Last Friday I searched high and low on the internet for the new, expanded Sex And The City: The Movie trailer. The last trailer to come out was only about 40 seconds, and it was really more of a pretty slide show set to music than a trailer. When I finally found a video link that worked, I wasn't disappointed. The movie looks great (despite the set photos of Carrie wearing what looks like a giant scrunchie!), and I for one can't wait to get in line on opening day. The trailer outlined the basic theme of the film: Carrie gets carried away with the wedding planning, and Big leaves her at the altar. My guess is that the rest of the episode -- I mean film -- will be about Carrie getting her priorities straight and winning him back.
I can't wait for the movie to be out and in the pop culture knowledge base. It's a theme I frequently speak publicly about during book signings and at wedding conferences. It can be so easy to lose sight of how you're treating the people around you during wedding planning -- not to mention losing sight of what really matters when it comes to choosing between dresses, guest lists and menus. The question of chicken versus steak can leave people in tears, not to mention other world-enders such as bridesmaid dresses, hair up or down and who sits at what table.
In part I'm being facetious here, but there is some truth to it: all brides (and grooms, and mothers of the bride, etc.) want their wedding to be the best, for their own and enjoyment and that of their guests. They don't want to let anyone, including themselves, down, and the focus turns to all of that pressure instead of enjoying the process with your loved ones. I'm guessing that Carrie's experience in the movie will give me lots of reference points when I'm speaking to brides.
And what advice would I give to Carrie, and all those other brides out there?
1. Communicate early and often. Keeping everyone who is involved, from mothers to grooms to caterers, on the same page is crucial to a happy wedding. Weddings are not the time for surprises -- even small things can matter a lot, and people need time to process a change to their expectations.
2. Schedule time with your loved ones where the focus isn't on the wedding. It will give you -- and them -- a much needed break, and a chance to keep your priorities straight.
3. Relax! Emily Post's favorite wedding was a small country affair, not a grand crystal-clinking event. The key to doing a wedding "correctly" isn't to force your life to match up to a "rule book" of etiquette; rather, it's to use your common sense to adapt when situations force you out of the norm. You'll succeed off the beaten path so long as you base your decisions in consideration and respect for the other people your choices will affect.
That said, I'm looking forward to Big leading Carrie on one last chase through Manhattan. My only lingering question is whether or not I can legitimately expense my movie ticket...