Michelle Bilodeau & Karen Cleveland | Authors | Rewriting the rules of matrimony

May 4, 2021

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This week, host Eva Hartling is joined by guests Michelle Bilodeau and Karen Cleveland, authors of ‘The New Wedding Book: a Guide to Ditching All the Rules’, which offers readers an alternative to wedding planning, based on the extensive list of antiquated customs that are so often tied to the big day. Michelle is a Canadian editor and writer, known for contributing on topics including fashion, lifestyle, green beauty, and cannabis; additionally, she’s recently made the decision to go back to school and study Psychology. Karen Cleveland is an established Communications and Marketing professional who currently works for the CAMH Foundation in Toronto.

The co-authors came up with the idea for their book after getting hitched themselves, realizing the insane pressure that is placed on women on their way down the altar. Can you believe that in 2021, we are still embracing the same traditions that were developed in the Victorian era? Letting go of all we've learned as feminists in favour of a long-expired code of conduct: from rules about what to wear, to 'slimming down' to fit into a dress that's just a size too small, and having a patriarchal figure walk us down the aisle. Dare we also ask the question… why get married in the first place when there are so many options for women today? We no longer rely on matrimony to access things like a bank account and credit card, the right to vote or own a business — not to mention the many who are left behind by the myth of the all-white perfect wedding including BIPOC, non-binary people, and same-sex couples. You’ll hear answers to all this and more in this episode - including a discussion about weddings’ close cousin, the big D-I-V-O-R-C-E, rates of which have been skyrocketing during the pandemic.

This season of The Brand is Female is brought to you by TD Bank - Women Entrepreneurs. TD is proud to support women entrepreneurs and help them achieve success and growth through its program of educational workshops, financing, and mentorship opportunities! Find out how you can benefit from their support!

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