Bridezilla: True Tales from Etiquette Hell [Paperback]

Noe Spaemme (Author), Jeanne Hamilton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2002

Bridezilla: True Tales From Etiquette Hell! is truly a one-of-a-kind book. While books have been written about disaster weddings, those focused on events rather than on behaviors. And while other etiquette books have been written, there are none that approach the subject matter with real stories, humor and common sense the way Bridezilla does.

It is the book’s intent to educate while providing comic relief to those who have suffered or are suffering at the hands of a Bridezilla. It is intended to remain as a reference book in one’s personal library, as the Antitoxin sections at the end of each chapter give specific Dos and Don’ts, which are often hard to find in traditionally styled etiquette manuals. And finally, it is intended to save civilization from the horrible beast that often emerges when an otherwise perfectly normal woman gets a ring and a date.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Noe Spaemme is the pseudonym for Gail Dunson, a certified etiquette and international protocol consultant. Her background includes twenty years of experience in media and entertainment in addition to being the "Church Lady" for weddings for the past decade. Noe’s study of etiquette and protocol came at an early age; it was prerequisite to participate in various activities and to be able to join groups such as the world-renowned Texas Girls’ Choir. Her experience in running her own business from high-profile clientele and numerous out-of-the-ordinary life experiences continue to shape her "cut-to-the-chase" approach in helping the countless people who write to her for practical (and often humorous) advice in navigating tricky etiquette situations as well as everyday protocol issues. Noe and her husband live in Texas.

Jeanne Hamilton’s love of information collection, storytelling, and web page administration led earlier to the creation of the uproariously funny yet sobering web site Etiuettehell.com, the establishment of the moderated email forum Etiquette Email, and the writing of this humble volume. Jeanne’s experience is the perfect background for this book. Having earned a B. A. in Psychology from Towson State University, she served as a policy analyst and lobbyist on Capitol Hill, that hub of unselfish service and respectful decorum. A wife and mother of three, her experience ranges from being a soccer mom to serving in local civic organizations to coordinating numerous weddings and receptions, both privately and professionally, so Jeanne is well-qualified to identify brats of all kinds, including the bridal variety.

Product Details

• Paperback: 161 pages
• Publisher: Salado Press (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096638704X
• ISBN-13: 978-0966387049
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,712,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing at best..., March 27, 2003

By 

Jerika (9th circle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bridezilla: True Tales from Etiquette Hell (Paperback)

...and irritating at worst. I read the reviews here, interlibrary loaned it right away, and sat down expecting a hilarious, jaw-dropping bunch of howlers. Instead I feel like I've spent the afternoon with someone's snooty great-aunts. There are a few stories in here that live up to the hype, but the "Bridezilla" phenomenon (described by the author as what happens to otherwise normal women who suddenly find themselves the center of the party) doesn't seem to be what's going on here. It's no fun to read about people who seem to have etiquette/behavior issues on every other day of their lives (including a few physically abusive grooms, which I don't think is necessarily caused by being a groom), and especially when at least half the people contributing to this book appear to think that the only "proper" behavior for a bride is that of a blushing concubine with bound feet. Admonitions that a "gracious" bride "thinks of others before she thinks of herself" (yes, really) are straight from 1950. Oh, and bacherlorette parties are the height of bad taste (agreed) because the bride will one day be somebody's mommy (HUH?!?!?!) This book has madonna/whore complex written all over it, and the horror stories aren't particularly horrifying: (paraphrase) "I carefully selected and purchased a thoughtful gift, and did not receive a prompt thank-you note." Sounds like Ann Landers's worst nightmare, but no one else's.

I think my favorite is the guest who bought and sent the couple (the presumed "Bridezilla and Groommonster") a book, found it months later in a used bookstore, and bought and sent it to them again. Makes you wonder who's got the real issues. The message: show any creativity, spark or gumption at all, step away from rigid 19th-century convention just once, and you are a Bridezilla. See you in Etiquette Hell.

I won't even mention the historical and grammatical violations this book commits. But the authors condemn the bride who wanted her wedding party to go into the neighbor's yard and steal flowers for the cermony for "not caring about the style and quality of the flowers," and, oh by the way, for "putting her guests' reputation on the line." Would it have been better if she'd swiped 'em herself?!?!? The chapter on bridesmaids and shower hosts who deliberately sabotage the bridal shower and/or ignore the wishes of the bride is particularly sickening.

10 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable Stories that are True, August 12, 2002

By 

Helen Ginger (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bridezilla: True Tales from Etiquette Hell (Paperback)

We've probably all heard wedding horror stories, maybe even lived through one ourselves. You haven't heard anything like these true stories of real Bridezillas. It'll boggle your mind that brides and even some grooms could become such monsters (or dare I say, idiots) all in the name of "having their special day."

I thought I'd read it all until I got to Chapter 6: Extreme Bridezillas. Really funny, outrageous, horrendous stories throughout the book.

Now I'll have to go buy a second copy to give to my daughter. If you're a mother, like I am, you'll want to get your son or daughter their own copy of Bridezilla long before they contemplate marriage. That way, with luck and the guidance of Miss Jeanne and Auntie Noe, they can avoid losing friends and becoming fodder for the sequel. Helen Ginger, Women's Marketing, Legends In Our Own Minds®

8 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To hell and back!!, August 12, 2002

By 

Valley (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bridezilla: True Tales from Etiquette Hell (Paperback)

This book is a great and fun read. It will have you laughing hysterically at the crazy antics of bridezillas across the country.

If you know anyone who might have bridezilla potential, this book is a must!! Save all those potential bridemaids from a white wedding dress reign of terror.

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