Out-of-control jealousy, making a scene on planes to get attention, vomiting while trying on bridesmaids dresses, ruining the party thrown for the bride. Yup, apparently that is what we women strive for upon learning the oh-so terrible news that one of our best friends is getting married. So what do we do? We become the "wedding terminator" – well, according to Hollywood movies such as the 2011 film Bridesmaids, we do.
Some critics went as far as to call it "genius". Really? OK, I may have smiled a couple of times – maybe – and don't quote me on that, but there were definitely no LOL moments.
One of my closest friends is getting married in a couple of months and since the end of last year, her five bridesmaids (including myself) have been preparing with her, on the things we can help with. Believe it or not, none of the bridesmaids have tried to attack each other. Not even just a little bit. So what is it with movies, mainly chick flicks, that instead of challenging the stereotypes – they choose to exaggerate them to a level that is unrealistic? And please, let's not even talk about the TV reality series Bridezilla or Bridalplasty where contestants go head to head for plastic surgery procedures for the wedding. Eew, is the only word that comes to mind.
Our little group of bridesmaids is made up of girls from different backgrounds, professions and relationship statuses. One is married and a couple are single (if this were a film, they would cue the sad piano music right about now).
We strolled the streets of Satwa looking at materials and colours and checked out possible tailors. We had found the perfect material but, because we needed so much of it, they had to order more. After assuring us it would be the exact same colour we wanted, when the bride went to check it out, it turned out to be a wasted trip. So, we went back again and found a different colour and then it was off to the Satwa tailor who came highly recommended to begin making the dresses. Good thing we got a head start, because there were a few small tweaks here and there that needed to be made. For example, the day we went to pick them up we tried them on first and something didn't seem quite right with mine. I called my friend, the bride, into the fitting room and we both burst into laughter when we realised my sleeves were sewn on backwards. We did not make a scene and since the tailor was already embarrassed at the small error, we asked him politely if he could make the adjustment.
We've gone for coffees, had movie nights and dinners. We talk about the wedding and we talk about things currently happening in our own personal lives, trips we want to take, family members who are visiting, books we are reading and our weekend plans. Yes, that sort of exciting stuff that those we are told are from Mars also talk about.
But that, of course, won't ever make it to the big screen. No, it is too "normal", I would imagine.
