I do! Do I?: An Examination of Contradictory Advice in Bridal Magazines

This study used a qualitative textual analysis to determine frames within bridal magazines. It examined 108 feature articles from 2012 issues of Brides, Bridal Guide, Martha Stewart Weddings, and The Knot. The study focused on the advice writers and editors give women about how to achieve successful weddings and the frames they used to communicate that advice. The analysis revealed bridal magazines use frames of contradiction and consumerism in discussing weddings, but offer minimal marriage advice. Their conflicting messages, corporate agenda, and perpetuation of the wedding as a spectacle may harm women. In addition, bridal magazines' failure to discuss post-nuptial life and encouragement of women to go into debt to create their perfect wedding may also cause harm by increasing unrealistic and romanticized notions of weddings and marriage.