The Bridezilla Syndrome: Do You Have It? Ten Ways to Avoid All the BS!

In a fast-paced world of wedding planning, stress levels are high; immune systems are low; and over the course of the past 20 years, brides have transmitted, what has become a bridal epidemic of our time.

The number of victims has steadily increased; and to date, there is no cure. It's been dubbed various clinical names: Multiple Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, Temporary Insanity. But in the world of matrimony, anyone who's been exposed ? fiancés, family, friends, and victims themselves -- this broadening illness has been commonly termed "Bridezilla Syndrome" or "BS."

A contagious condition, BS has become more prominent and has plagued today's busy, wedding-planning woman. In a preliminary study, the disease has spread at an alarming rate. Symptoms of victims of BS -- better known as Bridezillas -- include reoccurring mood spells, bouts with selfishness, signs of controlling behavior and feelings of meticulousness.

Unfortunately fiancés, bridal party members, friends and family eventually fall victim to the actions and attitudes of a Bridezilla.

Research suggests that symptoms are recognized most often by the fiancé and Maid of Honor, and are completely undetectable by the actual victim. In some cases, a bridal party member, who having had too much alcohol to drink, confronted the Bridezilla. Most often, an emotional, breakdown of the victim would follow, thus intensifying her condition. In a survey of 100 Maids of Honor, an alarming 85% said they avoided confrontation with the victim for fear it would only exasperate the illness.

So we must ask the underlying questions: Where is all this BS coming from? How does one know when she's full of it? Unfortunately the source has not been found; though it is believed that it has existed since the dawn of the institution of marriage. A short-term condition (symptoms persist about 1-2 years depending on one's wedding date), Bridezillas seem to have been unfairly blamed for their actions, for which some believe they have no control, albeit their control over everything else. In fact, it's been clinically proven that a Bridezilla actually does have feelings -- feelings of selfishness, insecurity, anxiousness and stress!

Though it's been said there is no cure, there are ways to prevent infection of BS. A survey of healthy brides, whom successfully planned their weddings without contracting the disease, was conducted. Results showed commonalities of the actions performed to avoid the disorder. Doctors, psychologists and wedding planners strongly suggest the following preventative therapy:

1. Keep Perspective - remind yourself that the wedding is only one day in your life. When things get out of control, close your eyes and remember the reason why you are planning this wedding in the first place.

2. Don't Assume Your Groom Doesn't Want to Help - ask him what he'd like to take responsibility for; and then let him. (note: some grooms may follow the cliché and decline this offer.)

3. Know That You Can't Control Everything - realize this and accept it!

4 Delegate. Delegate. Delegate - If you act like you can handle everything, people will let you. Spread the duties.

5. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - people won't remember whether or not your invitations had those cute little tissues enclosed.

6. Treat The People You Cherish with Love - the wedding is one day; your family and friends are forever.

7. Allow Others to Vent - give your fiancé, family and bridesmaids permission to tell you when you're going off the deep-end.

8. Take the Heat - give yourself permission to hear them.

9. Do Something for Yourself Every Day - the catch is that it must not involve the wedding.

10. No Wedding Talk After 10pm.

Although preventative therapy is available, some brides inherently fall victim and still contract BS. But there is hope! This is not a terminal illness. In fact in most cases, the bride has been known to be miraculously cured once she has returned from her honeymoon. Doctors and psychologists theorize that the change in altitude from flying coupled with excessive levels of the love hormone, Oxytocin counteracts the disease by boosting the immune system, thus eliminating symptoms.

In cases of remission, the disease has been known to resurface when a person, under certain circumstances, may be planning her wedding again. According to research, those brides with a higher IQ score avoided the reoccurrence of symptoms by simply eloping.

Whatever your situation, whether a Bridezilla, fiancé, friend or family member of one -- join in the fight! With love, hope and education, our brides of the future and their bridal parties will have a winning chance against all the BS!

Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul NOW available at all bookstores and at discount online at amazon.com.

THE PERFECT WEDDING BEGINS WITH INSPIRATION! Romantic, humorous, touching and true. This books brings to light the true meaning of love and commitment, whether you are newly engaged, recently married or reflecting on the years of married bliss. Makes the perfect bridal shower gift!

Visit www.bridesoul.com for more information about Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul.

Footnote: Preventative Therapy of Bridezilla Syndrome provided by www.WeddingQuestions.com.

By the author of Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul.

Gina Romanello is the author of Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul.

A graduate from Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism, Gina was thrilled when given the opportunity to join the Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul team. Her temporary position turned into eight years of employment in their book production department.

Her position as Executive Administrator to Patty Hansen & Irene Dunlap has played an integral part in the compiling and marketing of Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul, Christmas Treasury for Kids, Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul II and Chicken Soup for the Girl's Soul.

Noticing many friends and family members endure the stress of planning a wedding, Gina saw a need for Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul, a Chicken Soup title sure to comfort and enlighten a stressed-out bride planning her big day.

Contact Gina at gina@chickensoupforthebridesoul.com or visit her website http://www.bridesoul.com

---

To Choose a Wedding Planner or Not to Choose a Wedding Planner

When I was the owner of a major wedding facility,... Read More

Las Vegas Casino Weddings

If you are at all familiar with Las Vegas, you... Read More

Wedding Anniversary Symbols

Most people are aware that significant wedding anniversaries such as... Read More

Organizing The Wedding Menu

Deciding the menu is a pretty simple affair. Once you've... Read More

Mens Diamond Rings ? The Ultimate Wedding Ring For The Modern Man

Mens diamond rings are becoming more and more popular with... Read More

How to Make Your Wedding Vows Something You?ll Remember Forever

If you're going the increasingly popular route of personalizing your... Read More

Who Wants to Be Rich?

Well you may not become a billionaire or even a... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More

Marriage Problems: Help in Preventing Them

When we want to be successful at something in life,... Read More

Wedding Reception; From Trendy to Traditional

Wedding receptions are not as formal as they once were,... Read More

Wedding Planning: Prioritize to Stay Within Your Wedding Budget

So you're planning your wedding and a thousand decisions must... Read More

Choosing a Wedding Reception and Banquet Facility

It's time to look for a banquet facility. Most clients... Read More

10 Common Wedding Reception Mistakes

Every bride wants a fairytale wedding. Therefore, this article is... Read More

Is Your Heart Set On An Antique Engagement Ring?

As Mark Twain said "Let us not be too particular;... Read More

A Summer Wedding

THE sunshine had come out to ensure the wedding of... Read More

Flower Girl Flowers

There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More

Whats in a Greek Wedding?

The wedding service in the Greek Orthodox faith is an... Read More

Trust in Marriage

Trust is the basis of all human relationships. Trust can... Read More

Nine Ways to Save Money on Wedding Photography

Weddings are memorable events couples and their families want to... Read More

Want to Get Married in Las Vegas?

Only in Las Vegas can you find everything for your... Read More

Can a Marital Separation Ever Save a Marriage?

As an experienced counselor, one of the questions I'm asked... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 7

As you reach 30 and beyond, you encounter a very... Read More

Should You Send Save the Date Notices To Your Guests?

You've probably heard about Save the Dates since they have... Read More

5 Tips To Select The Best Wedding Reception Location

Being disc jockeys, we get the opportunity to evaluate many... Read More

How to Find, Select, and Afford a Wedding Photographer

You are engaged and one of the most important days... Read More

Get Fantastic Deals on Catering for Your Wedding

When it comes to your catering services for your wedding,... Read More

Marriage Counseling Tips: What to Do When Your Spouse Wont Talk

How to get a spouse's attention so that he or... Read More

Fifteen Fabulous Favors

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating (or... Read More

Wedding Planning

Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your... Read More

Second Marriages. Estate Planning Concerns

One of the biggest areas of dispute in estate planning... Read More

Lingerie Party Ideas: Tips to Help Break the Ice

Are you in the process of planning that last special... Read More

Considering Success in Marriage

Your success in marriage depends largely upon having sound and... Read More

The A To Z Guide For Your Wedding Day

AttendantsAttendants, include the best man, Bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally... Read More