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You paid for it: Wedding advice from CDC

July 10, 2012 @ 4:23 pm (Updated: 8:01 pm - 7/10/12 )

The federal government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses our tax money to focus on important things. The agency prevents the spread of infectious diseases, funds public health research, promotes occupational safety and injury prevention, and offers wedding planning advice.

I've written enough blog posts to know, sometimes you just need something to write about. I think that's what happened when a CDC public health analyst offered wedding tips under the category of "natural disasters."

Wedding"We're sure it’s just a fluke that wedding season happens to coincide with hurricane season. Ensuring that everything is perfect for the big day requires a great deal of strategy, coordination, and patience," writes the CDC's Caitlin Shockey.

"As you gather your nearest and dearest to celebrate what should be a joyful time, Mother Nature, clashing personalities, and unexpected situations could easily thwart even the best laid plans.

Being in the throes of wedding season, many of us here at CDC realized that planning for a wedding isn't that much different from planning for a disaster."

How is a wedding like a natural disaster? Emergency kits are needed for both.

Emergency kits come in handy for wedding disasters because, "You never know when you might need to bandage up a clumsy flower girl, revive a passed out reception guest, or even evacuate."

The CDC advises brides-and-grooms-to-be to have a plan in case there's a weather emergency.

As a helpful reminder, they list other possibilities for "emergencies."

The troubles "range from a tear in your wedding gown, tornado, health issues, monster-in-laws, or bridezilla on the loose."

To deal with the "bridezilla" the federal government suggests having some bottled water and chocolate in your emergency kit.

Thanks CDC.

"It’s important to be aware of the possible issues and to do your homework. Just like you know the risks of putting feuding family members in one room, you should also know to check the weather report," Shockey says.

Here's a link to the CDC's Wedding Day Survival Guide

Some blog readers question the CDC writer's judgment. One says, "This is just foolish and completely unnecessary. For an organization that plays such a substantial role in promoting the importance of public health, I'm pretty disappointed. The time that was wasted on this entry could have been utilized for countless other topics that would have reached more people. And I might as well throw this in here while I'm at it – my advice to avoid wedding day disasters: don't have a wedding."

Another writes, "CDC, you should not play into gender stereotypes, even with an attempt at comedy. Shame on you."

Others appreciate the CDC's sense of humor. "This is purely awesome. Like last year’s survival guide for a zombie apocalypse (which I keep printed and tacked prominently to the bulletin board in my office), this cheeky post brings together real survival tips with a great touch of off-the-wall humor that draws people in to read."

Incidentally, there are more than 1,800 references to a "zombie apocalypse" on the CDC's website.

By LINDA THOMAS

AP file photo

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Comments (4)


  • Add A Comment

  • kata wrote...
    sometimes you just need something to write about
    July 10, 2012 5:34 pm
    If they're struggling to justify their existence with daily fluff articles maybe it's time to rethink having -

    Pft. It's just tax dollars what was I thinking.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • rubegoldberg wrote...
    Wow
    July 10, 2012 6:32 pm
    Think we need to get back to basics
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • not_anonymous wrote...
    It's clear these articles
    July 11, 2012 12:50 am
    are loss leaders designed to bring people who would never prepare normally or seek info from a government website in and once they are there undoubtedly they will read other important articles on that site.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • kata wrote...
    too many loss leaders
    July 11, 2012 10:56 am
    3days3ways -- plus numerous other government sponsored websites for separate types of preparedness and awareness. Do we really need an entire website just for hand washing awareness? Not to mention the sites put together by businesses, churches and NFP agencies. Does it matter where people get their info as long as they're getting it?

    The private sector is already pulling and prodding people into purchasing for preparedness. The CDC shouldn't be trying to pull in people for clicks. The ever widening mandates for these agencies is just another funnel for waste.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }