Netflix's Say I Do has proven to be an incredibly popular television show, which focuses on three men helping turn a dream wedding into reality within an incredibly short space of time. One focuses on food, the other fashion, and finally the last fixes up the venue. Since its release, there have been some obvious comparisons to another Netflix series, Queer Eye.
Both shows bring a group of talented men together to try and use their skills to infinitely improve the lives of their guest for each episode. But while there are some glaring similarities, there are elements of the show that Netflix's Say I Do does better, and there's also a lot of key differences.
Ways It Is Better: The Hosts Are At The Wedding
This is one big reason that Say I Do is better, and is something that Queer Eye really should alter. Both shows are building towards a big event, and for Say I Do, that is always a wedding. When that moment comes, the hosts get to be part of the big day, watching the ceremony, dancing at the party, and it creates a really fun ending.
They're part of the whole journey and get to enjoy the moment with their guests. However, on Queer Eye, the Fab Five watch that final moment from their apartment. While it's nice that people can see their reactions, it's a shame they're not physically present for it.
Ways It Is Different: Focusing On Weddings
Obviously, the biggest difference between Say I Do and Queer Eye is the actual content of the show. While both series see someone's life drastically changed due to the work of the hosts, they do it in very different ways. On Queer Eye, it's more of a lifestyle change, normally fixing up a room of their home while giving their wardrobe a refresh and helping them mentally.
Yet, on Netflix's Say I Do, the show focuses just on the wedding. It creates an amazing proposal and then heavily focuses on the build-up to the wedding and the day itself. That's what makes the two shows different, as they're based on very different topics overall.
Ways It Is Better: It's Funnier
The big reason that both of these shows manage to connect is because of the emotion that they bring. They teach people about the difficulties others go through and it can be sad to see the stories sometimes. However, both shows do sprinkle in some humor as well, especially with the hosts.
However, out of the two, Say I Do do just edge it in the humor department. The trio doesn't take themselves too seriously and they always manage to have a laugh with the guests, which is crucial considering the fact that they're creating the happiest day of their lives.
Ways It Is Different: Guests Don't Get Taught To Cook
Food is a big part of both Queer Eye and Say I Do, and it brings a lot of fun to both of those. However, the way that the shows handle these sections is very different. It is actually Queer Eye which does this element better, with Antoni actually showing a meal be prepared, teaching the guest how to cook it.
They then get stuck in and have a go themselves, which makes the segment a lot more enjoyable. Whereas on Say I Do, that doesn't happen and while the menu gets disgussed, this element is normally brushed over.
Ways It Is Better: Work On Multiple People
On Queer Eye, the focus is normally on just one person per episode. While there will be other people popping in, normally friends and family, the team are looking to makeover the life of one individual. However, with Say I Do, the team is actually working with two people.
While the show is focused around one at the start as they plan the proposal and the surprise, once the engagement is official, they have to work with two people. The team focuses on both of their desires and tries to help them both out, which just makes it even more impressive.
Ways It Is Different: Doesn't Change The Home
While there are episodes of Say I Do where the hosts are shown the home of their guests, there is never any design work done inside of it. All the design elements of this show take place with the wedding venue, as the dream scenario is created.
However, on Queer Eye, Bobby heads into the home and totally transforms several rooms, providing a brand new style and look to whichever rooms are in the most need of a change. It's always a big part of Queer Eye, and it is certainly very different to Say I Do in that regard.
Ways It Is Better: Higher Stakes For The Turnaround
Both of these shows focus on the hosts getting to spend a week with their guests. On Queer Eye, there is usually some form of an event at the end of the week which they target on, whether that be a party, a family get together or something totally different.
It adds an element of pressure for them to get the guest ready, however, the stakes are far higher in Say I Do. They have just days to create a dream wedding, from the food to the clothes to the venue itself, and the fact they're able to pull it off is incredibly impressive.
Ways It Is Different: Style Is Left Out
Jonathan Van Ness is one of the best parts about Queer Eye, focusing on the style and self care elements of their guest. He fixes the hair, teaches about good hygeine practices and make up tips and it's something that often has a major impact on the person involved.
Considering that Say I Do is focused on someones wedding, it's a surprise this element was left out of the show. It would have been good to see a wedding focused grooming section on the show, but instead this is one of the major differences between them.
Ways It Is Better: Fashion Details
Both shows have a big focus on the world of fashion and they're some of the best parts for each of them. In Queer Eye, Tan France does an amazing job creating a brand new style for the guest, picking out a new range of clothes to help suit them and make them feel more comfortable.
While that is certainly a skill that he's very good at, in Say I Do, the fashion element is taken up a notch. Thai Nguyen does an amazing job throughout this show as he literally creates custom dresses and suits for the people who are getting married, taking the fashion details up a notch.
Ways It Is Different: More Joyful
Both of the shows delve into the deep-rooted issues that the guests are dealing with, and they also share their own difficult experiences as well. However, at its core, Say I Do is a wedding show, and those big days are a celebration of love and happiness.
Because of that, the series does have a more joyful and happy feeling about it which leaves people feeling warm after watching an episode. While Queer Eye certainly does that as well, there is certainly a lot more emotional and sad moments in the show.