|
Since you were a little girl you idolized Cinderella. You
always knew that your Prince Charming would step in and
sweep you off of your feet. So now that you are engaged
it only makes sense that you would have the most lavish
wedding from the valet parking to the rose petals laid down
for your entrance. This is your day and money is no object,
right? Wrong! Meet the anti-bride.
The anti-bride chooses to elope instead of spending months
deciding between a stark white and a diamond white dress.
A bridal shower is not happening and in fact, she is not
even sure if she will take a shower right before the ceremony.
The only wedding magazines she has are the ones that have
been anonymously left on her doorstep (they make great foot
rests). This is a woman who is in love and wants to be married
but not up for being wooed by the American wedding industry.
If you have realized that everyone else is more excited
to plan your wedding than you are, chances are you are an
anti-bride. To you, Vera Wang is something at your favorite
Chinese takeout place and you are not alone. There are numerous
women who are pro anti-brides. They are not anti-wedding
and definitely not anti-groom; they just do not compromise
their sense of self to please others.
The only way an anti-bride survives the days leading up
to her wedding is by remaining strong and determined not
to be swayed by the masses. She ignores the frowned noses
and the bewildered eyes that are directed towards her because
she wants to go barefoot instead of wearing stilettos. She
is more shocked at them for thinking she would be anyone
else at a time like this.
My wedding was planned in under a month and I had very
little to do with it. My husband’s aunt planned it
all. I gave her instructions to keep it basic and the funds
were to stay at a minimum. I wanted to show up and say “I
Do” and be done.
The wedding was simple and meaningful without all the embellishment.
I would not have had it any other way. My stress was nonexistent
and everyone’s checkbooks were smiling. That is my
idea of happiness.
Those that are closest to an anti-bride will be her main
support system. They know her best and will stand up to
anyone who thinks otherwise. When pressures from the wedding
have her down, they will lift her up.
Distinctive gifts will show appreciation to everyone who
helped out. Gifts should be exclusive and show your gratitude.
Since the wedding party was probably kept to a minimum finding
a heartfelt gift for everyone should be a breeze.
Not everyone is elated about spending $20,000 on a fete
and the great news is that is ok. Marriage should be about
the union of two people who love each other, not about how
much they spent to impress everyone else. It is fine to
say, “I don’t” to traditional weddings
as long as you say "I do" to the one you will
spend the rest of your life with.
|
