Rating: Summary: Disappointing at best... Review: ...and irritating at worst. I read the reviews here, interlibrary loaned it right away, and sat down expecting a hilarious, jaw-dropping bunch of howlers. Instead I feel like I've spent the afternoon with someone's snooty great-aunts. There are a few stories in here that live up to the hype, but the "Bridezilla" phenomenon (described by the author as what happens to otherwise normal women who suddenly find themselves the center of the party) doesn't seem to be what's going on here. It's no fun to read about people who seem to have etiquette/behavior issues on every other day of their lives (including a few physically abusive grooms, which I don't think is necessarily caused by being a groom), and especially when at least half the people contributing to this book appear to think that the only "proper" behavior for a bride is that of a blushing concubine with bound feet. Admonitions that a "gracious" bride "thinks of others before she thinks of herself" (yes, really) are straight from 1950. Oh, and bacherlorette parties are the height of bad taste (agreed) because the bride will one day be somebody's mommy (HUH?!?!?!) This book has madonna/whore complex written all over it, and the horror stories aren't particularly horrifying: (paraphrase) "I carefully selected and purchased a thoughtful gift, and did not receive a prompt thank-you note." Sounds like Ann Landers's worst nightmare, but no one else's. I think my favorite is the guest who bought and sent the couple (the presumed "Bridezilla and Groommonster") a book, found it months later in a used bookstore, and bought and sent it to them again. Makes you wonder who's got the real issues. The message: show any creativity, spark or gumption at all, step away from rigid 19th-century convention just once, and you are a Bridezilla. See you in Etiquette Hell. I won't even mention the historical and grammatical violations this book commits. But the authors condemn the bride who wanted her wedding party to go into the neighbor's yard and steal flowers for the cermony for "not caring about the style and quality of the flowers," and, oh by the way, for "putting her guests' reputation on the line." Would it have been better if she'd swiped 'em herself?!?!? The chapter on bridesmaids and shower hosts who deliberately sabotage the bridal shower and/or ignore the wishes of the bride is particularly sickening.
Rating: Summary: Should be required reading for every bride..... Review: ...since so many of them don't bother to read Emily Post, Amy Vanderbilt, or Miss Manners. If they did, we wouldn't have Bridezillas, now, would we? In this era of dreadful bridal blunders (relatives hosting showers, registry information on wedding invitations, money dances...) it's wonderful to know that someone is brave enough to stand up to spoiled Princess Brides and scream, "ENOUGH!" in their faces. A right entertaining read as well as an admonishment of What Thou Shalt Not Do At Thy Wedding!
Rating: Summary: If you see yourself in this book, start apologizing now Review: A collection of some of the best, or I suppose worst, stories from the fantastic Etiquette Hell website. It's as scary as any horror movie. You'll gasp as brides rip their best friends apart because they're "too fat to be a bridesmaid!" You'll groan as Momzillas shriek at innocent bystanders for ruining their baby's special day! And if you are one of the poor unfortunates who have behaved this way, there are etiquette guidelines at the end of each chapter that will help salvage your relationships.
Rating: Summary: Laughed until I cried, this book is a must! Review: I not only bought this book, but also contributed a story to it. In a twisted way, I felt so much better seeing that I'm not the only one who has encountered a "Bridezilla". The authors not only share hilarious yet mind-boggling TRUE stories but also gentle ways to diffuse these situations. I plan to keep several in reserve, and as a preventative measure, present them as engagement gifts!
Rating: Summary: Laughed until I cried, this book is a must! Review: I not only bought this book, but also contributed a story to it. In a twisted way, I felt so much better seeing that I'm not the only one who has encountered a "Bridezilla". The authors not only share hilarious yet mind-boggling TRUE stories but also gentle ways to diffuse these situations. I plan to keep several in reserve, and as a preventative measure, present them as engagement gifts!
Rating: Summary: Extremely Accurate True Tales - All Brides Should Read! Review: I read this book because I too, was the unfortunate maid of honor in a wedding which was for the biggest Bridezilla of them all... Greedy stories about greedy brides to be and their greedy, manipulative mothers and bad behaving Grooms. Please read this if you are planning your own wedding. The authors have really thought provoking tid bits which may save you from becoming a Bridezilla yourself!
Rating: Summary: Hilarity is good Review: Sort of the same appeal as reality TV shows. My jaw dropped, I laughed out loud, and I thanked the good Lord above that I have never been in the wedding party of a bride like these self-centered, obsessive, neurotic, nasty women. Just when I thought there couldn't possibly be a worse example of a Bridezilla in the book, another story topped the list. I was moved by this "etiquette expert"'s very down-to-earth take on how a bride should act; there was nothing here about when to raise your pinky or why everything must be "perfect." Instead, she presents a healthy and positive outlook about why a wedding is a celebration and not a theatrical show with the bride as "director," insisting on getting her way and forcing the wedding party to conform perfectly to her "vision." Amusing, horrifying... these stories led me through a gamut of emotions, but mostly, they made me feel good about my own upcoming wedding, and gave me a great sense of what NOT to do if I still want any friends left after the honeymoon! A fun gift for a down-to-earth bride-to-be. --Jenna Glatzer, editor of AbsoluteWrite.com and author of OUTWITTING WRITER'S BLOCK AND OTHER PROBLEMS OF THE PEN
Rating: Summary: Hilarity is good Review: Sort of the same appeal as reality TV shows. My jaw dropped, I laughed out loud, and I thanked the good Lord above that I have never been in the wedding party of a bride like these self-centered, obsessive, neurotic, nasty women. Just when I thought there couldn't possibly be a worse example of a Bridezilla in the book, another story topped the list. I was moved by this "etiquette expert"'s very down-to-earth take on how a bride should act; there was nothing here about when to raise your pinky or why everything must be "perfect." Instead, she presents a healthy and positive outlook about why a wedding is a celebration and not a theatrical show with the bride as "director," insisting on getting her way and forcing the wedding party to conform perfectly to her "vision." Amusing, horrifying... these stories led me through a gamut of emotions, but mostly, they made me feel good about my own upcoming wedding, and gave me a great sense of what NOT to do if I still want any friends left after the honeymoon! A fun gift for a down-to-earth bride-to-be. --Jenna Glatzer, editor of AbsoluteWrite.com and author of OUTWITTING WRITER'S BLOCK AND OTHER PROBLEMS OF THE PEN
Rating: Summary: A sinful pleasure from cover to cover! Review: The true tales of ranting brides, shower gluttony, and reception debauchery are like a train wreck...you don't want to look but you can't help yourself! Anyone who's ever been a bridesmaid has been subjected to the temporary insanity of a close friend's wedding preparations. However, the examples in this book demonstrate the extremes of bad behavior that result when ego and insensitivity are allowed to run amuck because "It's my special day!" After reading this book, you'll consider yourself lucky if you escaped with a fuschia bridesmaid dress and accessories dyed to match, of course, as your only scars from the blessed event. This book offers more than shock value. The authors gently and humorously correct wayward Bridezillas who desire to reform their behavior and mend fences. They also offer concrete suggestions for friends and relatives to cope with their very own Bridezilla or Groomonster without sinking to the depths of Etiquette Hell themselves. With a tongue-in-cheek tone Auntie Noe and Miss Jeanne show the reader how to maintain perspective on what's really important on one's wedding day: a commitment to marriage and respect for one's betrothed and guests. We are reminded that a gracious bride is a beautiful bride, and a successful wedding is one where "everyone leaves the event wishing they didn't have to go." This is a must read for anyone planning a wedding who wants to avoid boorish behavior or anyone currently suffering at the hands of Bridezilla. If you have no weddings in your immediate future, it's a wicked escape to curl up with a hot cup of tea and marvel over the real-life horror stories from Etiquette Hell!
Rating: Summary: To hell and back!! Review: This book is a great and fun read. It will have you laughing hysterically at the crazy antics of bridezillas across the country. If you know anyone who might have bridezilla potential, this book is a must!! Save all those potential bridemaids from a white wedding dress reign of terror. ...
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