The Benefits of Marriage

The Benefits of Marriage

As the world around us continues to evolve, the concept of marriage has stood resolute in the face of shifting consciousness. While some may argue that the zeitgeist of individualism has left it less necessary for couples to make a permanent commitment, there are still many people who choose to marry. Marriage is a beautiful symbol of love and devotion, but it also comes with a certain set of expectations and obligations.

Historically, marriage was a means of survival and stability for couples. Women tended to the home and children, while men provided financial security. While this remains true in some cultures today, the vast majority of couples now see marriage primarily as an expression of romantic love and a lifelong commitment to one another.

In addition to emotional support, a happy marriage provides a safe harbor for couples to recharge and refresh for the daily stresses of work, money, health and family. By creating a place where they can come together to share responsibilities and navigate life’s challenges, married couples can create a strong foundation for themselves, their families and the broader community.

Marriage also offers a number of legal benefits that many couples do not consider until they are already married. These include filing joint taxes, social security benefits and being the legal next-of-kin for health care decisions. In general, married people tend to enjoy better mental and physical health than single individuals.

The definition of marriage varies by culture, region and religion. According to Collins Dictionaries, marriage is “a civil contract or a religious ritual by which a man and woman are joined for mutual society, help, support and the lawful begetting of children.”

Although some see it as outdated, the traditional view of marriage is still held by millions of people worldwide. In the United States, for example, more than 75 percent of adults are married, with more than 50 percent of those having been married for over 20 years.

A thriving, happy marriage requires compromise. Getting to know your spouse takes time and patience, as well as an open mind. Even the most compatible couple will experience some differences in their approaches to life, so it is important to be willing to accept these changes and learn from your differences as you build a life with your partner.

The key to a successful marriage is to recognize that your partner is not just an extension of yourself; they are also a different person who brings their own unique characteristics, interests and perspectives into the relationship. By embracing these differences, you can develop a partnership that is stronger and more loving over time. In addition, you will be able to grow and flourish in your relationship when you find ways to accommodate each other’s needs and wants. This is what makes the commitment to marriage so worthwhile, and what ultimately creates a lasting union of love.

How to Get Started in Wedding Planning?

Wedding planning can seem daunting, especially if you’re starting from scratch. It’s important to have a plan in place, and to stick with it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be helpful to ask for help from a family member or trusted friend. You’ll get a lot more done and it will probably be much more fun!

Start by setting your budget. This will help you decide what items are most important to you and your partner, and which ones can be pushed down the list. It’s also a good idea to start thinking about your guest list at this time. Whether it’s a small gathering for close friends or a big celebration for everyone, figuring out the number of people you want to invite is an important first step.

Once you’ve set a date, book your venue as soon as possible. This is particularly important if you’re having an off-site wedding (one held outside of a commercial kitchen). This will help your caterers and other vendors plan accordingly, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your venue is booked and ready to go.

If you’re considering a wedding theme, start gathering inspiration from apps like Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding-related blogs such as DWP Insider. Try to incorporate elements of your relationship into the design, whether that be your first date spot where you shared tacos and margaritas, or a play on words by naming your tables after your favorite movie titles. This will make your event feel more personal and unique, and will be sure to stand out from the crowd.

Arrange your initial planning meetings with your vendors, and start to develop a strong working relationship. Be sure to ask plenty of questions, and pay attention to how your vendors respond to your concerns. If you can tell they’re not invested in their work, or their communication style is off at this stage, it may be a sign that things won’t go smoothly later on.

Another tip is to be proactive about requesting and reviewing contracts. It’s easy to gloss over the fine print, but it’s important to double-check every detail before signing on the dotted line. This will ensure that you avoid any potential issues on your wedding day!

Don’t forget to send out your save the dates and invitations! This should be done at least a year in advance, if not sooner. Then you can begin putting the finishing touches on your big day.

Bridal Fashion Trends

As the world continues to shift, bridal fashion keeps up with it—with a twist. A new breed of bridal styles is combining classic silhouettes with elements of deconstruction and subversion. Think exposed boning, distressed skirts and asymmetric necklines. These looks are a fresh take on traditional wedding dresses, and brides-to-be will find them utterly irresistible.

With a global reach, Bridal Fashion Week is an annual showcase for the latest collections from bridal brands and designers. Held twice a year—October and April—in New York, the international trade show features runway shows, presentations and intimate events that are open to the public and retail buyers.

The event takes place at the Manhattan Center for the Performing Arts in downtown New York City and is a key part of the New York Fashion Week calendar. In addition to the main runway shows, many of the participating designers also host intimate events, including breakfasts and trunk shows that are open to the media and industry insiders.

This season, we saw a return of drop-waist silhouettes and pin-thin spaghetti straps. As for bridal lace, the trend got an upgrade with a reworked sleeveless silhouette and more modern fabrications. The edgy new look is perfect for the free-spirit bride looking to make a statement and stand out on her big day.

Asymmetrical details have long been a popular bridal feature, but for spring 2024, they took on a whole new meaning. Designers like Nadia Manjarrez incorporated corset-style one-shoulder gowns into her collection, while LaPointe and Badgley Mischka offered slinky slip dresses with cutout bodices and front slits. The sexy silhouettes would be the perfect choice for a beach wedding or post-wedding party celebration.

Designers also reworked the classic floral print with more oversized embroidery and embellishments. Lela Rose, Romona Keveza and Reem Acra all opted for this bold style element, which adds a sense of drama to a wedding gown.

Bows were another popular decorative feature this season. Whether in a big and voluminous construction (see the designs from Amsale, Eisen-Stein and Nadia Manjarrez) or a more subtle touch with dandier decorations, like those seen on gowns from Yolancris and Honor, the mini bows add a whimsical and fun element to a bridal look.

Feathers are also back, with the airy embellishment getting a cool girl makeover on slinky gowns. Costarellos laced up the bodices of some of its designs with feather accents, while Willowby and Sachin & Babi added silk mikado trousers to their bridal lines for a more party-ready look.

With more couples opting to get married in a registry office and hold their main ceremony later on, bridal jumpsuits and bridal suits are making their way onto the runway. Marylise and Pronovias both showed lustrous tunics with trousers that are perfect for the modern bride who wants to go from ceremony to reception in style.

Wedding Venues in the Big Apple

New York City’s dazzling array of wedding venues makes it possible to have your big day just how you want it, whether that means saying your vows at the top of a skyscraper or in a sprawling ballroom. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more unique, New York also has you covered with everything from river cruise ships to world-renowned zoos.

The most important question when looking for a wedding venue is what you and your fiancé envision for your special day. Do you dream of an elegant affair with lots of flowers or do you prefer a more industrial-looking space that will let your guests dance the night away? Once you have a clear idea of what you want, you can start shopping around.

Those seeking a fairytale-like setting should check out Casa Feliz, which looks like an Irish castle and can accommodate up to 1,650 guests. The venue’s opulent interior hallways can be used as ceremony and reception spaces, while soundproof airwalls can separate the space into five different breakout rooms to suit your vision. Adding to the charm are the original Spanish roof tiles, whitewashed century-old bricks, and sweeping oaks that make up the property’s gorgeous estate grounds.

Another stunning option is the Newhall Mansion in St. Louis, a Victorian-style house that’s so charming you’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale. This picture-perfect spot offers a breathtaking view of the vineyards, plus a dining area enclosed by shady trees and a barn you can dance in. There are even a few spooky-cool nooks, including a dungeon under the house that’ll make your guests swoon.

If you’re not ready to say “I do” in a church, consider a unique venue like the Stifel Theatre in St. Louis, which has been host to performances by Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones. The venue’s main theatre seats 3,100, but there are several options to choose from if you don’t plan on saying your vows in the main hall.

In addition to being a one-of-a-kind wedding venue, the Stifel Theatre is known for its excellent customer service, according to Yelpers. “They were very open and honest about their fees and were easy to communicate with,” one reviewer wrote.

When shopping for a wedding venue, it’s crucial to visit the space at least once or twice before booking it. If you can, ask to tour the property with a coordinator to see how you would fit into the space and get an idea of what setup and arrangement might look best. When you book your venue, it’s also a good idea to provide the coordinator with an estimated guest count and any vendors you might have in mind. This will help them tailor their recommendations to your budget and style. Also, double-check if the pricing stated includes items like tables, chairs, decor, games, and catering. If it doesn’t, be sure to add that into your overall budget.

Wedding Traditions

Wedding traditions have been playing a big role in wedding ceremonies for hundreds of years. From the bride requiring “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” to the garter toss, there are so many fun traditions that have become an integral part of a wedding ceremony. However, do you know the origins behind these traditions?

  1. The bouquet was originally carried down the aisle to mask the bride’s odour (how rude). It was also used as a way of distracting evil spirits.
  2. In ancient Rome, a veil was worn to confuse evil spirits and would-be kidnappers. Today, the veil symbolises a bride’s purity and her innocence. 3. The Best Man was once a swordsman to help the groom ward off ruffians or runaway brides. Nowadays, he is there to help the groom with his speech and provide moral support.
  3. The something blue symbolises faithfulness and loyalty. It’s not uncommon for the groom to give the bride a something blue to wear during her bouquet toss. This is a tradition that started in France and England. It’s a great way to get the guys involved in the wedding!
  4. During the “loving cup” ritual, the couple drinks from a special ceremonial cup (usually a two-handled silver cup). This is a great way to start your ceremony with a toast to love. Many couples choose to drink wine but this can be adapted to suit you and your partner.
  5. In the Victorian era, the groom was not allowed to see his bride until she walked down the aisle. Today, this is often a choice made by the couple as they want to keep the element of surprise for their special day.
  6. The song “Can’t Stop the Feeling” is often played during a wedding. This song is a popular love song and it’s a great way to celebrate your love with your partner.
  7. During a ceremony, it is traditional to have the bride stand to the groom’s left. This is because in bygone days, the groom was expected to fight off other suitors with his right hand and he needed that free to protect his bride.
  8. During a wedding, guests toss rice at the newlyweds to wish them luck and fortune. However, it’s becoming more common to use alternative send off items such as bubbles or sparklers as a nod to animal welfare. Grainy rice was once thought to harm unsuspecting birds who swoop down and eat it once the ceremony is over.
  9. At Jewish weddings, a traditional dessert is the croquembouche tower of cream puffs. This was once known as the “wedding cake” and it symbolises wealth and fertility.

The cutting of the cake is a wonderful moment to share with your loved one. It is a great way to begin your new life together and a delicious treat! The cake is typically white, which symbolises purity. It is also a fun tradition for the couple to feed each other slices of cake.

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