Being a Black woman in this world means being your biggest advocate, no matter who is standing beside you or not. There is something about a Black woman and her power of manifestation that can’t be taught, only felt. It’s something that’s been passed down from our ancestors, from generation to generation, and something that is always within us. Some call it Black Girl Magic, some haven’t been able to define the unique gifts we possess. Working with the energy in your life is imminent in creating the life you desire. Mantras, affirmations, and daily testaments have been proven to work in aiding manifestations for centuries, and are powerful ways of co-creating your reality.
Having a money mantra you can repeat to yourself daily that resonates with your unique perspective and financial goals can help you meet your desires with ease and confidence. Each sign of the zodiac has a unique relationship to its finances and some keywords can positively impact you on your financial journey. Remember that a key component to manifesting is putting in the work and backing your intentions with action. As you are repeating these mantras daily, natural intuitive guidance and insight will begin to come forth on what concrete action to take in addition to the intentions you are putting out there. Connecting to your inner alchemy can create wonders in your life, and will manifest the life of your dreams.
Along with your sun sign, your midheaven sign is your career zone, your success zone, and shows you how you can reach your financial goals in life. When reading your money mantras below, make sure to view your midheaven sign (MC, Medium Coeli) for further insight into aiding in your success story. This is your reminder that you are a powerful soul, there are divine tools and practices available to you at all times, and that anything in life is possible for you.
ARIES
“The work I do receives instant financial support.”
Aries is a driven soul and is constantly getting itself into new ventures, especially when it comes to business. With Mars being your planetary ruler, you have a gift when it comes to natural drive and energy, and you have what it takes to see your goals through. A good money mantra for you is one that can keep up with your high goals and one that provides a quick return. Remember that patience is key with all manifestations, but using this money mantra can help meet you where you are and provide the more fast returns you are looking for.
TAURUS
“I give and receive freely.
I always have enough.
I always am enough.”
Taurus is the money sign of the zodiac and you are born with more of a gift with money than most. A lot of Tauruses are born into wealth, or the complete opposite which makes them extremely hard-working individuals who strive for this type of financial stability in life. Taurus is one of the most frugal signs of the zodiac, and although you are very giving to your loved ones, you do prefer to have stability more than anything.
However, this energy can do you more harm than good and can keep you in stagnation, feeling like you have to keep everything in, giving you very little breathing room to enjoy what you have accumulated for yourself. For you, having a good flow here and less rigid energy can create space for even more wealth to enter your life.
GEMINI
“My ideas flow effortlessly.
I manifest money through my creative ideas and solutions.”
Gemini is all about the mind, as your planetary ruler is Mercury, the planet of the mind, communication, and business. With your unique gifts in creative ideas, visions, and solutions, you make for a great manifester. All that is needed is putting your good ideas to use and taking concrete steps to back up your intentions. For you, a money mantra that acknowledges how your mind flows and what it can manifest into is key. You are the creative genius of the zodiac and using the power of your mind to manifest is your gift. Repeat this mantra daily, and also remember the intentional action needed to make your dreams come true.
CANCER
“I am grounded.
I am stable.
I have everything I need.”
Cancer is known to be one of the most emotional zodiac signs, and people often forget how business-savvy you truly are. You work hard towards your goals in life because security means everything to you both emotionally and financially. Your home life is your world, and you understand that money typically equates to your dream home. You work to rest peacefully, and a good money mantra for you helps you gain your ground and get back to the present moment when emotions run high. Being ruled by the Moon, finances can tend to fluctuate as the phases of the Moon do, and having a consistent routine or mantra can help balance and ground this energy.
LEO
“I am worthy of financial success and freedom.
I am abundant.”
Financial success for Leo is all about confidence. When you are feeling good, you manifest good, and having a money mantra that reminds you of how worthy you are, does wonders for the Leo soul. With your innate gift of optimism and joy, you shine wherever you go. Putting this energy into your finances can shed light on the prosperity and abundance that is there for you in life, and your money mantra is all about reminding yourself how great you are. No one takes a compliment better than a Leo, and you should be the first one to give yourself that. Use your money mantra daily, and to take this even further, say your money mantra out loud while looking in the mirror.
VIRGO
“I relax, I let go, my finances are in perfect flow.
I am open to receiving money.”
Virgo knows how to create and manifest, being a Mercury-ruled earth sign. Virgo’s make some of the best manifesters, as your energy is one of harvest and what comes about through positive intentions, hard work, and dedication. However, you can be way too hard on yourself at times and be your own biggest critic. A good money mantra for you reminds you to let go, and open up to receive. Your money mantra is here to remind you that you don’t always have to work so hard to receive and that sometimes it’s just about opening up and allowing something to just be given to you freely. Remember that you don’t have to do anything to be worthy of abundance, abundance is your birthright.
LIBRA
“I love what I do.
I am successful in all areas of life.”
Libras when it comes to money are all about what you can do and have with money itself. You want to accumulate wealth so you can live the lavish life of your dreams, but you also wouldn’t mind if someone else was doing the money-making for you. For you to get in the zone of financial wealth, all areas of your life need to be going smoothly for you; especially love, as when your relationships are going well, you feel well on all levels. Your money mantra is about covering all the bases so that you can manifest your goals feeling like you are not leaving out the other important matters of your life as well. Balance is everything for a Libra, and your money mantra puts you into this perspective.
SCORPIO
“I am a money magnet.
I attract abundance with ease.”
Scorpio is the ruler of the 8th house which is the house of shared finances, inheritances, taxes, and debts. You have an eye for what is going to benefit you financially or not, and your analytical mind is constantly running the numbers. This is why you will find a lot of Scorpios working in banks, accounting, or dealing with data. A good money mantra for your passionate soul acknowledges your need for abundance and empowerment but also highlights the magnetic power you exude. You have a way of luring people or energy to you, and you can use this gift in attracting money and financial wealth into your life as well.
SAGITTARIUS
“I manage my finances well,
I am a lucky soul.”
Sagittarius tends to find themselves in the right place, at the right time. Through your optimism and adventurous energy, you attract opportunities for yourself effortlessly in life. For you, your money mantra is all about recognizing your unique gifts of manifestation, but also about grounding this energy so that you always feel like you have enough. You will book a vacation without much thought to it, which can be fun for the soul but may dampen your financial returns in the long run. Balance is everything for you financially, and your money mantra should especially be repeated before making any big purchases or spending on impulse.
CAPRICORN
“I am a success, and I have the Midas Touch.
Everything I do turns to gold.”
A Capricorn looks at their bank balance the first thing when they wake up. You are not one to beat around the bush when it comes to money, and you also aren’t afraid to ask for what you deserve. Being ruled by the 10th house, the house of success, career goals, and prosperity--you have high ideals in life and this is especially true for you financially. You want to be the best at everything you do, and everything you touch turns to gold. Your money mantra puts you into that energy of knowing how valuable you are, and the fact that everyone wishes they had a Capricorn on their team to get things done and elevate financially.
AQUARIUS
“The opportunities for me in life are endless.
Wealth constantly flows into my life.”
Aquariuses are aspirational and inspiring souls. You were born with expansive goals and visions for the world, and you have a gift for connecting with the right people who help you get there. A money mantra for you that opens up channels of wealth and prosperity serves you well, and you have a unique way of making things happen for yourself. Aquariuses often surprise people with what their financial world looks like, as they aren’t one to boast. Your money mantra is all about attracting endless opportunities into your life, and being the successful soul you are. Repeat your money mantra while going about your day to help you focus on what you are attracting and focusing on.
PISCES
“I am grounded in the present moment.
The universe has my back, and always provides for me.”
Pisces manifest from the heart. Being ruled by Neptune, the planet of fantasy, and Jupiter, the planet of success, means that your dreams in life do often come true for you. Why? Because you don’t stop thinking of them. You tend to live in your own world of fantasy, which can be a very good thing when it comes to manifesting. You know there is a force greater than anything out there, and you often rely on this benevolent energy to support you when needed. Your money mantra will help you ground your desires in the present moment, where the universe can meet you halfway.
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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.
____
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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