What is it Like to Be on Reality TV?
Um, so… I was on reality TV this weekend. And our wedding was, too. It was really fun! 🙂 Here are answers to frequent questions.
Q: WHAT? Which reality TV show?
A: The show is “I Found the Gown” on TLC, and we are in the “Bargain Hunting Brides” episode. See it by clicking that link or by scrolling to the bottom of this article for the embedded video.
Q: How did you end up on “I Found the Gown”???
A: I randomly bought my wedding dress at the store featured on the show, little knowing that at my dress fitting, the seamstress would bark, “You wanna be on TV, honey?”
When I nodded with joyful surprise, she declared, “Ok, no fitting now. You come back next week. I will tell TLC they have another bride for the show.”
Q: When and how did TLC film you?
A: I was filmed on two separate days: the dress fitting at the store, and our actual wedding (yes, Colin wore a microphone during our ceremony), for a total of at least three hours of footage. All that was condensed into ten minutes of a 30-minute episode! You have to respect TLC’s editing skills, eh?
Q: What was it like to be filmed for reality TV?
A: I loved it! It was dramatic, fun, and funny, and the production team was extremely nice. (I guess they have to be to get participants to be comfortable and open up on camera.) And… this is one of those things that I’ve always secretly wanted to do, especially since I’m a closet reality TV fan. Of course, not all reality TV experiences are so pleasant, but this is a pretty kind-hearted show.
During the filming session in the store the month before the wedding, I wore a little of my own makeup, but the producers kept dusting me with powder to make my face less shiny! I blabbed for a while on camera about wide-ranging subjects (my ill-fitting brassiere, whether I trusted my seamstress to finish on time, whether I trust ANYBODY ever, etc.). It was suspenseful wondering which of these “drama points” would be chosen for the final show!
Q: Was it weird to have your WEDDING filmed by a reality TV cameraman?
A: Weddings are such massive events, and I put so much obsessive effort into planning ours that it seemed almost fitting that there was a national TV cameraman there.
Moreover, even though I am considered a “frugal bride” by TLC standards, we did put substantial funds into our wedding, so it was a nice feeling to know that people all over America (and beyond!) would see the results, too! Our wedding guests were GREAT sports about the whole thing.
Q: Did you really say on national TV, “looking amazing is a priority over breathing“?!
A: Sigh… Apparently I did. Oy vey.
That said, I WAS still able to breathe during the wedding, and I declare to all the young, impressionable women watching me on the show, breathing actually IS more important than looking good. Really.
Q: Was it weird to see yourself on TV?
A: It was strangely NOT weird to see myself on that screen. Maybe I’ve watched enough reality TV to just calmly think, “Oh, that’s a person on TV,” rather than, “AHH HOW DID I GET THERE?”
Q: Where can I read more about your engagement and wedding drama?
A: Read our Romantic Engagement Story here, our “Crazy Wedding World” article here, my article “Why I’m Not Changing my Name” here, scandalous post “Two Secrets to Save Money on a Wedding” here, or the articles from our Honeymoon in Belize here.
Do leave comments if you have time, because I love knowing you stopped by.
Q: Are you happy with how the episode turned out?
A: Yes, I surprisingly am happy with our episode!
Giant, shimmering thanks to everyone who helped make this adventure possible, and to all of you who’ve kindly watched our episode and sent such nice messages!
Oh, and, uh… if any producers are reading this… I kind of want to be on TV again. 🙂
It used to be possible to see the actual episode at this link, but at this point you may need to do your own search for the “Bargain Hunting Brides” episode of “I Found the Gown” to see the ridiculousness yourself. Enjoy!
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Nellie says
Wow it’s so awesome to see you on TV! 😉
Lillie says
Thanks! It was fun 🙂
Jasmine E.C says
The fact that your ”little” brother was a bridesmaid makes me laugh.
Cam @ traveling Canucks says
What a cool experience! Nicole loves these shows
Lillie says
Yay! 🙂
Lisa @chickybus says
I really enjoyed this, Lillie! Your dress is fantastic and you looked gorgeous! The Q and A format was fun, too. Congrats on the wedding and here’s to a wonderful life together! 🙂
Lillie says
Thanks so much, Lisa!
Heather says
Very very cool! Gorgeous dress too.
Judy says
I just found your blog from reading the NY Times article on make-up. I’ve been flitting around on the blog, and found the t.v piece. I had never heard of or seen this show until a few weeks ago, and have only watched it once. Guess which one I saw? Yours! How funny is that?! You were a beautiful bride, and you’re a beautiful woman, make-up or no make-up!
Lillie says
What a wonderful coincidence! Thanks for reading and for your kind words!
brandy bell says
you look lovely!!! what a gorgeous wedding, and how fortunate that you’re able to have those beautiful memories on tape to keep forever 🙂 congratulations
Lillie says
Thanks so much, Brandy!
Eviee says
Did you get paid for that show?
TLC is interested in working with me as well and i was wondering if they pay anything?
BTW CONGRATS GIRL:)
Lillie says
I did not get paid. I did it for the experience. Would have been nice to be paid, though! I know some reality star folks are. Keep us posted and good luck!