Say Yes to the Dress, the beloved reality TV show that has been on the air for 22 seasons, has amassed a huge following over the years. And for those who can’t get enough of bridal fashion and wedding planning, there are plenty of other shows out there to binge-watch.
Weddings have become more fun and creative over time, and there is no shortage of wedding content available, from popular Pinterest boards to classic films like The Princess Bride and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Television shows have also jumped on the wedding bandwagon, and Say Yes to the Dress remains one of the most popular.
Luckily for fans of Say Yes to the Dress, there are many other TV shows out there worth binging. Check out these 10 shows to watch if you’re a fan of bridal fashion and wedding planning.
Four Weddings
This popular show began as a British reality TV program but has since been adapted in various countries around the world. The premise is simple: four brides compete to throw the best wedding, with the winner receiving a free honeymoon. What sets this show apart is that the judges are the brides themselves, who score each other on food, dress, and other wedding-related matters.
One of the show’s strengths is its mix of diverse brides with different styles, preferences, and personalities, making it all the more interesting to watch. Despite the competition, drama levels are typically low, as the brides are often good sports and supportive of one another.
Cheapest Weddings
If you’re a fan of creative and budget-friendly weddings, then Netflix’s Australian reality TV show, Cheapest Weddings, is definitely worth adding to your watchlist. The families featured on this show aim to make their special day as cheap as possible while still creating a wonderful and memorable experience.
As the name suggests, DIY weddings require a lot of work and patience. While some weddings on the show turn out amazing, others may be lacking. However, the show remains engaging and interesting due to the variety of brides and their unique ideas for their weddings, all while sticking to the theme of affordability. Cheapest Weddings is a great choice for anyone looking for inspiration on how to create a beautiful wedding on a budget.
Big Fat Gypsy Weddings
If you’re in the mood for something over-the-top and full of drama, then this British documentary series is a must-watch. The show follows brides from the Roma and Traveler communities, and the dresses are definitely the highlight. These brides take fashion to the next level with giant ballgowns and glittering crowns.
However, it’s worth noting that the show has come under criticism for how the Roma and Traveler communities are represented. Their culture is complex and diverse, yet the show often paints them with the same broad brush. While the show may not educate viewers about the intricacies of these communities, it’s still worth watching for the stunning dresses and the drama that ensues.
Bridezillas
Starting back in 2004 and ending its most recent season in 2018, this reality show followed two brides in each episode as they prepared for their big day. However, the show often portrayed brides as uncontrollable, emotional, and sometimes even bullies to their friends and family members, which has drawn criticism for perpetuating negative stereotypes about women.
While the show’s popularity speaks to its success, the framing of brides as “crazy” is outdated and problematic in terms of reality TV. While it can be entertaining to watch the drama unfold, it’s important to recognize that these depictions don’t reflect the experiences of all brides.
My Fair Wedding
Hosted by the well-known wedding planner, bridal fashion designer, speaker, and author David Tutera, this reality series has been on the air since 2008. The show follows Tutera and his team as they plan and create the perfect weddings for picky brides, drawing on Tutera’s extensive experience working with celebrity clients.
Tutera’s ability to wow people with his work is evident in the show, and it’s amazing to see how he and his team can pull off a stunning wedding in just three weeks before the big day. Whether you’re a fan of wedding planning shows or simply appreciate beautiful design and event planning, David Tutera’s show is definitely worth watching.
Platinum Weddings
This show is the perfect antidote to Cheapest Weddings, as it focuses on lavish and extravagant weddings where money is no object. For these couples, the goal is to create an event that wows their guests and showcases their status and wealth. With episodes dating back to 2006, some episodes of this show are available on YouTube.
If you love seeing over-the-top events that most families can only dream of, then this show is a must-watch. Unlike some other wedding shows, this one is relatively low on drama and instead focuses on the details, such as the cake, dress, and venue. If you’re looking for inspiration for an opulent wedding, then this show is definitely worth checking out.
Bridalplasty
It’s important to note that this show is highly controversial and has faced criticism for promoting cosmetic surgery. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has prohibited surgeons from offering procedures as a prize on the show. Additionally, a previous star of the show was murdered by her husband, adding to the controversy surrounding the series.
Given these issues, this show may not be for everyone. The competitive series follows 12 brides as they compete for the chance to have their plastic surgery wishes granted. While it may be considered “junk TV,” it’s important to consider the potential impact of promoting cosmetic surgery as a prize and the ethics of using it as entertainment.
Don’t Tell The Bride
This British reality show flips the script on traditional wedding planning by putting grooms in charge of the big day. The premise is that the engaged couple is awarded money, but the catch is that the groom must plan the entire ceremony without any input from the bride. The couple is separated for three weeks, during which time the groom has complete control over every aspect of the wedding, including even selecting the bride’s wedding dress!
One notable aspect of this show is that it features gay and lesbian weddings, making it representative of a diverse range of couples. If you’re looking for a fun twist on wedding planning shows, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Rich Bride, Poor Bride
Since its premiere in 2006, Rich Bride, Poor Bride has been a go-to show for couples planning their wedding on a budget. Each episode follows a couple with a specific budget, and viewers get to see the challenges their wedding planners face in trying to achieve a beautiful and memorable wedding on a limited budget.
From choosing flowers and dresses to selecting the perfect venue and catering, the show covers all the elements that make a wedding special. It’s fascinating to see what can and can’t be accomplished with a specific budget, and the show offers valuable insights and tips for anyone planning a wedding on a tight budget. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own budget-friendly wedding, this show is definitely worth watching.
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings
This show is a must-watch for Disney fans and anyone who loves a fairytale-inspired wedding. The series revolves around weddings that are inspired by all things Disney, taking the idea of a fairytale wedding to the next level.
Viewers get to see a range of Disney-inspired locations, including cruises and theme parks, as well as some unique and creative twists on classic Disney themes. With so many people getting engaged and married at Disney locations, it’s fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at what these events are really like. If you’re a fan of Disney and love all things magical and whimsical, this show is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.