The American Spectator

Media Matters

Here Comes the Bride... zilla

By Conor Friedersdorf on 4.7.08 @ 12:07AM

(Page 2 of 2)

EDITOR SARAH GRAY MILLER'S magazine is neither better nor worse than most of its competitors. None invented the worst aspects of our wedding culture, though all transmit and magnify them unnecessarily. Lest brides-to-be hungry for reading material call me a spoil-sport, however, I might add that Brides Noir, "the fashionable choice for brides of color," published a recent issue that proves a less flawed bridal magazine is possible.

The cover story, noting that "weddings often are all about the bride," hopefully suggests that men take "a more active role in the planning process," and gives tips for "the Guy's Big Day." Says Editor-In-Chief Dana Powell in her letter, "As for this issue, you asked for more plus-size fashions, menswear and real weddings -- and you got it." (Did I fail to mention that In Style Brides displays dress styles beyond the metabolism, and weddings beyond the price range, of its readers? But you knew that.)

How refreshing to read the questions submitted to the Brides Noir advice columnist, for none seeks a well-mannered way to be rude. "I am overjoyed to have found not only the perfect man, but also the perfect pair of shoes for my wedding," a representative bride writes. "I wonder how my dress will look once it's hemmed. Will you even see my fabulous shoes?"

Though celebrity weddings are featured, so are the celebrations of regular couples, each offering earnest advice. Says Accounting Manager Candice Lockhart, "Know that things may not be perfect and some things are out of your control. Just enjoy the day and most of all enjoy each other." The advice of Karla Evans: "Spend more time making sure the foundation of your relationship is set, than worrying about minor wedding day details."

Most radical is Jacqueline Cofield's advice. "Let your fiance help with some creative aspect of the wedding planning. It's much more romantic to realize the vision together on your wedding day," she says.

Brides Noir has a feature on environmentally conscious weddings, reminds readers not to buy a conflict diamond and even offers advice for strengthening ties between families prior to new unions (a feature that begins by noting that "whoever said the wedding is just about the newlyweds must have eloped").

Yes, the magazine gears itself primarily to women, and offers plenty of photos of gowns and cakes and flowers. But most pages are conscious that the wedding isn't all about the bride, or the spectacle, so that were a Messiah to appear at the nuptials of its readers, multiplying sea bass and dinner rolls and pairing them with a Chardonnay or Sancerre, one suspects these brides would feel blessed and grateful, even for a miracle not of their making.

Letter to the Editor

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