Everyone is familiar with the standard term “bridezilla,” but something you might not know are the distinct differences between the types of bridezillas. Here are a few ways to classify your bride. (There are many more, this is just a general list of the most common. Most brides are a combination.)

1- I know what I want bride.  This is the bride who has known exactly what she wanted for her wedding since she was six and is intent on getting it. This can sometimes mean plowing over whoever is in her way or trashing her budget and everyone else’s because perfection is the goal. It has to be  like she always dreamed to a tee. This type of bride is most commonly known as a bridezilla. She will often have outrageous shower and bachelorette plans/demands, unrealistic goals for centerpieces  and guest list, and often ends up with a much more expensive wedding that she had originally budgeted for resulting in at least one breakdown. Often times the mother of the bride is also a factor here.

How To Deal – Hopefully in this case you are close enough friends with her to help keep her in check, reminding her when the wedding is eating her. Make sure to alert her when she is out of control. It is very easy to get wrapped in the wedding bubble and lose perspective.

2-  I don’t know what I want bride. – This bride can be just as challenging if not more challenging than the afore-mentioned bride.  The indecision can mount and frustrate the whole bridal party. This indecision most often comes out of a desire to be perfect and please everyone.  This type of bride is more likely to think about everyone else before herself and try to please them. This leads to a total lack of decision-making and an inability to focus on what she actually wants. It goes from being her day to a stress fest in which she is unable to focus on herself at all. Mother of the bride can also be a factor here, trying to force her opinions and the way she wants to do it on the bride.

How To Deal – Try to help her develop a decision-making process that works for her. Remind her often that it is about her, and that the process is supposed to be fun. If all else fails, help her make good decisions by giving her all of the pertinent information and if that fails give  your unbridled opinion.

3- I don’t really care bride. – The I don’t really care bride is usually a very laid back person that just assumes everything will get done in time. This can be both good and bad for the bridal party. It may mean that you don’t have that many guidelines to follow as far as dresses, but it might mean that you are scrambling the week before the wedding to get favors done.  If you have this type of bride, hope that your MOH is a do-er and that the husband to be lends a hand motivating the bride to finish the details.

How To Deal – Make sure the MOH is a do-er and if she isn’t make sure the bridesmaids each have a task and deadlines. Make sure the bridesmaids really are a team trying to pull off an event, the natural leader will come out as they always do in group situations. Try not to fight against this natural leader for ego reasons, just help.

4- I am on the ball bride. – This is the bride that we all hope for. This bride is organized, used to planning events and generally doesn’t require that much guidance. She isn’t stressed out because she is in control in a good way. She takes care of business. The on the ball bride has a tendency to do most of the MOHs job for her, and doesn’t require that much from the bridesmaids except fun, love, excitement and to show up.  She knows its her day, embraces it and can share the job with all her friends.

How To Deal – Enjoy the ride, and have fun.