March is one of the most important months of 2023 astrologically. March is going to be a game-changer for many people, and this is the month that changes everything for the collective. The month begins in Pisces Season with Mercury entering Pisces on March 2nd. Perspectives are opening to new compassion and guidance right now, and anything feels possible. Mercury in Pisces brings a spiritual approach to the world, and divine clarity is taking place this month- pay attention to the signs.
The Full Moon of the month is happening in Virgo, and this Full Moon will be occurring on March 7th. This Full Moon is the Worm Moon of the year, and new developments are taking place right now. This Full Moon is about letting go of the chaos, getting organized, and focusing on your health and what is worthy of your time. Saturn makes its significant transit from Aquarius into Pisces on the same day, and this is when things start to change. Saturn in Pisces turns the focus from the material to the spiritual. A lot of people will be moving through an inner awakening during this time, and the world at large will be more focused on transparency, compassion for humanity, and learning to trust and grow your intuition and connection to the universe.
When it comes to matters of the heart, Venus enters Taurus on March 16th, and love is about being grounded, supportive, and allowing romance to fill your world. Venus in Taurus is sensual, beautiful, and appreciates the value of love. Don’t be afraid to show others how you feel and focus on what feels stable and secure for you in your relationships right now. On the 20th, Aries Season officially begins, and there is a spark of excitement in the air right now. Aries Season is feisty and the passion runs high during this time. With a New Moon in Aries the next day on the 21st, the end of March is all about independence, courage, and setting intentions for where you want to be.
Pluto moves into Aquarius on March 23rd, where it will remain until 2043. Pluto's transits are generational, so Pluto’s move into Aquarius is a big one. Pluto now moving through this air sign is all about the progression of humanity, and about focusing more on what is going to serve the collective rather than just the self. A few days later, Mars moves into emotional Cancer after being in Gemini since August 2022, and this is good news as there will be less mental chaos, and more emotional growth, clarity, and progression.
If you are looking for a change in your life, March is the month it's going to happen for you.
Aries Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch for you is all about not giving up on your dreams, Aries. Open your mind to the possibilities of what is ahead of you, and remember your strength when things feel challenging. With Saturn moving into your 12th house of endings, closure, and healing on March 7th until May 2025, you enter a multi-year journey of resolution, and a spiritual awakening will be occurring during this time.
There is a lot of energy moving through Aries in March with your season beginning toward the end of the month. Starting March 19th, Mercury enters your sign, the next day Aries Season begins, and the day after that on the 21st, there is a New Moon in Aries as well. Change is evident for you in March, and it’s all about knowing the difference between what is out of your control, and what can be transformed.
Taurus Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is a month of success for you, Taurus. You have gotten your groove back, and you are moving full speed ahead. The support, achievements, and personal growth you have been working toward are all happening for you this month, and there is a lot to be grateful for right now. Align with your determination, focus on your goals, and claim your success.
There is something beautiful happening this month and that is Venus, your ruling planet, entering your sign from March 16th - April 11th. Love is on your side and it’s time to find your balance within your relationships. You are being received especially favorably in March and it’s all about allowing yourself to feel the joy in how far you have come, and the love that is coming your way right now.
Gemini Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is the month to put the work in, Gemini. March is all about honing in on your skills and talents in life, and also being open to learning something new. Remember that what you put in is a direct reflection of what you get and that it’s time to ground yourself in dreams you are bringing to fruition right now.
Mars has been in your sign for an unusually long time, over six months, and finally moves out of here on March 25th and enters Cancer. With Mars moving out of your sign, you can take a deep breath and release all of the pent-up energy that has been flowing through your world since August 2022. You have learned a lot about yourself during this period, and now you are more clear on what you want to invest in and prioritize moving forward with Mars now moving into your 2nd house of investments and finances until May.
Cancer Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleTrust the process this month, Cancer. It can feel like a lot is happening for you at once in March, and your main guidance for the month is to take things easy and not let life overwhelm you. Take a look at what is true, and what may be self-sabotage stemming from overthinking. Do what you can in each moment, and save what you can’t for another day.
The Full Moon happening this month on the 7th will be moving through your house of communication, and you are receiving important clarity and ready to let go of what’s been mentally impacting your happiness. Mars moves into your sign before the month ends on the 25th, and that sense of feeling drained at the beginning of the month begins to turn around for you now as you enter an action-packed next few months.
Leo Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is all about perspective for you, Leo. Life is really what you make it this month and the more you can focus on what is working out for you rather than what isn’t, the better. Look at changes to plans as new opportunities and try to see the treasures in what is presenting itself to you this month.
Saturn makes its new journey into your 8th house of transformation, debt, taxes, shared resources, sex, death, and rebirth this month as well. Over the next few years, you will be moving through a time of feeling more challenged when it comes to change and recognizing some fears and emotional patterns that need to be addressed. The month ends with a New Moon in your 9th house of adventure on the 21st, and you are embarking on a new, exciting path.
Virgo Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a beautiful month of clarity, pleasure, and patience, Virgo. This month is setting you up to enjoy your time more and appreciate those little moments of bliss. You have planted the seeds, and right now it’s about nurturing your garden of dreams. There is new life upon you in March and you are truly seeing the fruits of your labor over the next few months.
At the beginning of March on the 7th, there is a Full Moon in your sign. This Full Moon is giving your clarity and shining the spotlight on you and who you are. Let go of what doesn’t support you and your growth, and dream big. On the 16th Venus moves into Taurus, and this is good news for you as a fellow earth sign. Love, relationships, and personal finances are all getting a boost of excitement and adventure for you until April 11th. Enjoy your life, Virgo.
Libra Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a powerful month for you, and you are manifesting your dreams, Libra. The power is in your hands right now, and you have all the tools necessary to succeed. March is all about offering a new perspective and allowing yourself to give the love you are wishing to receive. Write lists of gratitude, and know that the good you are feeling this month is only the beginning for you.
Saturn moves into your 6th house of health on the 7th where it will remain for the next few years. Health and working matters become prominent in your life, and this is where you should be investing more of your time and energy. Envision what a healthy, good, daily routine would look like for you, then take those steps toward that. The New Moon of the month happens on the 21st, and you are ready to start fresh in love.
Scorpio Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleMarch is a revelation month for you, Scorpio. You are gaining clarity on what experiences need to be laid to rest, and what growth can be enhanced through your positive attention toward them. The month begins with a Full Moon in your 11th house of friendship, and you are seeing who your people are this month. Don’t be afraid to open up and express to your support systems how you are feeling.
Your ruling planet Pluto makes a significant transit in March and that is its move from Capricorn into Aquarius. Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008, as its transits are lengthy. Pluto will now be in your 4th house of home and family from March 2022 to March 2043. Pluto's attention here brings empowerment into your home life, but you will also be experiencing some intense changes. Generational healing will be taking place now.
Sagittarius Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is all about the vision, Sagittarius. Your empowerment is coming through from your positive and open perspective, and you are seeing things clearly right now. There is a lot of passion and excitement in your life in March, and everything feels possible for you right now. Saturn moves into Pisces on the 7th and into your 4th house, and you will be laying some new foundations in your life over the next few years and will be challenged to find more stability in your life.
On the 21st of the month, there is a New Moon in fellow fire sign Aries, and this is a romantic New Moon for you. Set your intentions for your relationships and love life during this time, and see what blooms for you. March is all about broadening your horizons and considering the possibilities of what is ahead of you. Consider the best possible outcome for yourself- then imagine it going even better than that.
Capricorn Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleBalance is coming into your life this month, Capricorn. You have some important decisions to make this month, and you are also seeing the positive results of past intentions and paths that have been walked on. Karma is on your side right now and with your ruling planet Saturn making a significant transit into Pisces this month, you are feeling more light-heartedness in your life and will be working toward growth with friendships, neighbors, siblings, and business.
Moving further into the month, Venus moves into a fellow earth sign and will be in your house of love, happiness, and romance from March 16th to April 11th. There are a lot of opportunities for bliss coming into your life now and remember to remind yourself that you are worthy of this unconditional love. Express yourself and let the scales come into balance.
Aquarius Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleEverything is coming full circle for you this month, Aquarius. March is your time of culmination and seeing positive progression when it comes to your financial world. Support is there for you, abundance surrounds you, and you are growing. This month is here to bless you and make sure you feel confident, grounded, and like you have everything you need in your life.
One of the most significant transits of the year for you is happening in March, and that is Pluto's entry into your sign. Pluto will be in your sign from 2022 to 2043, and you are moving through a long-term journey of finding yourself, expressing yourself, and feeling empowered doing so. Aquarians are often changing the world in some way, and you are aligning with this power of knowing what humanity needs to grow and progress right now.
Pisces Monthly Horoscope for March 2023
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecoleThere is a settling down happening in your life this month, Pisces. March is a time to honor yourself, your energy, and your perspective, and allow change to take place gracefully. You need more time to figure some things out right now and you are choosing between two opportunities and paths forward. Give yourself space to work things out, and trust that the answers will come to you.
Saturn moves into Pisces on March 7th, where it will remain until 2025. You are entering a new journey of feeling more pressure to grow, develop, and be able to stand on your own for the time being. This time in your life isn’t here to push you around, but it is here to make sure you have enough foundation on your own to withstand the tests of time no matter what comes your way. You are growing, you are blooming, and you always have the power of choice.
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Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
- 12 Mantras To Cultivate 2023 Energy For The Year Ahead ›
- Saturn In Pisces Horoscopes Every Sign 2023-2026 - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
‘Found’ Star Shanola Hampton Spent $532 On Her Wedding. 6 Reasons Why That’s Beyond Bomb.
A few weeks ago, a girlfriend asked me to name a female celebrity who I personally found to be physically beautiful. Although it took me a second to run through my mental Rolodex, two people who came to my mind were actorsJavicia Leslie (who I first “stumbled upon” via the series Chef Julian) and Shanola Hampton.
As far as Shanola goes, I was first introduced to her via the independent film Things Never Said(which also starred Omari Hardwick). Anyway, it’s always so cool to watch people evolve in their respective fields and Shanola has definitely become a household name thanks to the role that she currently plays inthe NBC seriesFound.
And y’all, my fondness for her certainly went up a few notches after I peeped a few things that she recently shared ina PEOPLE interview. In 2025, she will have been married to her beloved for 25 years (salute!). As she was talking about their wedding day, she shared that they eloped in Las Vegas, that it only cost them $532, that she wore a thrift store dress and “Erykah Badu headwrap” and that she only has one regret.
Because they were “too broke” at the time to afford a full elopement package, they didn’t get a videotape of her nuptials (they do have pics, though). She also said that a big part of the reason for the regret is because she adored her husband, Daren’s vows: “Gosh, if we could only have seen what it was going to be...” INDEED.
As a marriage life coach, something else that I appreciated about the article is when she said, “Yes, you learn and grow and evolve. But you don't change each other by marrying each other." Lawd, if more people really got that, less folks would end up in divorce court (check out “The Right Relationship IMPROVES Not CHANGES You”).
However, the main reason why I’m using Shanola’s words of wisdom as the intro for this piece is because I know far too many couples who either keep putting off wedding plans to save thousands of dollars for a ceremony or they are far too stressed out because they think a big wedding is something that absolutely must be done.
Well, between what you just read and what you’re about to read, here’s hoping that you’ll realize (and accept) that there are all kinds of benefits that come from taking the “less is more” approach — yes, even when it comes to wedding days.
First, the Difference Between a Micro-Wedding and Eloping
GiphyI promise you that I don’t get why so many folks damn near hyperventilate whenever they hear “small wedding” (or micro-wedding which is apparently the popular term right through here). It’s like they are automatically wired to think that means making some wack concessions or that they automatically have to elope. Well, before getting into some actual facts that come from taking the minimalist approach to one’s nuptials, let me just say that just because you don’t end up having 500 people on your wedding guest list or three choices of cuisine at your reception, that doesn’t mean that you have to end up at the courthouse in a pair of sweats.
For one thing, treat yourself to TikTok and put “Black elopements” in the search field. Yes, even if you do elope, you can still dress to the nines (or 12s because you don’t have to spend as much money as you would on a wedding), it can be at another location (like a beach or even a church) and then you have the rest of the day to do whatever you want: post up in a swanky hotel, fly some place that requires a passport stamp for your honeymoon — whatever. And, since you’re eloping, you and your bae can be totally off the grid the entire time.
However, a micro-wedding is a bit different. Basically, it’s what happens when you do pretty much everything that you wanted to do for your wedding only, it’s with a guest list of 50 people or less. And I’m pretty sure you can see the immediate benefit that comes with taking that approach: you’re able to save money — and y’all, since reportedly a whopping 56 percent of couples went into debt just from their wedding alone and financial issues continue to be a leading cause of divorce, well, yeah, don’t diss a micro-wedding. It definitely has its perks.
Okay, but there are other researched and fact-based reasons why it can be a wise move to go smaller as far as weddings are concerned. Here are just six of ‘em.
1. Expensive Rings (Oftentimes) Predict Shorter Marriages
GiphySome of y’all may remember the student last year who went viral on TikTok and then became a news story thanks to his under-twenty-bucks device that let teachers at his school know if their engagement/wedding ring was the real deal or not (chile). Hmph, all it did was remind me of the De Beers origin story of engagement rings and how I will continue to share it until each and every cow comes home. Basically, the company was going broke, it came up with the slogan “a diamond is forever” and folks have been drinking the Kool-Aid ever since. SMDH. And what’s really wild is while people actually think that saving up three months of a salary is a sign of one’s everlasting love, there are articles out in cyberspace with titles like “Why an Expensive Ring May Predict a Short Marriage.”
In this one, it features a study that said the people who spend somewhere between $2,000-$,4,000 have a higher chance of divorcing. The reason? Eh, I’d venture to say that it’s probably not so much about the ring itself but the motive behind why someone wants a really expensive one, how realistic their expectations are about marriage and their financial future, and if they want to be a wife or just a bride — and yes, there is a really big difference, chile (check out “Do You Want To Be A Wife? Or Do You Just Want To Have A Wedding?”). Not to mention the stress that the groom-to-be may have experienced to make the sacrifice (especially if it was above his means). Either way, take note.
2. Smaller Weddings Can Be Exquisitely Intimate
GiphyI have a little love sister who has been engaged for over three years now. Y’all, it can’t be said enough that the purpose of being engaged is to plan your wedding — literally that is what the time is for. Know what else needs to be reiterated? The fact that some studies say that the longer you’re engaged, the more likely you are to divorce. One study gets even more specific than that. It says that if you’ve been engaged for more than 27 months, the intimacy between you and your partner will suffer during its newlywed years and yes, it could lead to a serious breakdown in the relationship.
That’s why I’ve been telling her that instead of her and her fiancé damn near killing themselves to pay for an over-the-top wedding, they can have a smaller one — one that is more intimate and can be just as beautiful. If you don’t believe me, check out Brides' “40 Small Wedding Ideas for an Intimate Affair” piece. Personally, I’ve always liked the idea of renting out a really nice vacation house and having loved ones all stay together while getting married at the same location.
Sometimes big weddings are so big that a lot of the “closeness” is lost and certain moments are a complete blur. With a smaller wedding, the chances of these things transpiring end up dropping…significantly so.
3. The Planning Process Is Far Less Stressful
GiphyI’m telling you, when it comes to this topic, the facts just keep on coming. Boy, there is nothing like working withan engaged couple while they are planning their wedding — if that doesn’t reveal some things about what their relationship is actually made of, nothing will. Hey, but you don’t have to take my word for it.
A few years back, Business Insider published an article entitled, “Wedding planners reveal the 10 biggest red flags that a couple won't make it.” One of the things that it said was, “From unrealistic budgets to family conflicts, there are multiple problems that can arise during the wedding-planning process that can create rifts in a marriage or even lead to divorce.”
Yeah, they ain’t neva lied because if you don’t know how to keep your emotions in check, how to negotiate, how to set boundaries with family members and friends (bookmark that one), and how to compartmentalize your wedding with the rest of your relationship — you shouldn’t ignore that; it’s actually showing you something about your dynamic that you should address prior to jumping any broom.
Anyway, the main moral to the story when it comes to this one is if your wedding is small(er), there is less to plan…and if there is less stress, then your relationship won’t end up having to endure so much pressure. #justsaying
4. Less Folks? Less People to Please.
GiphyAh yes, the bookmark. Listen, if you are a bona fide people-pleaser (check out “How To Stop Being A People-Pleaser & Start Doing You”), the wedding planning process is going to test you in ways that you’ve never been tested before! This will especially be the case if you have some pretty poor boundaries with your loved ones (and/or perhaps his) to begin with. It’s another message for another time that you really need to involve people in the planning process who know that it’s you and your fiancé’s day (NOT JUST YOURS), that they should just be supportive and encouraging (not demanding and entitled) and it only needs to consist of who will make it be about your needs over their wishes.
For now, I’ll just say that when your wedding and guest list are smaller, there are far less people to, well, please. And again, if you are a people-pleaser (or a people-pleaser in recovery) that can really take a load off.
5. Cheaper Weddings Lead to Happier Marriages. Science Says So.
GiphySo, about a decade ago, CNN published the article, “Want a happy marriage? Have a big, cheap wedding.” The gist of it simply stated that “a new study found that couples who spend less on their wedding tend to have longer-lasting marriages than those who splurge.” The first thing that comes to my mind on this one is simply, that some people marry people and others “marry” weddings. Now does this mean that every couple who has an opulent wedding day is shallow and superficial or that they are getting married for the wrong reasons? Of course not. For one thing, some folks can afford to have an expensive wedding (meaning, it won’t put them into debt to have one).
Plus, having extravagant taste doesn’t mean that someone’s love isn’t real. AT THE SAME TIME, THOUGH, having a big wedding thinking that it proves something? It really proves nothing as far as the foundation of a healthy marriage is concerned. Yeah, my biggest takeaway from this point is when you just want to start the “becoming one” process with the man who you love, the price tag really doesn’t matter. They way it should be.
6. Finances Can Go Elsewhere
GiphyLast year, CNBC published the article, “Gen Z, millennial couples say it’s too expensive to get married in this economy.” Boy, and if this doesn’t prove the ultimate point that I’ve been trying to make this entire time, nothing will. Y’all, when you really want to be with your “one”, who cares about how beaded a dress is, how expensive a venue should be or how tall a cake looks — and so, why should you wait damn near forever until you can pay for all of those things? A party is nothing compared to a lifetime partner. That said, STAY FOCUSED.
Besides, all of those thousands that you saved by not having a big wedding can go to things like a downpayment on a house, a really long international honeymoon, a new car, a savings account for your future children, a retirement account — the possibilities really are endless and all of them can help your marriage to have a more solid footing.
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So, if you initially read the title of this and low-key got cynical, maybe now you get just how “onto something” Shanola and her husband — again of almost 25 years — actually were. Smaller, less expensive weddings can be absolutely priceless. For all sorts of reasons. As you just read.
Again, salute to them and, if you are (currently) engaged, wise wedding planning wishes to you.
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