10 Reasons You Don't Have to Get Married

I'm at that age when pretty much every time I get on social media, someone else I know has gotten engaged or married. The ring-finger picture with the "I said yes" caption is a daily occurrence. I'm always happy and excited for the friend who gets to start a new chapter in her life. OK, almost always. This trend started in my early 20s, when the couples getting engaged then still got the "aren't you a little young for that?" look. As I climb toward my 30s, I notice more than ever that I'm starting to get those questioning looks, but now people are wondering what the holdup is. 

Ticktock goes the marriage clock — especially considering that I have been in a committed relationship with my significant other for several years, moved across the country with him, and lived with him for quite some time. I definitely understand that the topic will naturally come up now and then. 

Here's the thing: I think marriage is great. For some people. For me and plenty of others out there, though, it may not be the right way to go, and that's really OK — despite a more widely held notion (held most of all by my mom) that my life, in fact, is not complete until I tie that knot. 

While there are many pros to getting married for some people, the alternative is true for those who decide not to get married. And don't get me wrong — who knows what will happen down the line? But in the meantime, here are some reasons why choosing not to get married, ever or until later in life, can be a good thing.

1. You Get to Know Yourself and Find Your Personal Happiness

One isn't the loneliest number! Being unmarried offers you a unique freedom to spend time with yourself and make mistakes and learn from them — without having to worry about how those mistakes may affect your spouse. Putting yourself first may sound selfish, but it really just means that you are eager to grow as an individual, and that's definitely a good thing. Within a marriage, it's easy to become dependent on one another for your happiness, but ultimately you have to be the one who decides this for yourself.

2. Your Finances Are Your Own

Some of the biggest stressors on marriage are the financial aspects of it. Combining assets, joint bank accounts, disagreements on where and what to spend money on — all these things are extra weight on any relationship but especially on a married couple.

3. There Are Other Ways to Define Commitment

Who says that marriage is the best way to show someone you love them? Commitment to a person and real love for them can be shown in a million ways — marriage is just one of them. Plus not marrying someone doesn't mean being alone forever — it just means doing things a little differently!

4. You Can Travel and Be Social

Unmarried couples and single people tend to travel more and engage more socially with new people. That's not to say married couples don't — but it's sometimes easier for unmarried people to have that freedom without as many conflicts when trying to do so.

5. Getting Married Can Complicate Other Relationships

Getting married changes everything. It can mean moving away or spending more time with other married couples, and sometimes it just means that relationships shift and change. While some may strengthen, others are at risk of weakening.

6. You Can Invest in Your Career and Future

Instead of spending money on a wedding, honeymoon, new house, etc., you can be putting those dollars and efforts into building your career and growing in a field you love. Taking marriage off the table can make room for things that otherwise may have taken the backseat to wedding and marriage plans.

7. Marriage Is Sometimes Done For Others, and That Should Never Be the Case!

If you aren't getting married for yourself, then you shouldn't be getting married. It's easy to feel pressured by people around you, but if you don't want to get married, you simply don't have to.

8. Divorce Is a Possibility

With any relationship comes the possibility of a breakup, but with marriage comes the possibility of an even more complicated and painful ending — divorce.

9. You Can Still Build and Have a Wonderful Family

The idea of family is almost always tied in with marriage, especially when children come into the picture. But the definition of family is extremely diverse and personal for each family unit. Not being married doesn't mean that you can't have a happy and healthy family with or without kids.

10. Since Love Is Different For Everyone, the Same Traditions Don't Always Apply

Love is personal. It's specific to a person or relationship, it's constantly changing, and it's always unique. If love is so changeable and diverse, then in some cases, confining it to an institution like marriage isn't what's best to help it thrive.

How to Style Your Hair for a Wedding on a Hot Day

Whether you’re the bride, part of the bridal party or a guest, nobody wants frizzy hair at a wedding or photos of themselves when the humidity has taking its toll on your hairstyle.

There are certain hairstyles that are better in the heat than others because they are more heat- and moisture- resistant. Make sure you do your research before heading to a stylist on your big day!

It doesn’t matter whether your hair is long or short, there are ways to help tame it in the humid weather.

Starting Point

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On a hot day, your hairstyle might wither and wilt in the heat, so make sure you give it the best possible start to the day. Don’t wash your hair the morning of the wedding—the night before is fine. Freshly-washed hair tends not to hold hairstyles as well as unwashed hair does. On a hot day, hairstyles tend to hold for even less time than on a cooler day.

Use a volumizing spray when blow drying your hair and ensure it is fully dry (and no moisture left in the hair shafts). Use a holding mousse or spray when drying and curling or using straightening irons. Try a small amount of backcombing if your look requires extra volume, but be careful not to cause hair breakage, which can turn into flyaway hair when things turn humid.

Braids

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A braid is traditional yet also has a modern and fashionable feel to it. What’s more, it usually holds well, can get the hair away from your neck and there are lots of different varieties with which to experiment.
One option is to braid your hair along the top of your head like a headband. You can also try a single braid or two, a French braid or fishtail waterfall braid. There are so many options to try out, just take a look at the Internet for inspiration and ask your stylist to give one a go.

Braids can be tricky to do on your own hair, especially if you want it falling down the back of your head so enlist the help of a friend or professional. Use a small amount of spray or gel to smooth down any flyaway hairs and secure the braid with a pretty clip or flower.

Twists

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There are many more ways to experiment with your hairstyle if you decide to twist it up.
This can mean piling all of your hair into a single twist and pinning up as a French twist or lots of smaller twists leading to a ponytail or bun. Twisted hair is less likely to succumb to the heat and go frizzy because it is secured and the strands are less likely to be exposed to moisture.

Simply finish your hairstyle with some spray to hold everything in place or gel to smooth down stray hairs and the style should hold all day despite the temperature.

Classic Chignon

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A chignon is a bun or top knot. It’s a classy and chic hairstyle that is perfect for brides or wedding guests, especially when contrasting a simple chignon against a detailed dress/gown. Portia De Rossi opted for this hairstyle at her wedding with Elen DeGeneres and looked like the perfect, classic bride.

The best part is that the chignon can be tied high or low on your head and made to look more casual or formal. High or low, it keeps hair off your neck and avoids making you even hotter on a hot summer’s day.
Before you put your hair in a bun, smooth it down to keep it in place. Another trick is to curl the hair before you put it up, which helps it stay in place more securely.

Waves

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A lot of people tend to stay away from curls in humid weather, but in fact they can work a treat as they thicken and enhance the hair’s natural texture. Use some volumizing spray and make sure to use plenty of hair spray to fix the style.

If you hair is naturally curly or wavy, go natural and use a serum or mousse. Put your hair into a high ponytail to keep the hair away from the neck or if you want to brave the hair down look and take the heat, clip sections back using pretty grips or clips.

Side Ponytail

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A classic but also a favorite, stars such as Taylor Swift and Lauren Conrad often sport a side ponytail, which is also a perfect wedding style. The great thing is that it lifts the hair and can be changed to suit your outfit, so the ponytail can be left hanging, curled or twisted up and secured.

Styles to Avoid

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The problem with very hot days is that hairstyles can lose their hold, become frizzy or simply make you hot when long hair sticks to your neck and shoulders.
Some styles to stay away from include straight and sleek bobs and general down styles. These styles tend not to look as sleek or straight at the end of a 15-hour stint, especially in the heat.

Staying Power

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Weddings can often last from mid-morning to the early hours of the next morning. Even on cooler days, many hairstyles might not last in perfect condition. There are certain ways to improve the staying power.
Make sure you invest in a stronghold styling hairspray and gel, use a smoothing brush. Keep a compact mirror and spare grips with you in your handbag so that you can touch up during the day. The hairstyle needs to last, not only through the heat, but all that dancing as well!

Don’t let the heat get in the way of you experimenting with hairstyles for a wedding. Take a look at online inspiration and have some fun. Why not try out a few styles and see how they hold on a hot day? A hair trial is a very good idea! Most of all, enjoy your day—a hot wedding means lots of great outdoor pictures, and there’s no reason your hair can’t look great too.

How have you styled your hair for a hot summer wedding?

Celebrity Wedding Dresses: Top 11 Most Noticeable Gowns

Celebrities, of course, have the craziest, most expensive, top of the line, and beautiful weddings! Check out my top 11 list of favorite celebrity wedding dresses!

Every girl dreams of her wedding day… They can already picture the place it will be held, her whole family being there; she can envision her husband-to-be, but who cares about all that!
The main focus of every daydream is the dress that this life changing event will take place in! Of course, the prices of these dresses aren’t even a thought in any girl’s mind! The only names that will come into play at this point are Vera Wang, Coco Chanel, and American Express.

Now, although the average working woman more than likely can’t afford these styles, we look to the media coverage of every other celebrity’s wedding dress for ideas to fall in love with as well as re-create. I have concocted a list of what I gather to be the top 11 iconic celebrity wedding dresses of all time!

11. Madonna

This racy, yet edgy dress was totally Madonna! With its strapless hold and complimenting features, what is not to love? Madonna looked absolutely flawless, and this dress was clearly made for her. With her punk pop flare; this dress was edgy, fun, and just classic!

10. Princess Diana

Hello royalty! This unforgettable dress with the mile long train definitely sticks out in my head when I think ‘wedding day!’

This early nineteen hundreds feel with an updated eighties flare left every woman with her jaw dropped. Although this dress was not tapered, it still left the viewers to imagine what wasn’t there. That is what leaves her at number 10 on our list!

9. Ashley Tisdale

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This elegant, modern take on the white dress left me in awe! Aside from Ashley looking positively breathtaking, the semi-short sleeves and tapered to flow-y finish definitely make a wedding dress to be remembered, and this gown has earned her a top spot in our looks to drool over.

8. Elizabeth Taylor

With Elizabeth Taylor’s amazing body, it was only obvious that she would choose a dress such as this one to show it off! This dress was very Gone With the Wind meets modern. With its off the shoulder long sleeves, tapered middle, and impressive length, this dress leaves us hating the fact that we weren’t there to witness this event in person.

7. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi

What’s not to love about Snooki? Aside from her wild antics and crazy fashion trends from her Jersey Shore days, we now see her in this breathtaking dress. From its flower embroidered straps to its beautifully shaped almost v-neck top, followed by its slightly form fitting to flowed bottom… Nicole looks absolutely gorgeous!
This dress was fun, flirty, slightly Snooki (in a good way), as well as very modern! This leaves Nicole at number seven on our list.

6. Kim Kardashian

I know what you’re thinking, really? But come on, you had to expect she would be on this list, mostly because she’s practically had a wedding every year. Secondly, you can’t deny, she is pretty fabulous. Or at least, the designer of this dress was for sure!
This dress is your classic Cinderella ball gown! With its strapless presence, amazingly fit center, and excessively flow-y bottom, there’s nothing not to love about it! Every little thing about this dress screams, WEDDING! And I mean, come on… it’s Vera Wang! It doesn’t matter how long your marriage lasts in this case. You will always remember Vera.

5. Grace Kelly

Oh Grace Kelly, how I love thee. Her style was just so graceful. It was very toned down while having a little bit of modern day style to it.
This is an iconic dress, which left the top portion of her body, up until her chest, covered in lace! Once we move past the chest, we see this amazing dress begin to form! The way it clings to her body and accentuates her figure, followed by a flowed bottom, leaves this dress at number five on our list!

4. Lauren Conrad

The queen of trends herself is obviously going to be on this list! Not only is Lauren Conrad beautiful, but she found just the right dress to match that beauty!
Her amazing fitted mermaid dress expressed the youth within her, as well as the fun in the dress. Its strapless simplicity and elegance is what made every viewer agree that this dress was, without a doubt, made for Lauren Conrad, and I, without a doubt, will be sending her massive emails to get me a good deal on a dress just like this one.
I will follow this by an email proving that I mean her no harm and I’m not insane, just a fan!

3. Heidi Montag

Everyone who has ever seen the Hills or just knows anything about Heidi Montag period knows she’s your average Barbie princess! The dress she chose just screamed her personality. With its strapless flare and feathered bottom with a beautiful diamond belt appeal, it’s a dress with a fun, flirty look that I would personally want at my wedding.

2. Kate Middleton

This beautiful princess wore a dress that portrayed modern beauty as well as a royal expensive look. With her simple lace long sleeves, followed by a v-neck alluring front and a beautifully tapered yet flow-y bottom, there are no mistakes in this dress.

Princess Kate’s dress is one that will not be forgotten anytime soon! It was beautiful, classy, as well as tasteful! This definitely earns her number 2 on our celebrity wedding dresses list.

1. Hilary Duff

From one Lizzie Maguire fan to the next, I will always be in love with miss Hilary Duff! So, obviously, I was really excited to see that she chose a dress that fit her body perfectly.

This incredible mermaid style dress left viewers drooling over its amazing strapless form-fitting shape! She just looked undeniably gorgeous and this earned her the number one spot on the list of top twelve celebrity dresses.

Each of these dresses were absolutely breathtaking, and I personally wish I could have at least one of these ladies with me when I’m deciding on my wedding dress.

So the question lies, what dress have you envisioned for your future wedding? Are you more of a Kaley Cuoco, who loves her fun flirty colors? Are you maybe more of a Kate Middleton, with her tasteful classic look? Or more of a Hilary Duff, with her mermaid styled form fitted dress?
What was your number one from the list above?

ridal Inspiration: Country Wedding

Whether you live in the city but would like to return to your country roots, or love the idea of being a Boho bride there is so much you can do with a country wedding. We have some top tips to help you get that perfect country bride look spot on…

A Touch of Sparkle

A glistening princess style tiara may look slightly out of place in a country chic wedding. Instead go for a vintage inspired headband or have your hairstylist scatter some sparkly pins into your hair instead.

Simple Style

Avoid hair and makeup that looks too ‘made up’. A county bride wants to go for something simple and stylish so more natural makeup is spot on for this sort of wedding. A relaxed hairdo is also perfect so go for something like loose waves of a messy side chignon for an elegant yet effortless finish.

Country bride

Let your dress compliment your surroundings for your country wedding and wear chiffon or silk which not only looks great in photos but will let you move around freely. Lace is always a popular wedding choice and will always look beautiful. If you don’t want a completely lace dress then think about lace sleeves of a bolero.

Flower Power

Nothing says country more than wild flowers in your wedding bouquet! Flowers in your hair are a must and flower crowns are particularly popular. Daisies or gyposophila are perfect for this as there are inexpensive but will easily create that much sought after boho look. If a crown isn’t for you then consider wearing a single flower incorporated in your wedding hairdo.

Avoid Matching

When it comes to your bridesmaids many will have them in identical dresses. The beauty with a country style wedding is that just coordinating with flowers or accessories is enough. This allows much more freedom for the bridesmaids to each wear a dress that suits and flatters them.

Neutral Shades

With your wedding colour scheme neutrals work best so think of whites, creams, and sage greens and let your flowers inject a pop of colour.

7 Tips to Glowing Wedding Skin

1. Everyday-routine:
If you really want to to the best for your skin, you’ll need to start a skincare routine about a year before. It’s no problem if you just don’t have that long before your wedding day – just adopt these skincare habits as soon as possible and you’re good to go.
 
 2. Eat More Watermelon:
No matter what your skin type is (oily, dry, normal or combo) it craves water. Drinking water helps (also try with a slice of lemon in it), but snacking on watermelon works too and whats better now we’re in the summer season. Other super foods for your face such as: grapefruit, broccoli and lettuce are also good.

 3. Deep Clean With a Mask:
A mask will not replace your daily skin care routine; it’s only to enhance it. Since the mask stays on longer, it will help melt the hard sebum (or oily substance) in your pores, something washing alone won’t do.” If your skin is oily, use a mask every other day. If you have dry skin, once or twice per month should keep oil and dirt from building up.

 4. “Shrink” Your Pores With Microdermabrasion:
You can’t actually change the size of your pores. “The deeper a pore is, the bigger it looks on the skin’s surface”. BUT… you can minimize the depth of your pores to make them look smaller. Use Microdermabrasion, glycolic acid and other chemical peels that exfoliate the layers of bad skin and minimize pore surface.

 5. Use Salt Scrubs to Soften Elbows:
This is something brides often forget about. Add a bath to your weekly routine and add bath salts with sodium bicarbonate. The sodium bicarbonate will break down dry patches and make your skin a sponge for moisture.

 6. Use Skin-Specific Moisturizer:
-OILY SKIN: You don’t need to add more moisture, but you need to hydrate. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ferulic acid, both will help your skin maintain water.
-DRY SKIN: Stick with the hyaluronic acid or ferulic acid, but don’t worry about finding an oil-free formula. Your skin craves moisture.

-BREAKOUT SKIN: Choose a moisturizer that’s noncomedogenic. It should say so on the bottle.

-SENSITIVE SKIN: Your go-to is a fragrance-free product.

 7: Control Oily Skin With Blotting Sheets:
If you’re on the go, blotting papers will help keep your face shine-free. If you need a more advanced solution: use a mild face wash, skip the toner and add a lightweight oil-free moisturizer. Excessive face washing will kick oil production into overdrive.