I have a few concerns about really taking ownership of this tradition. For instance, I wonder if I’ll “grow” to hate my beloved dress when it comes to fitting into it each year. I’m fully aware that as I grow older, I will start growing outward instead of upward. But hey, that’s what a seamstress is for. Isn’t a little $10 or $20 alteration worth growing old gracefully with my dress? I think so. A seamstress is also handy to have on the payroll to alter that twenty-foot train or the thirty-pound bustle you had made to replicate Princess Grace of Monaco’s dress. Might be a fire hazard in the kitchen.
Speaking of kitchens, I know you’re probably thinking, as I did, that a kitchen might not be the best place for an expensive dress. There’s so much potential for stains, tears, catastrophe. So I figure I can buy myself an apron. Or better yet, order in, pretend I cooked, and serve my take-out anniversary dinner on the good wedding china.
There are plenty of other reasons why I shouldn’t wear my wedding dress while cooking and serving food, but I think the reasons to do it far outweigh them. I don’t normally source Friends as a support for a claim, but remember the episode when Phoebe and Monica were wearing wedding dresses, eating popcorn, and watching television? They were having the greatest time, as they should. I remember watching that episode thinking, “How smart are those ladies?” I want to tap that happiness, at least once a year, in my wedding dress, with my husband. Heck, I’m going to have him wear his wedding suit—maybe we’ll even eat popcorn and watch TV! This tradition is going to be so much fun!
Join me Ladies! Why pay another small fortune to have your dress preserved only to gaze longingly at it, hanging in your closet like an untouchable heirloom? Embrace it, celebrate it, and wear it once a year with all the excitement of a new bride. Do your hair. Pretty up your face. Wear lingerie. Put on those wedding heels. Transport yourself back to that very special day when everyone’s eyes were on you … Who me? I look angelic? Stop it!
