Wednesday, May 16, 2007

One Perfect Day... Can Cost A Lot

Seems like it's always wedding season, although the summer months tend to be most popular.

There's always some custom-made M&Ms, Pepto-Bismol colored dresses or cumberbunds, chicken dinners, matching hairstyles, walking canes for the non-disabled, or an open bar (yes!) to symbolize a couple's undying love and devotion.

Think it's not the case?

Then check out the book, One Perfect Day: The Selling of the American Wedding, by Rebecca Mead. It's an academic and critical analysis of the wedding industry, how it can tap into women's (and men's) insecurities, and how it makes tons of money based on those insecurities.

(Perceived to be) flabby arms -- we've got a gym membership for you. Those pores and your wedding photos -- here's a good spa for monthly facials. Uh, who's cutting your hair? Can I recommend...

Based on an interview I heard featuring the author, I think it's a good book to add to the canon of feminist literature. Definitely not saying that weddings, or marriages, or celebrations are a bad thing. But definitely saying it's good to always think about how we're marketed to, and how industries work in selling their products.
fs

No comments: