Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is one of those genius shows that know how to utilize all sorts of media platforms to create buzz. Through initiatives like the Gossip Girl Second Life video game and the racy OMFG ad campaign, not to mention that the show's audience veritably brims over with tech-savvy, it has become one of the most downloaded television programs on iTunes. I just recently discovered another bit of guerilla advertising to promote the season finale – Lily van der Woodsen's and Bart Bass' wedding website, http://lilyandbart.weddingwindow.com.

I encourage you all to browse the site. It has all the clichés one could possibly hope for in a wedding website, like those platitudes about true love and happiness. You what I'm talking about: the ones that make you roll your eyes or throw up a little in your mouth. But this entire website is so blissfully tongue-in-cheek and rife with dramatic irony that I experience nothing but pure enjoyment while perusing through all its pages.

In the opening welcome message, Lily writes, "We share this site with you because Bart and I recognize how rare our love is and we want all of you to be a part of it. We invite you to read our story and Bart's proposal to me as well as the specific wedding details as they come together."

Lily and Bart share a very rare love. Riiight.

There is the requisite story of how Lily and Bart met. "Bart and I have been running into each other at numerous balls and charity events for what seems like years! Bart really has a huge heart and that's part of the reason why I love him so much. . . . We are so fortunate to have fallen in love. I truly believe we are each other's soulmates. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with Bart and our blended families."

Soulmates? How very Dawson and Joey. Fourth time's a charm, right Lil?

The most amusing parts of the wedding website are the comments posted by the friends and invitees of the happy couple. In Lily's blog post about her impeccably tailored Vera Wang wedding gown, Marc writes, " LILY!!!!! Vera??? Really??? Why didn't you let me take a stab at it???? You know how much I LOVE designing for you!!! Your body is a beautiful canvas! Oh well, next time!! xoxoxox, MJ" Honestly, Lily should know better than to snub Marc Jacobs.

The guestbook posts also make for a very good read. Among the posters is Kirsten Cohen, who promises that she and Sandy will be in attendance. Cross-Josh Schwartz meta-posting! Also, Anderson Cooper writes in that he is canceling his trip to Nepal just to attend the wedding. How thoughtful of him! The Weinsteins will be in attendance at the nuptial celebration. Alas, Tom and Kate are too preoccupied with Suri's health that they won't be able to make it.

However, I think my favorite comment is from Crystal, who writes, "Anyway, I hope you have a nice wedding. I like your smile. I am a girl from China. I hope you can see my comments." Anyone who has read even a little bit of the Internet knows that this kind of thing is pure realism.

Naturally, there is no mention of a wedding registry. That would just be too gauche. However, there is a nifty little behind-the-scenes video on decorating the Cooper Hewitt museum, where the ceremony is to take place.

Don't miss the Gossip Girl season finale this Monday, May 19 at 8pm.



-Debbie Chang, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of lilyandbart.weddingwindow.com)