A few years ago Julia Roberts starred in a movie entitled Runaway Bride about a reluctant bride who always ran before she walked the aisle. A few months ago, Jennifer Wilbanks became a real world runaway bride. The Georgia woman was scheduled to be married this past April but got cold feet. Several days before the wedding Jennifer went out for a jog that turned into a run. She fled from Georgia to New Mexico where she finally called home. Jennifer experienced wedding phobia, a common ailment among brides and grooms. But unlike other brides and grooms, Jennifer's situation has been highly publicized and she has become the poster child for all things runaway bridal.
I recently checked to see what kinds of Jennifer Wilbanks items could be purchased on Ebay. Here's a partial listing"
- Jennifer Wilbanks' high tailin' habanero hot sauce
- A men's T-shirt featuring Jennifer's photo with the subtitle "When in Doubt, Go Greyhound"
- A Jennifer Wilbanks travel kit lunch box
- A bumper sticker that says "Jennifer Wilbanks for President-will she run?"
- And my personal favorite, a piece of toast with a miraculous etching of Jennifer's face which "mysteriously appeared" while the bread was in the toaster (buy it now for $150.00)
Ms. Wilbanks has become the brunt of many jokes, but her wedding phobia isn't a laughing matter. In fact, it happens more frequently than you might suspect. One notable example is the true story of Sarah and Jim. The couple had known each other for four years and Sarah believed Jim was "the one". Yet despite her conviction, Sarah had grave misgivings on her wedding day. At the church she donned her gown, looked in the mirror and thought "I'm not ready for all the change that marriage brings." So she bolted from the room and drove off, still wearing her wedding dress, leaving behind Jim, family, guests and a $100,000 party bill.
By the next day, Sarah thought things through and returned home. Her mom and dad were irate. Jim was sorrowful but forgiving. Sarah said "I explained to him my fears and insecurities and he promised to always be there no matter what." They decided to try again-this time with a very small wedding and reception. Sarah recently reported, "We have been married for two years now and I love him even more. But, one thing I'd recommend, be sure that you are 110 percent ready to marry."
How can you be "110 percent" sure? Realistically, you cannot be that certain. But all couples could increase their certainty level by taking a premarital training course and not simply rely on brief counseling sessions offered by most clergy. Taking such a course will help you prepare for marriage at least as well as you prepare for your wedding. If you'll take the time to prepare for marriage you can avert wedding phobia and avoid having your face appear on a piece of toast or a bottle of hot sauce.
For information about marriage preparation classes visit www.marriagenetworkok.net.
