chocolate colored flowers. So pretty. Wish I had a scanner.

Before my wedding I pulled out my mama's album and had a look. She was amazing: short hair, tomboy, summer 1969. She had a homemade sheath dress and no makeup except mascara and chapstick. In the cheesy picture where they photographed mama and daddy's hands (with new shiny rings) together, she had dirt under her nails. It made me absolutely adore her.

taffykins

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> You know, I didn't have a particularly small or "alternative" wedding. There were 150 guests, I wore a fancy dress (okay, it was from J.Crew, but still), we were married in a church, there was a big ol' reception. In the end, it's not about whether or not you have a huge fancy reception or whether or not you get married barefoot in your parents' backyard. It's about whether or not you're a RIDICULOUS SELF-CENTERED FREAK during the whole process.

charlottebackson

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @WaltzingMatilda: Oh, I've got your Irish depression and fondness for the drink, and I'll raise you a side of full on, wide-eyed Eastern European insanity. (The Italian neuroticism will be an interesting touch, though.)

Should be lovely little rugrats!

dearheart

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Yes. I'm a size 4 as well, and I can't tell you how many people asked if I was going to diet for the wedding.

charlottebackson

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Friends told me that my husband & I were the happiest-looking-to-be-married couple they'd ever seen. AW.

Charity Froggenhall

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: Can has princess party?

CorporateTool

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> At my reception I had the wedding pictures from the previous generations - my parents, his parents, all four sets of grandparents - and even in their ugly 70's dresses our moms look amazing. My grandmother's wedding picture is the most beautiful one I've ever seen. And I think I looked like the perfect bride - super happy, relaxed, and in love.

BlondeGrlz is having a BlondeBoyz!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Awww, all of your stories are making me smile! And giggle maniacally on the train, but that's another story.

As I've mentioned before, I'm in the midst of planning myself. We did an extended engagement only because I was doing it long-distance, and honestly, it seems like it's almost as breezy as some of the shorter planning periods mentioned above--I've been taking care of setting things up since January of 2007, and doing so landed us a reception site that has awesome food AND takes care of 95% of the details (just have to provide a DJ and transport to the site--not too shabby!) but still doesn't cost an arm and a leg considering. Sure, it gets a little stressful, but I'm refusing to get all worked up about.

Honestly, I'm so focused on the awesome honeymoon that the wedding isn't all that exciting--just the stepping stone to getting on a plane and getting us over to Italy for some much-needed couple solitude (if that makes sense).

bellethellama

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Blue Skies, Golden Sunshine: In your case, maybe thinking far ahead is good strategery. You can come up with a fool-proof, full-court press on your grandmother.

WaltzingMatilda...same McCain, less filling!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Anonymous Lobbyist: Ha! That will be all I have to say to convince my mother.

My (crazy-ass) grandmother, on the other hand, will have to suck it up and deal. She of the passive-agressive telling her friends--while I was sitting next to her--that she "hopes I'll get married on the East Coast."

I feel like an idiot for thinking about a theoretical, far-off wedding AT ALL. Is anyone else in this boat?

Blue Skies, Golden Sunshine

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: that's so awesome. i love dorks.

Charlotte Corday

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: You look awesome! And I love your photographer's job. Can you tell me where you got married and who took the pics? I am sick and tired of looking at horrible wedding pictures starting @ $5000 a package...

all_year_round

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Spaceman Bill Leah: i like your style.

Charlotte Corday

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> dodai, you are on fire today. great post. this bridal

these women that seek out makeovers for their wedding are the same girls that got their hair and makeup done for every school dance in high school, the girls that read the evil girly mags too early and took to heart this notion that the cover girl look is not only coveted but possible.

the wedding and the marriage are two different beasts for so many people, but it really speaks to our culture when the perfect wedding now also involves the perfect bride.

modernshame

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> The "perfect" bride looks just like my wife did on our wedding day.

What? Too sappy for you?

I love my wife...so sue me.

Speedie

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: Your wedding looks like it was awesome. Also, your bridesmaid is making an awesome face in the background.

Blue Skies, Golden Sunshine

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @RosemaryF: i am joining in, slow clapping along

CrazyLegsMeg

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Also: I LOVE that bouquet in the picture with this post! But I love anything with, like, branches in it. Or sticks.

exelizabeth

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Thank you Dodai. I'm engaged and I refuse to even be called a "bride." You are only a bride on your wedding day, dammit!

JSINAK

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Amen, sister.

mariamariamaria

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @InkyMonkey: I should've been more clear. I got the wedding I wanted: him, me, a civil officiant, and our parents in a hotel suite with some cheese and crackers, followed up by an ice cream cake that read "Congrulation!" (spelling is not a job requirement at Baskin Robbins). I just didn't get the dress (but I did later), and whatever cute, messy bun thing I thought I was rockin' did NOT photograph well. Oh well.

@InkyMonkey and @KLondike5: the weight at marriage must be a Southern thing then, because growing up, so many adult women would tell me what it was. Even my incredibly rational mother. (Didn't make me crazy though.)

kungfutoday

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> hey, I have a great-aunt Blanche!

miz_dj

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Blue Skies, Golden Sunshine: I think I speak for everyone here when I say: wear the green dress. Frieda Kahlo did.

Megan

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @dearheart: I should warn you ahead of time - our kids would be plagued with generations-worth of finely tuned Irish depression and Italian neuroticism. Not to mention - they would be champion alcoholics. But if you are still down - off to Massachusetts!

WaltzingMatilda...same McCain, less filling!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @kittyholmes: this sounds perfect! i am totally checking out your album and getting tips from it :)

wigglepuppy

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> And I wanted to elope. My husband was the Bride.

The Bride fell in a love with a castle available for weddings...the Bride insisted on a harp(!)...the bride selected the wedding invites...the Bride chose the raspberry and lemon cake...the Bride chose the meals...the Bride BOUGHT his tuxedo and had his shirt custom-made..

I sat in the car listening to AC/DC and playing Tetris on my cell fone. Jesus, it was hell.

But I love my monkey so everything else doesn't matter.

NewsBunny

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @crushdmb: Yes!! My goal for my wedding is: Best party you've ever been to. Top five, at least.

exelizabeth

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @amyltall: I agree with you. However, not spending money on your wedding because 50% of marriages end in divorce and it might end up being a waste of money is kind of sad and self-defeating in my mind.

serreca

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> "The Perfect Wedding"?

Do. Not. Want.

I'm the eloping type. My mother will wring my neck for it.

twelve12

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: Seriously, if I spent half a year talking about what I was going to wear at my birthday party, my friends would hurt me.

beefer

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Since I was 17 I told my mom I wanted to just run of to Vegas and elope. Now I just want to go to the courthouse for the ceremony, have a nice simple dress, and then have a big party with an open bar. The one thing my mom and I can both agree on is that cash bars at weddings are tacky. I don't want my friends to have to pay to drink at my wedding.

RetroChristal

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Archetype:

That tiny church on the Private Island, you mean. And I think (don't flame me for this) that the dress was by Calvin Cline. Or someother designer.

Yes, the pic was great, but a simple country wedding, it was not.

dreamsga

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Algren: I so want to see pictures of this!

Little Time Bomb

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> My parents got married in Wisconsin in 1979. Their reception was in a german beer hall and one of the pics has my dad carrying my mom out with a dirty cooler in the background. The guests sat in metal folding chairs. There are also all kind of really psychedelic, trippy double exposure pics. Oh, and the men wore powder blue, of course.

In short, the album rocks.

rocknrollunicorn

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Caitlin Flanagan wrote a great piece on this topic:
[www.theatlantic.com]

"The wedding merchants know that selling "class" would set off alarms in most people's heads, so what they proffer instead is "tradition," and the modern bride pays cash on the barrelhead for it, never realizing that the wholesale acquisition of other people's traditions is an enterprise fraught with pitfalls (if she put down Legendary Brides for a minute and picked up The Great Gatsby instead, she might think twice)."

descend

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> We got married at City Hall presided by the Mayor5 years ago. I had a cream suit on and no flowers. Our reception was a few days after we return to work and our co-workers throw us a little party during our lunch hour. The best day of my life and I would not change a thing!

blue03

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @AmazonRedheadedUberVixen: Ah, the VFW hall.

I was a flower girl in my godfather's wedding when I six. His reception was at the VFW, which had a bar crammed with all the WW2 and Korea war vets.

I sat and the bar and let them order me Shirley Temples. I had a lovely time sitting there in my red velvet dress, white tights, and shiny black Maryjanes until my mother caught her six year old daughter drinking at the bar with a bunch of tattoed war vets.

NewsBunny

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> when i finally get hitched, i'm totally wearing flip-flops for my beach wedding. and not like, big fancy wedding. like, two witnesses tiny wedding on a beach where wild horses outnumber tourists. but the key is that when we're done, we'll have a bigass party, with a vegan wedding cake, and a moon bounce. yep. a moon bounce. invitations will say "wear something you can bounce around in." and i'm almost 100% sure that my high school guy friends will all give me toasters. engraved toasters. because you can't return engraved ones.

andromache is freakin' out, man.

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Thank you, thank you. Thank you for proving that there ARE some women out there that realize that marriage is a big commitment and a special day that does not require spending tens of thousands of dollars. Vera Wang, rare orchids, and expensive beauty treatments don't say love. They say debt. Let the love stand out. Would you rather people come away talking about how in love you and your partner were...or would you rather people remember the decorations, clothes, and overall appearance of the ceremony?

KitKatC

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @hortense: Oooh, we should have a Grandma wedding post! That would be sweet!

Pseudonim

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Algren: THAT'S . AWESOME.

Titania

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @lewbers: The proper response to this would be "and why would that be your concern?"

flyoverstate

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Guys, I have thought too much about my wedding for someone who does not intend to do a thing about it for at least like 5 more years. I want to wear a green dress BAD.

Blue Skies, Golden Sunshine

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @WaltzingMatilda: Thanks! We did-- it was a blast, we didn't go into debt, and I didn't go crazy... ... my insane mother in law almost ruined things a couple times because SHE wasn't quite so zen about it, but, whatever, still had fun and we're still married!

LaComtesse

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> there are no photos of my parents wedding (1975) they eloped by getting in the truck with their 4 mutt dogs, and drove to virginia city nevada and got married at the bucket of blood saloon. then they went camping, because no hotel in their right mind would accept 4 dogs. now thats a wedding.

i could have had a pretty big wedding, but i've been to enough weddings where i really didn't enjoy anything but the reception, so i just said f**k it, it's my wedding, i'm doing it how i want it! so the "ceremony" was during a break in the drinking and my husband and i stood by a tree and my mom said a couple of words (got her certificate on the internet) we handed each other some rings, had a quick kiss and went back to the party. we also had it in palm springs, so the 30 or so people who made it were the ones that really mattered, and our close friends stayed in the same house as us, so really it was a 3 day wedding/party. people still tell me it was awesome. oh, and we spent most of our budget on the house, alcohol and food. (as it should be) my mom and i made the flower arrangements, i made my dress, and did my own make-up and hair. all our friends are photographers, so we didn't hire one, we just had everybody post them to flickr.
[www.flickr.com]

my advice to anyone getting married is to just do it how YOU want it, not how it's expected. it's your damn memory, not your aunts, or your moms, or your best friends, or nicole freaking kidman's for god's sake! that said, i am totally fascinated by my bg fat fabulous wedding, some of those receptions look like damn good parties. the one that was in vegas that had a full mariachi band? fabulous!

kittyholmes

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LipstickLibrarian: HORRIFYING. seriously.

Dodai

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Thanks Dodai! I'm planning to get married in 2010, and as a chick who thought she was safely queer and would never marry. Now I am proudly engaged to an amazing nerdy dude who thinks I am the most beautiful woman in the world. All we need is love.

kityglitr

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @serreca: Getting "all dolled up" is one thing. Breaking the bank because you think you should have a wedding like a celeb is another. I'm going to look quite pretty if/when I have my wedding, but I have already promised myself that it will be low-key, as inexpensive as possible, and that I will put my MARRIAGE first and not my WEDDING.

What's the point if half of all couples getting married these days are gonna get divorced anyway? It's just a waste of money.

amyltall

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: Not whorey at all. It looked like y'all had fun. Which is my exact hope.

WaltzingMatilda...same McCain, less filling!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Dodai- I narrowly avoided having to attend one of these a few days ago: Executive Bridal Cruise.

Among the many insights brides may glean from those two hours at sea are "How to Lose 15 Pounds in Four Days," and that shopping is an important part of bonding with your soul mate.

LipstickLibrarian

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Best moment ever was seeing Becky in her white wedding gown playing pool and drinking beer out of a red plastic cup.

Small town weddings are the BEST. It was like a patio party except in an arcade (that was totally free for us to use because her mom-in-law works there and gave her the hook up).

little stripes

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @BiscuitDoughJones: totally! the most important things to me are: to have fun, for my fam and friends to have fun, an open bar, and good food---even if it is barbeque or catered by el burrito jr.

wigglepuppy

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @WaltzingMatilda: Oh dear god. I think I want to marry you now.

dearheart

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @hortense: I second this. Love my great-grandparents wedding photos, especially after I learned she really wanted silk for her wedding dress trim, couldn't afford it, he gave the money to her mom on the sly to pay for this trim that wasn't the most important thing, but something that made her happy. She didn't know until after he passed away tragically a few years later in an accident that he bought her the silk. Movie-worthy story those two had.

*sigh* I wonder if these stories still happen today.

Rebecca

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @gra: Awe, thanks!

Algren

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Melistic: Thanks
@WaltzingMatilda: embarassingly, I've had one up, yeah. but thank you. I pretty much put visual links in everything i do... ever. emails to co-workers, friends, realtors... I'm very much a visual joker/storyteller. Hope it doesn't look attention-whorey!

LaComtesse

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @teapartys_over: Really? The wedding I was at lasted all of 20 minutes! We were there 2 hours early though to take pictures and play on the church play grond (my date went down the slide TWICE lol)

little stripes

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @tellmeagain: A-men. It is the Italian-Irish-Catholic in me. Where the hell is the whiskey and the wine? And who am I going to punch in the face first when I get tanked? Those are the important questions.

WaltzingMatilda...same McCain, less filling!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I wore a pretty dress I already had, bought flowers the day before, and had the ceremony in front of our friends and family at my husband's home. My Dad married us. My best friend stood up with me. There was maybe thirty people there, because we "planned" our wedding for about six days. It was simple and sincere and lovely.

It was way, way better from that other one, the fairy tale princess one when I was twenty. That one took over a year to plan, cost thousands of dollars, had hundreds of people in attendance I didn't know, and was absolutely gorgeous. I, the bride, was miserable. For months before, during, and after. And my Prince Charming turned out to be a well disguised toad after all.

Lesson learned.

flyoverstate

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Oooh and my friend's wedding 5 years ago was held outside ... but I guess it was SUPER rainy all weekend. There is a picture of her in her white gown, holdering her white dress (by then totally caked in mud) in one hand, and a bud light in the other, and she was grinning from ear to ear. It was so muddy her father had to CARRY her down the ... dirt path. HAHA!

I love wacky weddings!

little stripes

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @WaltzingMatilda: If I don't have an open bar, my family will surely not show up. And that's why I love them.

tell Dolly Parton again

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: That is incredibly adorable. It sounds perfect. And I think you posted your wedding pics before, right? I hearted them very, very much.

WaltzingMatilda...same McCain, less filling!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> Dude in the picture is a bit of a fox, no?

Ugh. I'm always crushing on guys that are already dead or pushing 90. (Crushing on them in their younger years, that is.)

dearheart

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @Algren: I hope you guys have a great time! The day can be about what you two want. Yay!

gra

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: Hysterical!! You look like you're having so much fun in that picture. And your dress is gorgeous!

Melistic

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LipstickLibrarian: love those joke photos. My mom was 38 and my dad was 40 when they got married, and there's a photo of my grandfather with a shotgun pointed at my dad. Hardeharhar.

brendastarlet is on it

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @tellmeagain: I need to find a pic of my dad's parents too!

Flackette is a Red State Elitist

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> The actual wedding only lasts like 5-6 hours!

teapartys_over

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> For my wedding, me and the Mr. only insist on open bar. Because hell if I am not having many frickin' cocktails after all this nonsense. That bar is our big expense. The rest? Meh.

WaltzingMatilda...same McCain, less filling!

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @BiscuitDoughJones: Ha! Yeah, it was hilarious and adorable: I picked a good one. Fortunately he picked me back.

LaComtesse

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @flackette: THE BEST. You just made my day and made me want to call my grandma!

tell Dolly Parton again

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> oh heck I knew mine wasn't going to be perfect when my mom slugged my mother in law to be the day before the wedding for making a comment about how "weddings aren't like this in Australia". I can say it was mostly stressless but I think the work and the pressure make it unavoidable.

DivineGigi

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @hortense: YES!!!

One of my favorite photos on the face of the planet shows my grandmother looking at her ring with a giant magnifying glass while my grandpa wrings his collar with a finger. In glorious B&W, of course!

LipstickLibrarian

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I went back home this Sunday for an old friend's wedding. It was simple (about 30 people) and amazing. She had a $70 gown from some random online shop that I've gotten tops at, and her veil was $10 (she was quite proud of this!). Her shoes were from Payless.

And the reception? Totally had a keg. And it was held right on the river, at a park restaurant/arcade, where we all had a BLAST. It was awesome, simple, and SO MUCH FUN. There was even a keg stand! And kareoke! (Sp?! lol)

Seriously -- fuck fancy weddings. That was the best party I've been to in YEARS!

little stripes

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @beefer: For a lot of people, it's not a wedding it's a princess party. I call them that when appropriate.

LaComtesse

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> @LaComtesse: SO CUTE!!! ARRRGHH!
I want someone to protect me from robots...

BiscuitDoughJones

]]> <![CDATA[What Does The 'Perfect' Bride Look Like?]]> I will never, ever forget my Aunt, in front of everyone, taking away a piece of shower cake from me and telling me I didn't need to be eating like that the day before the wedding. As if I were going to be losing ounces UP UNTIL the point I walked down the aisle. I'm still flush hot from the shame of it today and that was years ago. It amazes me how many people don't know how to mind their own damn business.

Buenavista

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