You once had a best friend who always had a smile on her face and a laid-back attitude toward life. She was a pleasure to be around and you enjoyed doing things together. But then ... her boyfriend proposed. And sooner than he could say "Will you marry me?" she became ... a "bridezilla."

The word "bridezilla" is a combination of "bride" and "Godzilla." And much like that familiar lizard from the cult sci-fi flicks, Bridezillas wreak havoc upon the lives of everyone in their path. They make obscene demands and disobey all rules of etiquette. They see their wedding and the months prior to it as the most important time in not only their life, but everyone else's.

Bridezilla drags you to dozens of stores to find her perfect wedding dress. She dictates that you'll be wearing seafoam green or fuschia as the maid of honor. She stresses about her china patterns. She may cry uncontrollably at the drop of a hat, or throw a tantrum over napkin colors. The only topic of conversation between the two of you from her engagement until the wedding is "her day."

Earning the title of Bridezilla is not something a bride should strive for or a bridal party attendant should have to live with. Learn to recognize the early warning signs and help to stop the Bridezilla in your life - or in yourself - before the big day.

Bridal party

Bridezilla: She chooses her wedding party based on their dress sizes - the thinner the girl, the better.

Bride: Her bridal party is made up of friends and family who mean something to her, regardless of their size and shape.

Bridezilla: She dresses her bridesmaids in ball gowns with frills and bows that cost hundreds of dollars. They can never be worn again, and the style only looks good on someone thinner.

Bride: She chooses an affordable dress that everyone likes and can wear to another wedding. It flatters all body types.

BRIDAL ATTIRE

Bridezilla: She has to have the latest, greatest wedding gown with expensive embellishments. She'll expect her parents to foot the bill.

Bride: She'll shop around to find a moderately-priced gown that is flattering to her figure, regardless of whether it is from a top designer.

THE WEDDING

Bridezilla: Her wedding is the only topic of conversation.

Bride: She is getting married, but she can talk about about other things.

Bridezilla: She's inviting everyone she's ever met since first grade. Her parents had to sell a car and take out a loan to pay for the wedding.

Bride: She is inviting people who mean something to her and is sticking to the budget.

Remember, a wedding is a celebration, not a "show" where the bride plays director. The bridal party shouldn't have to conform to the bride's "vision." Rather, they should enjoy being part of the start of the bride's future.

GIFTS

Bridezilla: She rarely writes thank-you notes. If she does, they are impersonal mass e-mails.

Bride: The bride writes thoughtful thank-you's for every gift she receives. They sound genuine and from the heart.