I love dress shopping, and I love talking about the wedding

In this reflection, Chrissy Teigen speaks to the dual nature of wedding planning — the parts that bring joy and excitement, and those that bring stress and tears. She delights in the beauty of dress shopping and the celebration of food, two elements that symbolize creativity, indulgence, and shared happiness. These are the aspects of a wedding that bring life and color to the event, allowing her to express her individuality and envision the feast of love and unity to come. These tasks are dreams made tangible, sparking happiness and wonder.

Yet, she contrasts this joy with the pain of creating a guest list, a task that fills her with dread. This is not merely about writing names on paper, but about navigating the complex web of relationships, expectations, and obligations that come with uniting two families and communities. Each name carries a story, a memory, or even a potential conflict. To choose who to invite — and who to leave out — can feel like walking a path strewn with thorns, for every decision has the power to bring either delight or offense. Her words reveal the emotional weight hidden beneath what might seem like a simple task.

This struggle is not new. In ancient royal weddings, guest selection was a matter of politics and power. A single slighted noble could ignite feuds that lasted generations. The infamous tale of Eris, the goddess of discord, who was excluded from the wedding of Peleus and Thetis in Greek mythology, shows the danger of such decisions. Her anger led to the casting of the golden apple marked “For the fairest,” which ultimately sparked the Trojan War. Chrissy’s tears may not unleash armies, but her feelings echo this ancient truth: invitations are never just invitations — they are symbols of honor, love, and belonging.

Her love of wedding food and fashion speaks to the joy of creation and celebration. Throughout history, feasts have been at the heart of weddings, uniting guests through shared meals that symbolize abundance and unity. Likewise, the wedding dress is a garment of transformation, marking the bride’s journey into a new life. These elements are universal, transcending culture and time, offering a reminder that while logistics may bring stress, the heart of a wedding lies in beauty and shared joy.

Thus, Chrissy’s words carry a lesson for future generations. In every great undertaking, there are tasks that fill the soul and tasks that burden it. We must seek balance, embracing the parts that bring lightness and joy, while facing the difficult parts with courage and grace. A wedding, like life itself, is a mixture of sweetness and challenge, and it is through this balance that love’s truest celebration emerges — not only in dresses or feasts, but in the enduring bonds of family and friendship.