Don't gain weight, show up on time, coordinate your hair color and get a tan--but no tan lines can show! According to FOX news, these are just a few of the demands bridemaids must meet in the "prenuptial" agreements some controlling brides are asking their friends and family members to sign. Why? As far as I'm concerned, it's so the vain, self-absorbed bride can have her picture-perfect wedding. "I can always get more friends, but I'm only having one wedding. So girls, it's pay to play. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in your dismissal from the bridesmaids' party for wonderful me."

Many of the more intelligent bridesmaids-to-be, rather than signing on the dotted lline, are saying "thanks, but no thanks." Can't say as I blame them. If Bridezilla the Hun is this power-crazed relatively early in her march to the altar, what abuse awaits them down the road? Jeez! If I were her husband-to-be (and we can only imagine what she's putting him through,) I'd be having second--and even third!--thoughts about binding myself to this woman for all eternity.

When did it become all about the wedding? What about the marriage? Isn't that the more important reason for the day? With a 50% divorce rate staring every bride in the face, I'd be channeling my tyrannical behavior toward any counseling or knowledge that will give my marriage a better-than-even chance of succeeding. And why would you want to insult and hurt women so dear to you that you've asked them to be an honored participant in the happiest day of your life? Instead, you choose to give them stress-inducing ultimatums preparing for what should be a happy day for everyone? Step back, woman, and reconnect with your heart--the one that would turn black the minute you told your dearest friend she's out for gaining five pounds.

Let me suggest a few thoughtful bridesmaids gifts the controlling bride may want to consider. We'll start with the "Bridesmaids Essentials" Survival Kit. It's got a lots of necessaries, like a hairbrush, stain remover, deodorant wipe and emery boards to make sure those fingernails are at the mandated length. Although true survival may depend on something the kit is not licensed to supply.

How about this wonderfully unique Brag Bag? Great for cosmetics, hair accessories and cash, you can personalize it with a photo of your and your bridesmaids. Of course, if you're not careful, it may just be you in the photo, wondering where the rest of your attendants went. Treat them with dignity, and your swill truly be a wedding you'll all want to brag about!

A Reminder for All Brides-To-Be

As you plan for the day you've dreamed of all your life, please don't forget what it's really about--UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Not just for the man you're going to marry, but for all the wonderful family and friends in your life that saw you through to this day. It may be that you DO only get married once--and that's just one day out of many days and years that it took to build the bonds of family and friendship. To risk destroying those relationships for the sake of perfection is incredibly short-sighted--especially since the perfect wedding is a really a state of mind and not something you can force with a piece of paper. No matter what happens, Perfection, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. If it's a day you want to remember, let it be about love.