Say Yes to the Dress, Y'all

Okay, guilty pleasure time.

Sometimes, on Friday nights, the kids snuggle with me and we watch “Say Yes to the Dress – Atlanta" on TLC. We get such a kick out of this show, namely stylist Monte. He’s a hoot, especially when he and Lori get going.

You never know how much is staged and how much is a genuine reaction from the bride and her family and attendants. Sometimes it’s just fun to watch the back and forth – at least most of the time. There are moments when the comments are a bit too harsh and hurt the bride-to-be’s feelings. Why bring that many people when you are shopping for wedding dresses? Do you really want that many cooks in the kitchen, that many opinions on what you should or shouldn't wear? Not a good idea.

Although, there are times the bride just needs to hear it. For instance, ladies, please don’t wear a strapless gown with your Double-Ds hanging out. Is that really what you want to wear in a church? A little modesty wouldn’t kill ya.

This young woman was on last week's episode. She tried on this lovely gown - what she deemed her dream dress - knowing it was out of her price range. A no-no according to store owner Lori. Lori then dropped the price for her to fit within her budget. Suddently, the young lady had meltdown in the store, now unsure that the dress was "the one." That's why I could never work in the bridal industry.

Some of the dresses are divine and it’s nice to see how they put the final touches together. The bride is shedding tears of joy, the mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaids are fanning the tears from their faces. Okay, gals, get a hold of yourselves.

The original “Say Yes to the Dress” is set at Kleinfeld’s in New York. There’s a Monte version at that location as well, but I much prefer the Atlanta show, set at Bridals by Lori. The southern accents and twangs make it more fun and when you mix such characters as a pageant mama or a young woman shopping for “Southern Chic,” (to which Monte asked “What the hell is that??), it adds to the silly drama. Plus, it’s hilarious to hear my kids mimic them.

So, if you get a chance to catch part of an episode for a good chuckle or to catch a glimpse of some lovely bridal attire, do so. And for you future brides out there, it may make you think twice before bringing your mama, grandmama and 10 girlfriends to shop for your wedding dress.
Images from TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress - Atlanta"