In 2010 the E! Network introduced a new show designed to give one lucky bride the body and face they’ve always wanted for one special day: their wedding day. Bridalplasty, hosted by former model and Miss America contestant Shanna Moakler, is one of the more outrageous reality TV shows introduced to television in recent years. Twelve contestants compete to win their perfect wedding while completing various challenges along the way. Each challenge corresponds to a certain plastic surgery that contestants undergo should they win the challenge. The overall winner of Bridalplasty receives all surgeries on her plastic surgery wish list in addition to a dream wedding, the perfect wedding dress and a great reveal on the day of the wedding. All plastic surgeries on the show were performed by Dr. Terry Dubrow while Ben “BC” Camper served as the personal trainer for the winning contestant, ensuring the victorious bride is also in tip top shape for her big day.
All contestants on the show live together in a mansion where drama unfolds daily. Episodes test the overall compatibility of their brides and their fiancés; put the women through extreme physical challenges; test them on domestic duties and chores; and challenge them to design their perfect wedding days. Additional obstacles include dealing with incompatible mother-in-laws, taking lie detector tests and surprise eliminations.
Bridalplasty is one of the most controversial reality TV shows airing on the E! Network. Many psychologists and nutritionists denounce the show as promoting self destructive behaviors and body image issues, such as body dysmorphic disorder, a disorder where the individual maintains an excessive obsession about a perceived flaw in one’s physical appearance. Additional critics of the show warn that it glorifies plastic surgery and promotes it as a quick fix to problems otherwise solved by diet and exercise. Bridalplasty is also criticized for idolizing perfection. As each contestant is dismissed, they are warned that their weddings may not be perfect.
