Bride Runs: A Wedding Escape

Running away from your wedding is not just an idea out of a rom-com. It is a real thing that happens sometimes. There can be many reasons for a bride to run away from her wedding, including being pressured into it, being manipulated, or being in an abusive relationship. When a bride runs out of her wedding, it can be a shocking and confusing experience for the guests and the bridal party. In the immediate aftermath, the bridal party should support the bride and the groom and wait for instructions from the host or the couple. The host or the couple will then decide whether to continue with the reception or make any announcements to the guests.

The bride's family deals with the situation

If the bride runs out of her wedding, the bridal party, family, and guests will likely be left shocked and confused. In the immediate aftermath, the bridal party's main duty is to support the bride and groom, and to wait for instructions from the hosts or the couple. It is not their responsibility to make announcements to the guests or to find the missing bride or groom. This is for the family of the bride to deal with.

In the case of the bride running out, the bridal party should be there to comfort her if she needs it. If the groom leaves, the bridal party should quickly escort the bride away from the guests, and the family will decide what to do next.

In terms of the reception, the hosts will decide whether or not to go ahead with it. If the bride or groom's family decide to cancel the reception, they may choose to donate the food to a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

The bride's family may also be faced with financial repercussions. If the wedding is cancelled at the last minute, the bride's family may still be liable for costs incurred by the venue and other vendors. In the case of Jennifer Wilbanks, who ran away from her wedding in 2005, her family offered a $100,000 reward for her return and the city of Duluth spent between $40,000 and $60,000 on the search for her. Wilbanks later agreed to repay more than $13,000 in costs incurred by the city.

The bridal party escorts the bride away

The bridal party plays a crucial role in escorting the bride away from her wedding, marking a memorable moment in what can be a highly emotional day. Here is a detailed breakdown of how the bridal party can execute this:

The Bridal Party's Role:

• The bridal party, comprising the bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, and best man, coordinates with the bride to ensure a smooth exit. They may need to distract guests, create a diversion, or simply provide emotional support and encouragement.
• Before the exit, the bridal party can help the bride with any last-minute adjustments to her dress, veil, or train, ensuring she looks perfect as she makes her departure.
• If the bride wishes to take something with her, such as her bouquet or personal belongings, the bridal party can assist in gathering and carrying these items.
• The bridal party should be prepared to act as a buffer between the bride and any potential obstacles or pursuers, creating a path for her to exit with ease.
• They can also be tasked with communicating with venue staff or vendors to facilitate a quick and discreet exit, ensuring doors are open, transportation is ready, and the bride's path is clear.

Executing the Exit:

• Once the bridal party is aware of the bride's intention to leave, they should act swiftly and discreetly. They can form a protective circle around her as she moves toward the exit, providing both physical and emotional support.
• If the bride is leaving with her partner, the bridal party can create a distraction to divert guests' attention, such as initiating a toast, starting a dance, or creating a faux emergency.
• When moving through the venue, the bridal party should remain close to the bride, creating a barrier between her and any potential interruptions. They can use their bodies to block the view, ensuring the bride's exit is as private and dignified as possible.
• If the bride wishes to avoid being seen, the bridal party can escort her through back hallways, service entrances, or less-trafficked areas to reach her transportation discreetly.
• Throughout the exit, the bridal party should be prepared to adapt to any unforeseen circumstances, such as guests attempting to stop the bride or unexpected obstacles. They should remain calm and composed, continuing to act as a united front.
• Once the bride has reached her transportation, the bridal party can assist her in getting settled and ensure she has everything she needs for her departure. They can offer final words of encouragement and support before she leaves.

It is important to remember that the bridal party's primary role is to support the bride and ensure her safety and well-being. Their actions should be guided by the bride's wishes, and they should be prepared to adapt their plans accordingly.

The host informs guests of the situation

The host, usually a parent of the bride or groom, will take charge of the situation and decide how to proceed. They may choose to cancel the rest of the wedding events, including the reception, or they may decide to continue with the reception and turn it into a party for the guests.

If the bride or groom is present and chooses to address the guests, they may do so, offering an explanation or simply expressing their apologies. If the bride or groom is not present, the host may choose to make an announcement on their behalf, informing the guests of the situation and any decisions that have been made regarding the continuation of the wedding events.

In some cases, the host may decide to wait for the missing bride or groom to appear, especially if there is a possibility that they are simply running late. This can be a difficult decision, as it may cause confusion and discomfort among the guests. Ultimately, the host will need to make a judgement call based on the specific circumstances and what they believe is in the best interest of the bride, groom, and guests.

It is important to note that the bridal party, including the maid of honor and best man, are not expected to make any announcements or decisions in this situation. Their role is to support the bride and groom and follow the instructions of the host.

The bride and groom speak to each other about their concerns

The bride reveals that she has been feeling manipulated and bullied by both their families into planning a wedding she never intended to have so soon. She explains that she had wanted a long engagement, but now feels trapped and unable to speak up for herself against the expectations and wishes of those around them. The groom listens sympathetically and agrees that they have rushed into things and that it might be best to postpone the wedding.

The groom shares his own concerns about their relationship, admitting that he has felt controlled and manipulated by the bride's family, particularly in the planning of the wedding. He confesses that he has not been honest with her about his feelings and that he has gone along with things to keep the peace. He also expresses his worry that their relationship is not built on a strong enough foundation to withstand the challenges of married life.

The bride and groom discuss their options, including the possibility of eloping or having a small, private ceremony. They talk about their fears of disappointing their families and the potential backlash they might face if they call off the wedding. They also consider the financial implications and the possibility of legal repercussions if they break contracts with vendors.

Despite their worries, they agree that it is important to be honest with each other and make the decision that is right for them as a couple. They decide to take some time apart before the wedding to reflect on their relationship and their future together. They plan to meet again in a few days to make a final decision, knowing that whatever they choose, they will face it together.

The couple goes to premarital counselling

Premarital counselling is a form of therapy attended by couples who are planning to get married. It is an opportunity for them to discuss a wide range of topics with a licensed counsellor in a safe and supportive environment. The sessions can help ensure that the couple has a strong, healthy relationship before the wedding and can address any concerns they may have about the future.

The first session typically focuses on setting realistic short, medium, and long-term goals, both for the couple and as individuals. This provides an opportunity to explore what they want for their future together and how they plan to achieve it. Counsellors will also help couples identify their personal goals and discover how they can support each other to reach their full potential.

Another important aspect of premarital counselling is defining and understanding boundaries and values. By exploring these topics, couples can feel safer and happier starting their married life together. This part of the process may also involve discussing issues such as blended families, sex and intimacy, and religious or cultural differences.

Communication and problem-solving skills are also a key focus of premarital counselling. Counsellors will look at the couple's current communication patterns and help them identify their strengths and weaknesses in this area. They will also provide new communication tools to equip the couple for their future together, including conflict resolution strategies.

Finally, premarital counselling addresses pre-wedding stress and helps couples savour and make the most of this special time. Planning a wedding can be extremely stressful and place extra pressure on the relationship. Counsellors can provide strategies to manage this stress and ensure the couple is focusing on the positive aspects of the experience.

Overall, premarital counselling can be a valuable tool for couples to ensure they are ready for the lifelong commitment of marriage and to build a strong foundation for their future together.

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