On any given day, at least half of my brides mention watching “Say Yes to the Dress” at some point during their appointment. In and of itself, there’s nothing wrong with this show. I enjoy watching it myself; in fact Season 4 is currently streaming on my Instant Netflix Queue. What I dislike is the way this show sets brides up for disappointment. My biggest beef has always been that they showcase particular brides, strategically edit and clip out important parts, and radically skip days and weeks all to build up to this magical moment of saying “yes!” The reality is that not all brides have that “Aha Moment”. Every bride wants it, sure! But, ladies, ask yourselves, have you ever feel that way about a piece of clothing? Yes it is an extremely beautiful and highly symbolic piece of clothing, but it is still just a dress. If you’ve never been the type of girl to get teary and jump up and down over finding a great dress, please don’t feel disappointed if you don’t have that when choosing a wedding gown. I didn’t. I’ll be perfectly honest; I didn’t fall in love with my wedding gown. It was the style I wanted, it fit me great, and (most importantly at the time) it was well within my budget. BUT, I never looked in the mirror and thought “wow.” That’s ok…..I have no problem with that, then or now. What was most important was that I loved my groom/husband, and the dress fit with the vibe of the wedding.
Yesterday, while enjoying my “Say Yes” episode, one of the consultants finally acknowledged the fact that some girls never have the “Aha”. These poor girls search forever firmly convinced that when they put on a specific dress they’ll hear violins and the mirror will go soft & fuzzy. But, in the end the wind up frustrated and depressed when it doesn’t happen. Ladies, don’t put yourselves through that!
If you are one of those fortunate girls who put on a gown and know instantly that it is the one, that’s wonderful! I admire your certainty and confidence! If you’re not, don’t beat yourself up. For some girls, it’s a choice, a decision like all the others you’re making about your wedding. Focus more on finding a gown that makes you feel like you look your best, fits your wedding vibe and your wedding budget. The “Wow Factor” now and always will come from you smiling and happy, not from the dress you’re wearing. Don’t believe me? That’s ok, ask any bridal consultant….regardless of whether you’re shopping in Portland, Oregon, at Charlotte’s Weddings or in New York City at Kleinfelds.
~Corinne
