I was recently browsing The Huffington Post’s online wedding column, when I came across an article titled “5 Myths of Happy Marriages.” This humorous yet realistic post explores the misconceptions of marriage that may look good in theory, but prove terribly wrong. For example, I am sure many people have heard the phrase, “Happy wife, happy life.” Whitney Fleming claims otherwise.
Here’s some clarification on long-lived marital myths: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/whitney-fleming/five-myths-of-happy-marriages_b_6518444.html?utm_hp_ref=weddings&ir=Weddings
Although I thoroughly enjoyed this article, as a fiancé and not a wife, I cannot yet relate to marriage mishaps. I was, however, inspired to write a piece on “3 Myths of Happy Brides” since I understand common misconceptions of brides-to-be, which often come from family, friends and even the fiancé.
Myth 1: The more, the merrier!
I have heard this expression in respect to inviting guests, choosing bridesmaids and splurging on extensive flower arrangements. When I first began wedding planning I envisioned a bustling group of bridesmaids surrounding me as we all smiled in unison. Although the pictures would be epic, I have learned that too many bridesmaids proves more useful for a reality show than a tasteful wedding. While it’s true that everyone my age enjoys watching girls get caught up in a soap opera of sorts, no bride would encourage such a circus at their own wedding. And so, the above expression has been appropriately renamed, “the more, the dramatic!”
As I have matured in the planning process, I have come to understand that the big day is less about the quantity of people, sparkly props and endless pictures, and more about the quality of the evening. Here’s one example which literally takes the cake:
I had a fun friend of mine visit Savannah with her fiancé this past weekend. She told me a secret to achieving the famous expression “less is more” in preparation for their September wedding. Instead of overspending on a cake that guests barely touch, the couple has decided to invest in a fake display with one eatable layer for the cake cutting tradition. Afterwards, the servers remove the fake cake and deliver simple pieces of a sheet cake, slicing costs and maximizing efficiency. Guests will never be able to differentiate between presentable plastic and delicious frosting. It’s a win-win situation for both the newlyweds and the sugar happy guests.
My dream cake, although I know grandma would disapprove.
Myth 2: A “natural” bride is most beautiful.
When I booked my makeup trial for this upcoming February, I e-mailed the artist to request a few different sets of false eyelashes and an array of tones for lip and eye colors. When my fiancé took a glance at the Pinterest images I had sent as points of inspiration, he mistakenly described my look as “fake.” For any groom, who might be reading this post, please be forewarned that unless you are planning to have your own hair and makeup done on the day of your wedding, stay far away from the beauty bar. In my opinion, false eyelashes accentuate certain features of the bride and add the perfect pop in photographs. In preparation for the wedding, brides-to-be should discuss potential makeup mishaps with their preferred stylist, such as runny mascara after exchanging vows and fading lipstick after smooching the groom.
Even though my lips won’t be this red, I look forward to exploring my options in February!
Myth 3: Brides-to-be should be “sweating for the wedding.”
I once told JB that bridal boot camp is much more intense than Officer Development School (ODS: basically boot camp for the Dental Corps in the Navy). While I’m not sure that I could actually handle one full day in uniform, I felt the comparison was helpful. Each time I pick up a bridal magazine there is at least one article targeted at brides and their body types. Although there is nothing wrong with creating personal fitness goals, I would discourage brides from obsessing over an ideal weight. Straying too far from your normal fitness routine for the wedding can add more stress than results. I recommend that brides-to-be design their own bridal boot camp, without those who claim that that their workouts can turn Bride into Barbie.
Since the big day is approaching, I have been going to the gym more regularly with aspirations to tone and build strength. Sometimes it helps to bring the groom along, so you can both share your fitness goals and push one another to complete a full set of crunches. Whether you create a fitness routine based on a magazine article, a home video or a personal trainer, as the bride, make sure you dictate your own goals for bridal boot camp.
Crunches are better as a couple!
Hopefully this post clarified a few myths of the supposedly cheerful bride. Some days it takes moving a mountain to get me to the gym. Other days, I am less concerned with sweating and more focused on my makeup for the big day. Ultimately, I know that on June 20th, I will set all superficial worries free and be the happiest bride of all- that’s a promise, and not a myth.
Cheers to being a happy bride and a soon-to-be happy wife!
