TLC Thinks Plus-Size Brides Need Their Own Show... & I think that's bullshit

Upon initial viewing of "Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss," one may have this reaction: "Oh, cool.  A show for plus-size brides."  However, that sentiment is lost almost immediately when you realize that this show is the same exact show as the original, only TLC felt the need to to relegate all of Kleinfeld's "plus-size" clients to a whole different show.  I for one do not see this show as empowering "plus-sized" women.  Instead, this show further perpetuates society to believe that if you're a plus-sized woman, you're not normal, and therefore can't possibly be placed in the same category as a thin woman... even though you both share the all-important factors of, erm, being female, and double erm, being in need of a wedding gown. 

Look, I get that shopping for a wedding gown can be different for a plus-sized bride... mostly because bridal salons are fucked up and rarely carry a sample gown that's bigger than a size 10.  I've heard stories from friends who have had horrible experiences at bridal salons for that very reason.  It's a shitty deal; one that definitely needs to be stopped. But "Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss" isn't doing anything to change the way bridal salons stock their inventory of sizes, NO.  Instead of just making hour-long episodes of the original "Say Yes to the Dress" show that include women from ALL walks of life (as opposed to the show's current 1/2 hour format that features mostly "fit" brides and the all-too-occasionaloccasional "plus-size" bride), they felt the need to outcast these women even further by slapping the word "BIG" in the title of their unnecessary spin-off. And by "spin-off," I mean "same exact show."  I mean, why else would the producers feel the need to relegate plus-size brides to a version of a show that is essentially already in existence?  Do they think that 'regular-sized brides' and 'plus-sized brides' just can't coexist in the same show?  Why?  And does this now mean that if you are plus-sized, you are no longer considered to appear on the original version of "Say Yes to the Dress"? (Producers, please weigh in here. I am honestly curious as to how you are casting now that there are two shows in the mix).

And another thing: When did the wedding gown industry turn into the modeling industry?  Tyra friggin Banks can have a whole separate America's Next Top Model for plus-size women because, unfortunately, that's the nature of the modeling industry beast. However, in the wedding industry, us brides aren't looking for a gown to model in a runway show or print ad. We are normal people looking for a special gown for a very special--and very personal--day.  That's all.  And when we visit your bridal salons to try on said special dresses, we expect to be treated like every single woman who walks through the door: with respect, regardless of size or race or whatever the fuck TLC thinks doesn't fit the perfect, mainstream bride-mold.

I can, however, see the other side to this argument... saying that, yes, because it is sometimes more difficult for a plus-size bride to have a positive experience at a bridal salon, that "Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss" actually serves as a lover letter to plus-size brides. In fact, Kleinfled bridal consultant, and resident "plus-size bride expert" Randy Fenoli, believes just that.  In a recent interview he stated:

"[Plus size women] have been to other salons where the treatment has been terrible and we wanted to shed some light onto those experiences. It's about bringing some of this terrible treatment out of the closet."

Even after reading this statement, I'm still not buying it.  The only appropriate way for "Say Yes to the Dress" to, quote, "bring this terrible treatment out of the closet" is to cancel this "Big Bliss" bullshit and integrate "plus-size" brides into their original Say Yes to the Dress show.  By singling these women out, we are not empowering them, or trying to make a change in the wedding industry.  As I see it, "Big Bliss" is putting the poor treatment of plus-size brides BACK in the closet, instead of bringing them out.  It's saying, "Hey, yeah, we love our plus-size brides... but we would never dream of not giving their show the "Big Bliss" moniker, because let's face it, plus-size women do not belong in mainstream fashion."  If the producers of "Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss" came right out and said that, I would be just as mad, but I would somehow hate them less because at least at that point they'd be upfront with their bigotry, instead of masking it with bullshit tales of empowerment.  The only way TLC can properly shed some light on the poor treatment plus-size brides receive at bridal salons would be for them to integrate brides of all shapes and sizes into their original show: saying that all women are eligible to appear on "Say yes to the Dress," or no women are eligible.  Why further isolate a group of individuals who already feel isolated enough as it is?

If you want me to watch a wedding dress show about women for women, then I want to see ALL types of women featured. And I sure as shit do not want to watch a show featuring plus-size women that includes the phrase "Big Bliss" in the title.  Just because someone is considered to be physically a "big" person, doesn't mean their "love," their "happiness" or their "bliss" can get away with casually being described in such an insulting, tongue in cheek way.  It's not funny or cute or clever; it's just stupid.  It would be like titling a relationship show centered around AIDS inflicted patients, "Contract: Love."  Sure, it could be deemed "fitting"... but only in a "what the fuck" kind of way.  What's next?  Is TLC going to target more groups of women who don't fit the "normal bride mold"?  How about the anorexics?  "Say Yes to the Dress: Boney & Beautiful," anyone?  Or why stop at plus-size?  How about a wedding dress show for the morbidly obese?  Perhaps a little, "Say Yes to the Dress: One Foot in the grave, one down the aisle," edition?  I mean, at this point, why stop at insecurities with just weight, TLC?

I understand that my opinion of this show may not be shared with everyone... so please, if you disagree with me, please tell me why you believe "Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss" is empowering to women in the comments below.  Thank you.