There’s a reason the groom is not to see the bride before she walks down the aisle on the day of their wedding. And it isn’t what you’d think. I discovered this truth about two weeks ago when I myself took that storied stroll from the back of the chapel toward my (now) husband.
Lee and I decided a year ago to get married in Vegas. We didn’t want to make a huge fuss, spend a lot of money and find ourselves tangled in the tricky threads typically associated with tying the knot. But mostly, we just thought it sounded like a lot of fun. Which it most certainly was, however, we learned that some matrimonial stress is bound to find you no matter how far you and your betrothed decide to run.
It WILL sniff you out… in the middle of the desert… surrounded by bright flashing lights, eager blackjack dealers, endless cocktails, thumping music, Elvis impersonators and a cacophony of clanging slot machines. And it isn’t a matter of IF prenuptial stress finds you — it is merely a matter of WHEN.
Weddings ARE stressful. No matter how simple you may try to make them. The concern over family members’ opinions, ideas and traditions will weigh on you (if you invited them). Intrusive thoughts of forgetting or “misplacing” the rings, the marriage license or the cash for the minister’s fee will pop up at the most inopportune times. Fear of the right music NOT being played on cue, having a bad hair day or waking up to discover a rogue pimple on your face the morning of The Big Day will haunt your dreams.
Thus it is not uncommon for a blushing bride to scare the $#!* out of an anticipatory-if-not-already-anxious groom from time to time before the impending nuptials can occur. Which leads me to my initial observation: There is a reason the groom is not to see the bride before she walks down the aisle on the day of their wedding.
What, you may ask, is the “actual and unexpected” reason behind this time-honored wedding tradition? People THINK it is bad luck. But the real reason the groom should not see the bride before she walks down the aisle… is to prevent him from RUNNING.
Let me clarify. This man—already slightly nervous himself in the face of this major life change he is about to make—would head straight for the hills were he to see his beautiful beloved for the actual train wreck she has become by the time the day arrives. She has worried and fretted and planned for THIS moment since the first time someone read Cinderella to her as a child.
And now it is here. And there is NO WAY—in Las Vegas or elsewhere—that she is gonna gamble on the fact that her Prince Charming just might hop on the back of his trusty steed, riding off into the sunset because of a teensy, weensy case of momentary insanity.
Woman In Thrisis 
Congratulations!
Thanks Stephanie! I hope you’re well. I’ve missed being around the blogosphere lately. 😦 But I guess I’ve had an OK excuse??
Perfectly ok. I’m going through a lazy period, myself, so I don’t even have an excuse.
Ahhhh… Thank you Stephanie for affirming that it IS OK to be a slacker blogger sometimes. I think I’ve been suffering from bluilt – Blog Guilt. You made me feel so much better!! 😀
Congratulations!!! You are such a hoot and it is so true too – ha! I had my stressful moments and a few minor panic attacks a few days before and the day of my Wedding. I am sure I looked nothing like a blushing bride in those moments and tried to have them as alone as possible too.
Thank you Renee! You are always so understanding… and make me feel normal :0) I appreciate it greatly!
The Cinderella part made me laugh out loud. I wonder if things were easier before she came along?
A Vegas wedding sounds fun to me. Congratulations! Now relax and enjoy.
Thank you Linda! We had a good time. I’ll bet life was easier before she came around filling our heads with all that happily-ever-after crap!! Good to see you again :0) I’ve missed this place!
Congratulations Joanna and Lee, Bless your union with patience, Love and Longevity!
Thanks JT!!! I hope you’ve been well. I’ve been quite the slacker around here :0(
You made me laugh out loud because I was there witnessing the very truth of this. I especially liked you saying that stress will find you, no matter where you go. AND, that your groom might decide to get out of Dodge, in this case Vegas, if he saw the “behind the scenes” scenes playing themselves out. All in all, it was very relaxing for your dad and I because we were happy that you are so happy. Love you.
Thanks Ma! I’m so glad you guys were there for our special day. It wouldn’t have been the same with you ❤
Insightful essay.
Congratulations Joanna.
Congratulations Joanna. such a Nice blog!! which gives lots matrimonial of matrimonial information
Thank you Donald! It’s been a long time! I hope you’re well!