Discover ways to cope if you're experiencing some bridezilla moments prior to what should be a happy wedding celebration.

Bridezilla refers to a very real phenomenon where brides become overly demanding. A case where others do not want to be around them and no bride wants to turn into one.

As the high of wedding planning wears off and reality sets in, so does the risk of becoming a bridezilla. This behavior can majorly strain relationships between friends and family members before what should be one of the happiest occasions of life.

Luckily, there’s good news! Falling victim to the bridezilla phenomenon is both preventable and treatable. In the article, you will learn how to be proactive to recognize the bridezilla signs and how to prevent them.

1. A Bridezilla Goes Beyond The Budget

You’ve likely dreamed of the perfect wedding for years, maybe even since childhood. So, of course, you want everything to be picture-perfect—regardless of cost.

However, going beyond your wedding budget can take the fun out of planning and bring out your inner bridezilla. And wedding stress can affect both friends and family members too. Whether you’re funding the wedding yourself or being funded by family, you must manage the wedding finances responsibly.

Although it may seem like the wedding is all you can think about, you have a whole life to live after you get married. Having solid finances contributes to a happy marriage, so don’t drain the happiness before it begins.

Avoid going over the wedding budget by being proactive. Set a limit that you and contributing members can agree upon. Be clear about your non-negotiables and expectations, get estimates for everything, and keep track of your budget regularly.

There’s no need to bankrupt yourself to have the perfect wedding. But you may need to make some short-term sacrifices to avoid any financial loss. Consider picking up some extra hours at work or learn ways to earn extra income to make up the difference. If finances allow, supplement the wedding costs with some personal savings. But be sure to have a payment plan on how to recoup the personal funds spent within a specific time frame.

2. A Bridezilla Has Unrealistic Expectations

The wedding of your dreams can be a reality. But the key is to be realistic. Do your finances match offering caviar? Or is a more realistic option a shrimp cocktail? Either option can be elegant.

Wedding vendors are part of your professional wedding team. Vendors can create a beautiful and enjoyable event for you, but only if you can work well with them. Set them up for success by having realistic expectations.

Expectation: Hire a 24/7 wedding planner for on-demand access to address any crisis that would hinder the perfect wedding.

• Reality: Wedding planners are real humans with lives and multiple clients. Value their help and expertise by organizing your thoughts beforehand and speaking with them during reasonable working hours.

Expectation: Go big or go home. Spare no expense for the big day. Go bankrupt if you have to.

• Reality: You have dreams, financial goals, and a married life to fund after the wedding. Depleting your bank account and guilting contributing members into fulfilling your every demand might make for a beautiful wedding but will likely result in souring some relationships. Remember that there are more important wedding factors than fancy embroidered place settings.

Be flexible. Things may not always go perfectly, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Try seeing things from a different perspective. For example, you may not get the first date you want, a specific venue, or the exact right shade of napkins. So, take inventory—make note of the things you don’t have, but try enjoying the things and people you do have in your corner while sharing your wedding planning experiences with you.

Afarose Insider Tip: One of the best things a bride can do is to ensure an honest and open conversation with all parties involved in the wedding planning to avoid disappointment on her end and theirs.

3. Entitlement

Much of the wedding planning and preparation is of course all about the bride and groom. From engagement photos to stag/stagette parties, everything is centered around the newlyweds and their style.

As much as you want everyone to be as involved in your wedding planning as you are, they can't nor may not be able to be. They love you, but they have their own lives. So, typically they will give you the best they can within the time they have available. Be mindful of not constantly demanding things from your wedding team simply because you’re the bride.

Always be respectful and understanding. Your friends and family can’t jump at your every request. Thoughtful planning and communication coupled with respect go a long way in ensuring you get the enthusiasm and participation needed to make your wedding day a happy success.

Remember, everyone is working hard to be supportive of your dream wedding. Having an entitled attitude is only going to make things more difficult. Avoid meltdowns by remaining kind, having realistic expectations, and working in conjunction with your professional wedding team rather than expecting them to do everything for you or be at your beckoned call.

4. A Bridezilla is Closed Minded

Although it may be obvious that a wedding should entail the bride and groom’s style, this does not make you an expert. Your wedding vendors are the experts. You shouldn’t blindly accept what they are telling you about the decor and the venue, but you should respect and value their expertise. Receive suggestions with grace and poise. Express differing opinions with tact and politeness.

The wedding planning process is much more enjoyable and productive when the bride listens to her wedding team and is considerate of their suggestions. Keep your wedding team happy by pairing fun activities with wedding tasks. Share what you’re looking forward to or take a moment to share any nice wedding accessories you are planning to wear for the big day with them.

5. A Bridezilla Micromanages

As tempting as it may be to control every detail to make your wedding day perfect, there is no need to micromanage. Remember all the love and good intentions from your friends, family, and future partner. They only want what is best for you and to be supportive.

Your wedding vendors may have a boss to answer to. Or your vendor may even be a business owner themselves—professionals who are known for their accountability, follow-through, and time management. They don’t need a bridezilla badgering them for updates every day.

Your wedding team is all working together so that tasks can be delegated. Be available for questions but try to give them their space to work. Each person can only manage a limited amount of stress. It’s best to trust your wedding team and give them the space they need so they don’t make mistakes under the pressure of a bridezilla.

6. Poor Stress Management

Unmanaged stress will take a toll on your friends, family, and fiancé.

Here are a few tips to help manage wedding stress:

• Avoid getting moody. This is more than just thinking happy thoughts. If you’re hangry, your mood will be uncontrollable. Eat regularly and stay hydrated to avoid hangry-induced rage and meltdowns.
• Manage and avoid anxiety triggers. You know yourself and your triggers better than most. Take additional care during this time to avoid anything that can make you frazzled.
• Take a break. Do something for fun. Do something you love. Spend time with the people you love.
• Balance planning with nurturing your marriage before it starts. Keep dating each other. Have fun together! Your wedding and marriage depend on it. Remembering your special person shifts your attention off the event and onto the love you have for each other. Boom, the bridezilla is neutralized!

Tame the Bridezilla in You With a Dream Wedding Dress from Afarose

No bride wants to become a bridezilla, but even the most gentle of brides can show bridezilla signs.

Make wedding dress shopping an enjoyable experience by shopping online with Afarose. You can take advantage of trying dresses on at home to minimize the stress of shopping all over town for your perfect dress just to come up empty-handed. This can bring out the worst in a bride and may result in showing bridezilla signs.

Afarose also offers a custom sizing service that saves brides time and money by not having to worry about returning for multiple fittings and dress alterations.

Don’t let a lack of ideas panic you into exuding bridezilla-like tendencies. Work with your wedding team to take bridal party collaboration to another level!

Visit Afarose’s newest interactive virtual showroom feature for gown inspiration and style ideas. Bridal party members can collaborate while the bride comments on dress options to get real-time feedback on one convenient platform.