Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss

Ok... it's been a while- things have been crazy, but I'm making an effort to start writing again. Today's inspiration: the new spin-off to Say Yes to the Dress (a guilty pleasure of mine). For those of you who don't know, it's a reality series that follows brides-to-be in their search for the perfect dress at a well known New York bridal shop, Kleinfeld's. As a general rule, I think they've done a very good job of showing these women's beauty and that women of all shapes and sizes have body image struggles and other struggles. Usually the mentality seems to be that everyone deserves to look and feel beautiful. So, when I heard there was a spin-off called "Big Bliss", focusing on plus-sized women, I was a little curious and a bit disappointed.

First of all, I thought the name was offensive, coupled with the fact that it is ridiculous that these women weren't featured on the regular show and that they felt the need to have them on a separate version. I was still hopeful, though, and thought maybe they would use it to show that these women are beautiful, despite what society often tries to tell us. But a few minutes in, and I heard this comment during their morning staff meeting: "just because she's not a perfect size 6 or a perfect size 8... this is her one day to look beautiful" - so, those sizes are "perfect" and others aren't? and if you're not those sizes you can ONLY look beautiful on that one day for your wedding? sorry, lady- but an expensive wedding dress isn't what makes you beautiful....