The Bridezilla Syndrome

In a fast-paced world of wedding planning, stress levels are high, and immune systems are low. 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 called by various clinical names: Multiple Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia, Temporary Insanity. However, in the world of matrimony, for anyone who's been exposed - fiancé, family, friends, and victims themselves -- this broadening illness has been commonly termed "Bridezilla Syndrome" or "BS."

A contagious condition, Bridezilla Syndrome has become more prominent and has plagued today's busy, wedding-planning women. In a preliminary study, the disease has spread at an alarming rate. Symptoms of victims of Bridezilla Syndrome -- better known as Bridezillas -- include reoccurring mood spells, bouts with selfishness, signs of controlling behavior, and feelings of meticulousness. Unfortunately fiancé, 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, when a bridal party member, who having had too much to drink, confronted the Bridezilla, the result has most often been an emotional breakdown of the victim which intensified her condition. In a survey of 100 Maids of Honor, an alarming 85% said they avoided confrontations with the Bridezilla, for fear it would only exasperate the illness.

So, we must ask the underlying questions: Where is all this Bridezilla Syndrome coming from? How does one know when she's a Bridezilla?

Unfortunately the source has not been found, though it is believed it has existed since the dawn of the institution of marriage. A short-term condition (symptoms persist for about 1 to 2 years, depending on one's wedding date), Bridezillas seem to have been unfairly blamed for their actions, which some believe they have no control over, 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!

Even though it's been said there is no cure for the Bridezilla Syndrome, there are ways to prevent Bridezilla infection. A survey of healthy brides, who successfully planned their weddings without contracting the Bridezilla 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:

•  Keep Thing in 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.

•  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.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

•  No Wedding Talk After 10pm.

Although preventative therapy is available, some brides inherently fall victim and still contract Bridezilla Syndrome. But there is hope! This is not a terminal illness. In fact, in most cases, the Bridezilla 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 of the Bridezilla Syndrome.

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 Bridezilla Syndrome 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 the Bridezilla Syndrome!