Too good not to share

[shewhomust]

Lucy Mangan has written a book, The Reluctant Bride, about weddings. Can there possibly be a whole book's worth of things to say on this subject? I don't know, but there's certainly an article's worth, and Ms. Mangan said them in yesterday's Guardian.

I particularly enjoyed her advice on 'what to do about flowers':

You must have a bouquet. For the simple reason that as you come down the aisle, you have to have something to do with your hands. I wanted to carry a book, in case I got bored, but apparently this is frowned upon. As is waving, picking your nose and – even though the stress of the event means it is the ideal time to take up smoking – sparking up. So a bunch of flowers it has to be.

I hate flowers. Cut flowers, I mean. I don't spend my days shaking my fist at wildflower meadows or anything. But cut flowers – they infuriate me. Forced into life by growers pouring unsustainable amounts of resources into their production; cut down in their prime and then sold to consumers so that we can watch them as they wither and die. Could there be a more potent symbol of our idiocy and greed, of the futility and fragility of life than these wilting blossoms?

Most people, of course, disagree. Violently and increasingly vociferously as the big day draws near. In the end, I gave in. "Two standsful of your whitest memento mori, good woman," I said to the florist. "And a bouquet of barbed associations for me to carry, please." I advise you to do likewise, but sooner. Premarital rows are very draining and you need to save your energy for the ones you have with your fiancé. As all the guidebooks tell you, he is your priority now.

Her advice on 'what to do about drink' is also sound, and much shorter. And, weegoddess, I think you'll agree with her on 'what to do about a frock'

Random PS from the department of Other People's Words: rozk has committed a meta-sonnet.

Comments

[hunningham.livejournal.com]

Oh, I loved that article as well. For those of us whose who are more space-hopper than super-model ...

[cellio]

Oh, that's beautiful! Thanks for the link.

[weegoddess.livejournal.com]

Would you believe that I'd had this tabbed since you posted it, but never replied because I hadn't realised that I hadn't? I just kept revisiting the tab and re-reading the article, which made me laugh out loud every single time. Because she's so, so correct.

And yes, you're right. I loved what she said about the frock. That wounded gazelle metaphor is no metaphor.

I do believe that I shall buy the book. Luckily I still have a Barclay card and can use it online. ;-)

[shewhomust.livejournal.com]

I do believe that I shall buy the book.

Remember, it's a business expense.