When you hear the words “wedding reality show,” perhaps the first thing that springs to mind is Bridezillas. Before even watching the show I knew what to expect ... and I was not disappointed.
When you are used to shows like Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? and Say Yes to the Dress, this show is a hard pill to swallow. Since many other series play up the joy and positive aspects behind getting married, Bridezillas possesses an identity that is rather unique, setting it apart from other television fare. This hour-long guilty pleasure showcases brides who are controlling, domineering, and all-out scary when it comes to ensuring they get the wedding of their dreams.
On a certain level, the stories are fun. Watching these brides rant, rave, and generally act like spoiled brats hits the spot if you’re tired of the “nice girl meets nice guy and they have a fabulous wedding and ride off into the sunset” take on wedding shows. Seeing most of them work without a planner is interesting, too, though it begs the question: is this what you turn into without wedding planning help? How much of this show can one viewer really take, though? Perhaps if you’re not interested in other wedding shows this might be the one you watch, or if you’re cynical about weddings and marriage this might amuse you. However, if you’re like me and enjoy learning about the details – dresses, flowers, relationships, etc. – that come together to create a life-shaping event, then this show becomes more and more unbearable to watch.
Speaking as someone who has interviewed people on bridal television, I know that some aspects of every show are doctored for maximum drama. As a result, I expect some (if not most) of these episodes to be staged or edited in some way to produce a “bridezilla effect.” But I honestly hope that no bride is actually like this season’s Megan, insulting her fiancé in front of his friends and telling her wedding party that there is no fun allowed at her wedding. I don’t enjoy watching brides being portrayed as heartless, harping on everyone around them, complaining and whining about every last little thing, and swearing like sailors. They do, after all, want to get married. (Don’t they?)
This feeling really hits home when you watch the interaction between the bride and groom. As you catch yourself feeling sorry for the poor guys on this show, you remember that they’ve gotten themselves into these situations. Sometimes, years in. Then again, the grooms are not the ones being made to look ruthless. Except Carlos, whose need for control borders on ridiculous. (Speaking of which, why is there no Groomzillas? Maybe that show is in development.)
WeTV’s goal of going for the most shocking season ever has clearly been met: Follow two couples an episode as they prepare to marry, and in doing so, make each other and their friends and family miserable. I mean, Dawn is potentially abusive. Jennifer seems mentally ill. Katrina models gluttony to a shocking degree. Most of the rest are spoiled brats, bordering on delusional as to their place in the universe. All hand out insults and discomfort like candy at Halloween. You just have to cringe for their families and friends. Yes, there is a “happy ending,” where things seem to smooth over and the wedding actually takes place. Actually, it’s interesting that the ceremony and reception are covered much the same as on other wedding shows with vows, tears, and post-nuptial commentary from the couples. It’s almost like you suddenly tuned into a different show. Seems to me that the “bridezilla” factor is only achieved through editing. That is, it’s hard to believe that the behavior of these women is that radically altered due to wedding planning, and it all magically disappears once they walk down the aisle. I’m just not buying it.
An occasional testy bride is entertaining. A stressed out bride is understandable. A woman who is a perfectionist about her wedding is really pretty normal, I think. But the level to which these brides take things is unbelievable. I don’t think this is what a wedding show ought to be; it’s just pandering to the desire for trashy, shock-value titillation (yes, I said it) that is so prevalent in reality TV these days. Still, I guess that’s what some people want to see. If anything, I think this show discourages marriage and badmouths brides. Perhaps this show is the reason why so many men are hesitant about marriage. Perhaps I’m really a romantic at heart. While setting up these women to humiliate themselves by publicly airing their outrageous behavior can be novel and even hilarious at times, when all is said and done, the abrasive personalities and crass language wear thin. I’d rather know who designed the dress. Or heck, just give me a fluffy “how they met” story. But I think reality television is popular because people are interested in reality. While we understand and accept that reality can be slightly exaggerated, this show proves that too much exaggeration forfeits any legitimacy or relevance. The results really are not terribly interesting or entertaining. My verdict? If I want to see these brides behaving badly, there’s always the chance I’ll be able to catch them on an episode of Cops.
