A Spanish man launches a business to disrupt weddings as a prank and now claims to be fully booked until December: “Just let me know the time, place, and date!”
What began as a lighthearted joke has turned into a thriving business for Ernesto Reinares Varea, a Spanish man who now gets paid to "ruin" weddings. According to The Independent, Varea charges €500 (approximately $550 USD)
What began as a lighthearted joke has turned into a thriving business for Ernesto Reinares Varea, a Spanish man who now gets paid to “ruin” weddings.
According to The Independent, Varea charges €500 (approximately $550 USD) to disrupt weddings, primarily assisting brides who are uncertain about how to call off their nuptials at the last moment. In an ad he released, he stated, “If you have doubts or don’t want to get married and don’t know how to refuse, don’t worry anymore, I’ll object to your wedding.”
“You just need to tell me the time, place, and date,” the ad continues. “I will appear in the middle of the ceremony, declaring that I am the great love of your life, and we will run away together.”
What started as a playful concept has garnered serious interest, with many brides reaching out for assistance. Varea has been inundated with requests, keeping him booked through December.
He also mentioned that he charges extra for family members who wish to “slap him” during the scene, with each slap costing €50. His services are available not only for brides but also for grooms.
While some may find humor in this unusual service, it raises significant questions about pre-wedding anxieties and doubts in relationships. Gurleen Baruah, an occupational psychologist and executive coach at That Culture Thing, notes, “It’s natural to experience doubts, especially when approaching a big step like marriage. Society often presents love as straightforward and certain, but the reality is far more complex. Many couples experience periods of doubt, sometimes without discussing it.”
Baruah explains that common signs of doubt can include frequent conflicts that escalate over minor issues, emotional distance marked by a lack of affection, and negative comments about partners to friends. Additionally, presenting a picture-perfect relationship on social media can mask underlying uncertainties.
Normal pre-wedding nerves may center around logistical concerns or the transition to marriage, akin to anxiety before a job interview. However, deeper issues—like thoughts of life without the partner or worries about core differences—can signal more serious problems.
Addressing doubts requires deliberate effort and honest communication. Here are some strategies:
- Open Communication: Initiating calm, honest discussions about feelings can clarify misunderstandings and create a safe space for both partners.
- Journaling: Reflecting on doubts through writing helps clarify emotions and identify whether they stem from personal insecurities or relationship issues.
- Balanced Perspective: Acknowledging both the positives and negatives in the relationship can provide a more rounded view and help appreciate its strengths.
- Seek Therapy: Couples therapy offers a safe environment to explore concerns, while individual therapy can help individuals work through personal fears that may affect the relationship.
- Take It Slow: Not all doubts require immediate action. Allowing time to reflect can prevent hasty decisions that might lead to regret.
