Sundays are one of the most exciting days of the week, not because I finally get to do all my homework and not because I don't have anything to do other than ridiculous amounts of work. It's not even because Sundays are biscuit days. Instead, it's because "Say Yes to the Dress" is on, usually for hours, sometimes all day long.
So, it's just a TV show, why is that a big deal? Well, even though it makes you "can't even" a bit, it makes you think ahead in time to what your experience getting engaged, planning the wedding, and finding the most important dress of your life will be like. Here are just a few thoughts you're likely to have during this show:
1. How do you even afford one of those dresses?
Some of the price stickers on those dresses will literally make your jaw drop. Looking at the dress will make you understand why, most of the time. But still, as a college kid living off ramen noodles and peanut butter, you think of all the things you could pay for with that kind of money: a semester of school, a few textbooks, maybe a nice vacation, or sometimes even a down payment on a car. I think I could muster the courage to spend that on of those things rather than a dress I’ll wear once.
2. How do you even begin to go about picking a dress?
Which silhouette will look best? Bling or no bling? Modern or traditional? White, ivory, or blush? As if being a girl wasn’t already tough enough, then you have to pick out a wedding dress. Just by looking at the shots of Kleinfelds on the screen you realize there are thousands upon thousands of dresses on the market. To make matters worse, they’re all beautiful. For someone who is indecisive about everything, finding that perfect dress will be quite the challenge, especially without the guidance of the Kleinfelds experts.
3. My entourage better not act like that
There are many times I feel bad for the brides whose opinions are overshadowed by those of the family and friends they bring along. Everybody has their ideas of what the bride should be wearing but what matters most is the bride’s opinion and how she feels in the dress. Some of the entourages I’ve seen definitely forget that. While it’s important to get feedback on how a dress makes you look, finding the dress that suits the bride’s personality and vision are what is most important.
4. Speaking of entourages, who will I take with me?
You’re looking into your crystal ball for the perfect entourage and see your mom, possibly your dad, maybe a sibling, a life time best friend or two, and possibly an aunt. But watching all these brides with highly opinionated entourages of what she should wear on her day and what they see her wearing makes you think twice about taking anyone at all. For the sake of your sanity and the kind consultant who will hopefully make your wedding dreams come true, you start considering all those personalities and opinions well in advance of your actual shopping trip.
5. Hopefully I'm not a difficult Bridezilla
It's not just a dress you're wearing to prom or formal. This is the dress you're getting married in on what could possibly be the biggest day of your life. You want to feel like a million bucks and not have any doubts that you chose the right dress. Naturally, you're going to be picky with what you want. However, there's always that Bridezilla line some of these women start inching towards. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's made mental notes not to be a pain in the rear.
6. My fiancée is will definitely not see the dress until the big day
The brides who bring their fiancés in with them are brave souls. Brave, but nuts. I understand his opinion matters. However, it completely ruins the incredible element of surprise he’s going to have when you walk down the aisle; that’s one of the most exciting moments of your big day. His first glimpse of you on the big day and the look on his face is something both of you will want to remember forever.
7. Hold up, who’s my fiancée going to be?
If you’re a strong independent woman who don’t need no man or just seem to be chronically single, this will be something you think about during every episode. I know I do. You kind of conjure up this idea of what he might be like according to your checklist of criteria, daydream about how you’ll meet him, and what your story with him will be. They say good things come to those who wait….so…keep waiting!
8. I wonder when I’m going to get married…
I think many people watching this show, myself included, are at that point in life where a bunch of people around their age are getting married or engaged. Not only does it make you feel a little old but it makes you wonder when you’re going to have that same magical, experience. Sometimes, it feels like it may never happen. Thinking about it, taking your age and what you want out of life makes you slow your roll a bit. There’s no reason to rush it when you have so much life left to live.
9. How do you even start planning a wedding?
These women on the show start talking about how their wedding has this theme and will be held here with this many people, and so on. When you start thinking about all the prep work that has to go on for that kind of shindig, you wonder where to even start with it all.
10. I’m going to Kleinfelds
Which girl wouldn’t want to take a trip to the Big Apple and find her dream dress in one of the most perfect bridal salons? Not to mention, you’d have the chance to consult with the dress expert himself, Randy. It would probably be overwhelming to be in there with all those choices and the weight of the decision you’d be making. But finding one of the most important, if not the most important gown of your life, would definitely be a memorable experience at Kleinfeld’s.