The Power and the Glory

Posted by brideblog

Posted: May 6, 2008 - 12:31 am

It’s true that the wedding planning process is governed not by the principles of democracy, but by the principles of a dictatorship. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. A dictatorship is very efficient. And we can be supportive and cooperative and coerced if it’s just for a day. Because all is fair in love and weddings. But there are people take the “wed with an iron fist” far too literally. And when the reign extends into months, dissension among the bridal parties is inevitable, which would historically be followed by a revolution.

Take for example the following situation...

(all names have been changed to protect the families and the innocent)

Kelly and Duke, a happy couple, live in Alaska. Kelly has a brother back in the Lower 48. She loves her brother, like any good sister. Well, it turns out her brother has found true love and has proposed to the lucky lady. This would be lucky fiancée numero tres. Never married, her brother had been engaged twice before. But three times a lady, this time’s for real. Kelly has met her future sister-in-law, likes her, is happy for them, and is hoping she can wear the timeless black cocktail dress she bought using store credit given to her for returning her bridesmaid's dress after her brother's second engagement went south. From what I know, it was the fiancee #2 who called the wedding off... three months to the wedding... after a year of planning... ARE YOU KIDDING ME? But better to do the right thing. It's just nice when people figure it out sooner rather than later.

But the fiancee #3/bride-to-be is a nice girl, has good references, and has requested that Kelly be in the bridal party. Very sweet! Only she planned the wedding this summer, giving Kelly and Duke two months to make flight arrangements, purchase bridesmaid's dress and wedding gift, reschedule summer guests, etc.

Are you kidding me? At least brides-to-be in Alaska check when the salmon are running before setting any dates in the summer.

login or register to post comments