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Four Weddings (TLC)

common sense media says

Reality show turns getting married into a competition.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this reality show promotes the idea that weddings are competitive events for women, as each episode features four brides judging one another's celebrations. While the brides aren't terribly snippy -- and even offer compliments to the other women -- they're not always gracious and occasionally come off as intolerant or ignorant of others' values or traditions. Some very mild sexual joking pops up between brides and grooms.

Positive messages: The show's underlying message is that a wedding -- which to many is a deeply personal celebration -- is a competitive act, and one that plays out exclusively among women. That said, the sniping is kept to a minimum by reality-show standards. In one episode, a bride says she wants her wedding to be all about her, while another derides that attitude. Traditional values, such as taking husbands' name -- and in one case, promising to be prompt with household duties -- take precedence.
Positive role models: The brides' behavior is mixed: None is Bridezilla, but some come across as a little intolerant of others' cultural values. For example, in one episode, a Hindu bride's ceremony is three hours long -- which one of the brides complains about. Another bride complains that the food at the Hindu reception is vegetarian. On the other hand, no one is nasty or mean-spirited, and the losers are mostly gracious.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some tame sexual joking. One groom dances with his hand on his bride's backside; another, while going for the garter, fakes pulling off a pair of ugly panties as a joke. Etc.
Language: Not much to worry about. Most of the iffy language -- like "butt" -- is tied in with mildly off-color sexual joking.
Consumerism: A shot of an Air New Zealand jet is seen while the narrator is talking about how the winning bride will receive a fabulous honeymoon trip.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking at wedding celebrations.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Four Weddings

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about what's real on the show and what might have been staged for the cameras. How do you think people change their behavior when cameras are on them?
  • Why would people want to have their weddings critiqued? What makes people agree to put personal experiences out into the world for public scrutiny? Would you want your wedding or other ceremony to be filmed for a reality show?
  • What role does the media play in making us think that the wedding is as important as the marriage? What does a wedding really signify?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Like many of TLC's reality shows, FOUR WEDDINGS focuses on a major event in women's lives: in this case, their wedding. The show takes the idea that every bride believes her wedding is the best and turns getting married into a competition. Four brides critique one another's celebrations, judging based on venue, food, dress, and overall experience. The bride with the most points in the end gets an extravagant honeymoon trip as the prize.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

You have to give the producers points for not going as crazy with this concept as they could have. Everyone behaves reasonably well -- the sniping is kept to a minimum, and even the worst complaints are balanced out by compliments.

Still, the result isn't the most scintillating television, and ultimately you're left wondering: Why bother? After all, each wedding was, in fact, the best for that particular bride.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: TLC
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: TLC
This review was written by Anne Louise Bannon
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

stripesanddots
teen, 15 years old
10
 
Four Weddings is pretty good. I personally like the older episodes better than the newer ones, but that's just me. There isn't too much language, but there is some sexual humor. There's aslo alcohol at nearly every wedding and when there isn't, the brides get upset.
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Lizzie future ...
teen, 14 years old
10
 
This show is actually a pretty good show, I very much enjoy it. I think its a cute idea of a show. They show suggestive sexual jokes. They do drink wine but it's a wedding they tend to have alcohol. There is foul language but it's very very mild foul language.
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lalagirl1234
kid, 13 years old
10
 
so-so
sometimes there is dirty dancing. but other than that nothing bad.
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watermelonlover123
kid, 11 years old
9
 
BEST SHOW EVER WATCH IT RIGHT NOW!
You would not believe how good this show is! It is fun to see the brides be at each others weddings and judge them. I know i know judging each others weddings might be a little harsh but usually they give each other good scores. And the brides do not get mad at themselves for being in 2,3, or 4rth place. They still say to themselves that they had a great time at their wedding anyway. Honestly,watch it. But people have different opinions example my dad does not like this show because he thinks it is mean that they are judging each others weddings a d other people might think so too. But think about it, why would they go on the show if they thought they would not be judged on their wedding?
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lolakitty12
teen, 14 years old
11
 
I love this show! I get that it isn't that great to have your wedding be a competition but there isn't any bad stuff that they do in the show.
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girlygirl10067
kid, 12 years old
9
 
Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I honestly can't wait to watch this show every sunday morning. It just makes my da, but my opinion is that they do make it a compitision and who would want that for there weddign I mean come on , but it makes good tv. I just love the show. Watch it everytime it is on. I think it isnt for all people but to me it is great. I think anything on tlc is. I hope you like it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah! I almost forgot . I dont think all episodes are for 8 and under.
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