Even though she didn’t get a rose on ABC’s The Bachelor, Cranston’s Lauren Marchetti is budding with a surreal reality TV experience. Lauren dishes on whether Sean was really her type, who she thinks has a shot at love this season and shares her tips preparing for your reality TV debut.

Lauren’s tips for reality TV hopefuls:

• Show all sides of your personality in your tape. I think the most important thing is to really showcase everything that makes you unique. They are looking for people who stand out so surprise them!

• Keep it real! You will go through a long, vigorous casting process so the most important thing is to be honest. Producers can tell if you’re just saying what they want to hear.

• Keep your energy up. Casting directors have long days so coming in amped up is a breath of fresh air.

• What to wear? Keep it simple. Choose an outfit that you feel confident in and avoid logos. Outlandish attire will make you more memorable but it’s always better to be remembered for your personality than your clothes.

• Speak from your heart, have strong opinions and just have fun with it!

Bekah Berger: Your dress that you wore on the premiere episode was stunning.  You have to tell me where it’s from and what went into the process of choosing since this is your chance to make a first impression on not only the Bachelor- but on a national TV audience!

Lauren Marchetti: Thank you! The gown I wore on the premiere episode was by designer Sue Wong.  I was very limited on time so the process of choosing the perfect dress was a bit of a challenge! I actually ended up buying one but didn’t stop looking because I wasn’t completely happy with it.  At the last minute, I ended up seeing the Sue Wong dress online and fell in love with the feather skirt and vintage feel. It arrived 2 days before I had to leave for the show and the moment I put it on I knew it was the one.

BB: Ok so you make it through the audition process of becoming a Bachelor hopeful.  You find out the guy you’re vying for is Sean Lowe – what’s your immediate reaction?  Is he, “your type?”

LM: I found out the bachelor was going to be Sean right before I left to film the show. I had watched some of Emily’s season so I was familiar with his story. I knew he was very sincere, had strong family values and was truly intent on finding love. Those are all qualities that I look for in a potential partner so I was happy to hear that it was going to be him.

BB:  What was the vibe in the limo ride to the Bachelor mansion?  Was there tension, anxiety?

LM: The limo ride was surreal. I have always been a fan of the show so it was very strange to be pulling up to The Bachelor mansion! There was a lot of nervousness but tons of great energy and excitement too. We all knew we had just one shot to get it right and try to look calm and collected while doing it. We all met right before getting into the limo so it was comforting getting to know each other and freaking out together!

BB:  Do you wish you got more time with Sean?  Looking back on it; would you have done anything differently?

LM: I do wish I had more time with Sean but I really wanted it to happen naturally. It’s difficult because time is of the essence and you are competing with 25 other girls. Looking back, I can’t say that I would have done anything differently though. Sometimes I think it’s best to remain a bit of a challenge but of course, this was not a usual circumstance in which to find love. All in all, I stayed true to myself and did what I was comfortable with.

 
BB:  Are there any girls that stand out to you?  Do you think that Kacie B. has another chance at finding love with Sean?

LM: AshLee Frazier really stood out to me. She has a great personality, is very down to earth and is there for all of the right reasons. Like Sean, she is also from Texas and I just had a feeling that they would be a great match. As for Kacie B, I give her a lot of credit for coming back and giving it another go. She is a sweetheart and we got along great. She shared her experiences with us, which really helped put things into perspective throughout the night.

BB: Would you ever do another reality dating show again?

LM: Well, looking for love under the pressure of TV is not the easiest circumstance. Competing with so many girls and vying for time is challenging and I am not one to lay myself out there right away.  With that said, I don’t think I would go on another dating show (unless I were the one doing the choosing! haha) but I am thankful to have had the experience of meeting Sean and the girls.