The successful UK format of the hit show ‘Don’t Tell The Bride’ has hit our shores after a one-off Irish version of the show last year. Over the coming weeks we will follow six couples here tying the knot.
The location of the show may have changed, but the concept is still the same – a couple on a budget are given 10k to pay for their big day. Sounds good so far right? Well there’s a catch, a very big catch at that! They must get married within three weeks and the groom has to arrange everything from the dress to the venue. He and his bride are contractually bound to have no contact until the big day.
For the first episode of the series which aired on RTE2 last night, we met Finbar the butcher and his 6ft fiancée Suzanne who were eager to tie the knot as quickly as possible. After handing over their mobile phones and signing a contract in the presence of a lawyer, the best man and groomsman (Paddy and Anto) stepped in to help with all of the arrangements (ahem beer and football arrangements more like).
After an unproductive first few days that involved fry-ups, pub crawls and chilling out for the lads, Finbar and his beer buddies finally went on the hunt for a wedding dress. Not surprisingly, this was Suzanne’s biggest concern as she knew that if she didn’t like the dress it would be in the photos forever. I always presumed in these situations that the bride-to-be would have already thoroughly explained to their fiancé what they were looking for via images, sketches, magazines, and internet etc, so that they couldn’t go too wrong – I presumed wrong.
It seemed to go in one ear and out the other with Finbar who strayed a bit from the simple and elegant brief. Although he did take on board the fact that Suzanne likes to wear belts and ribbons with her dresses, when it came down to making a decision, he bought the only wedding dress in the store that was ready to go, perfect in height and could be bargained down for. I am sure he had the best intentions at heart, but it all seemed to be a bit too convenient for my liking – and it was a replica of the dress Suzanne has tried on and hated previously!
Next it was time for Finbar to check out locations for the big day, which he originally wanted (I mean Suzanne wanted) to be a bit away from the city with picturesque views and suitable grounds for taking photos. Initially, Finbar’s classy venue ticked all the right boxes, and I was impressed with his choice – but when the hidden extras in the menu were added up, Finbar quickly discovered that it was way over his budget.
Before you could said say ‘I do’, Finbar went and booked Suzanne’s idea of a nightmare venue – a busy city hotel that was near traffic lights and a motorway, right beside a huge 24 hour shopping centre, and to top it all off it next to Dublin airport (What was he thinking?). I know he had to think about the budget and watch his finances, but I was disappointed that he had strayed so far from Suzanne’s description.
When it came to the little things such as the bridesmaids’ dresses and flower girls’ outfits, Finbar pulled it out of the bag (although he did almost forget to book the church). He had Suzanne’s two best friends in toe and picked some really nice purple dresses which he was prepared to break his budget for (but was it really wise when he could has used that money for Suzanne’s dream dress or venue?).
I didn’t expect much for the Hen’s night as it was obviously a place to save money, but when the twenty girls were informed that they would be going to an all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurant, I thought he could have done better than that. After a (not so) romantic message from Finbar, Suzanne and her gang took themselves to a nightclub to try and create their own fun.
After a few more hitches including tracking down permission to take photos and picking up the rings, it was time for Suzanne to pick up her ‘perfect’ dress. My heart sunk for her when she saw what was supposed to be her dream gown and then stated “I don’t know, it just wasn’t what I expected at all”. However, when it came to the morning of the wedding, everything seemed to click into place, and following an emotional note from Finbar the celebrations began.
After keeping Finbar waiting forty minutes, Suzanne arrived at the church and it was hard not to get emotional as a romantic Adele song played in the background. As they said the vows to each other, I couldn’t help but ponder about how materialistic weddings really are, and how often people emphasis all the wrong parts of their day.
All in all, Suzanne truly was a beautiful bride and looked like she had a perfect day. In the end everything seemed to sort itself out, and in true fashion love conquered all. The second Finbar showed his dance moves (it was adorable) all the finer details such as the dress and venue went out the window, and the lovebirds got their happy ending.
With a bride arriving by helicopter to her local church, and a couple who have intended to wed three times before getting married in a landmark venue that’s never been hosted a wedding before – we really are in for a real treat with this show.
Roll on episode two!
Laura Delaney
