From the moment I set eyes on it, I knew this dress was meant for me.
Crafted from delicate cream silk, its full-skirted, sleeveless design exuded the elegance fit for a princess—specifically, the Princess of Wales.
It wasn’t an exact replica of Kate’s iconic gown from 2011, but its tailored silhouette evoked that same sense of demure simplicity.
Unlike many girls who fantasize about their wedding day, I hadn’t, but I eagerly anticipated my bridal shop appointment with my sister-in-law.
Trying on the perfect gown filled me with pride, amplified by the shop assistant’s applause.
However, when it came time to order, the assistant’s demeanor shifted as she recommended a size 22, anticipating alterations closer to the big day “if necessary.”
Her doubt about my ability to slim down unlocked something inside me—I’ve always been competitive and this challenge became personal.
Despite never dieting before, I was determined to prove her wrong.
Driven by an unhealthy fixation with achieving the ideal bride physique, I plunged into a destructive cycle.
Consuming fewer than 300 calories daily, pushing myself through rigorous exercise, and deceiving loved ones became routine.
The allure of ‘wedshred’ hashtags and ‘thinspiration’ on social media only fueled my determination, blinding me to the realities of my own body type and the support from my fiancé who loved me as I was.
Despite achieving my goal—a size 10 bride—I remained discontent.
The wedding day itself passed in a blur of tension, my fixation on food overshadowing any joy.
Even after the wedding, disordered eating persisted, casting a long shadow over my life.
Reflections and Regrets
Looking back, the scrutiny and pressure to conform to a certain image had taken a toll.
What began as a desire to fit into a dress morphed into a battle with disordered eating that continued well beyond the wedding day.
Lessons Learned
Today, despite weighing what society deems ‘ideal,’ I struggle with body image.
It’s a daily effort to maintain healthy eating habits and resist the urge to revert to old patterns.
Conclusion
In retrospect, I wish I hadn’t succumbed to society’s narrow view of beauty.
The obsession with being a ‘perfect’ bride cost me more than I anticipated—I now value happiness and health over fleeting ideals of perfection.