Always a Bridesmaid.

I saw 27 Dresses a few day ago. I wasn't planning to see it at all, but I had several friends recommend it. When a girlfriend suggested we go to the movie on MLK Day, I felt like it would be entertaining one way or another- either I'd like it, or it would be so bad I could make fun of it.

I loved it.

The dialogue was hysterical, and the premise was (unfortunately) not that unbelievable. People love big weddings, and doing the bridesmaid thing is pretty common at my age. I would know. I've done it enough times. And I'm sure I'm not finished.

The premise of the movie that amazed me, however, was not that the main character was a bridesmaid over and over (and over), but that after 27 weddings she still wanted a wedding herself. A real wedding, with the flowers and cake and everything. I can't imagine going through all the steps of planning a wedding (and trust me, there are so many many steps) for a friend 27 times, and then still wanting a wedding. I just can't fathom that kind of romanticism.

Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed every wedding I've attended. From the magazine perfect galas to the courthouse steps. There is something fun and hopeful about watching your friends and family members say words that have been said so many times before. About knowing that they will always be different because of that one moment. But getting to that moment, the months and tears and arguments and debt and stress, doesn't seem like a pleasant way to start anything. And I can't imagine how any woman could watch their friends do that 27 times and still plan a day of their own.


I guess that's the cynic in me.

But I'm happy to be always the bridesmaid, never the bride.


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And a slightly related postscript: I'm pretty frustrated with Martha Stewart, who has now taken my favorite magazine off the market and decided to put it as an insert in her "weddings" mag. I HATE that to get Blueprint every once in a while I'd have to get it inside her crappy wedding publication. Boo, MS.