Ask yourself this question, "Why do people marry?" To many people the answer is quite simple. People get married because they "fall in love." This familiar expression implies that a couple has no control over the mate selection process. It leaves it all up to chance. This theory of accidental mate selection and marriage lifts the burden of failure off the participants' shoulders and places it on fate. If the marriage does not work, or if either spouse is dissatisfied, it certainly could not be the fault of the couple. They had no control over their destiny. It was all a matter of chance.

Mate selection is really one of the most accurate choosing processes that we engage in. But many people are not aware of the choice they are making. Equally important, they are not aware of why they are choosing as they are.

People marry for a variety of reasons. Some motives for marriage are more sound and will probably lead to sound marriages. Other motives are not realistic and increase the chances of unfulfilled expectations in marriage.

Some motivations for marriage such as marrying to appear grown up, or to be freed of parents' supervision may lead to dissatisfaction in the relationship. Many marriages fail because the participants expect it to change them into better people. Marriage does not change people. It cannot make an immature person an adult, or an unhappy person happy.

Another poor reason to marry is to deal with sexual urges that have been awakened. Marriage provides an acceptable outlet for sexual gratification. But unless there is a solid emotional foundation, a marriage based on sex will be unfulfilling. The same is true for a marriage formed to combat loneliness that compelled the couple to marry. Loneliness will still exist only now they can be lonely together. Premarital pregnancy is another negative reason to marry. When this is the only factor that holds two people together, the couple will soon feel trapped and may start to resent each other and the child.

A marriage based on any selfish motive, combating loneliness, achieving sexual gratification, gaining adult status, or any others in which personal gratification rather than mutual satisfaction is stressed, may lead to unhappiness with the relationship. Although there are many reasons for marriage, one basic premise remains. People marry in order to have their needs fulfilled. Mate selection is based on the fulfillment of mutual needs.

We search for the mate who can help us and whom we can help achieve satisfaction. If we can achieve satisfaction with our lives before marriage, there is a better chance that we will achieve satisfaction in marriage.

Marriage is a two-way relationship in which the needs of two people should be satisfied. In order for the relationship to last and grow, each member must be able to overlook selfish desires ad try to fulfill the needs of the other.

There is no one reason for marriage that is better than any other. The right reasons for marriage are all based on the mutual gratification of needs. Couples often marry to form a partnership in which they fulfill each others needs and desires. Marriages such as this are based on mature love. Mature love is based on needing someone because you love them rather than immature love where you love someone because you need them. Other couples marry for companionship and sharing in which they fulfill their emotional needs and physical needs. Marriages in which sharing, love, and companionship are provided are likely to grow and flourish with time.

Marriage is an important commitment that does not come about accidentally. People may want to avoid their responsibility for mate selection by blaming it on chance and leaving their marital success up to "chance" as well. But mate selection is a deliberate process in which we choose our mate according to our needs, although couples sometimes don't recognize this.

People enter marriage with preconceived notions of what it will be like. These marital scripts impose a role on one's spouse that may or may not fit their own expectations. Before assuming the responsibilities of marriage it is important to become aware of these expectations and needs.

Clearly recognizing needs and expectations of ourselves and our spouse, and discussing them before marriage will help us enter marriage more realistically with more than just a "chance" of success.

No relationship is a picnic all the time, and many of us start to feel a little slump as our relationship begins to age. With so much to do, it’s hard to make time for the person closest to us, and soon enough many start to feel the flame fizzling. A good relationship takes work and sometimes even sacrifice, and anything worth keeping is worth investing time into.

Sometimes people lose touch over the years, and sometimes relationships grow strained. If you’ve been holding something against your husband or wife, do the best that you can to forgive and start healing. You can't spice things up before you get over any resentment you have in your relationship.

Why not propose a dress-up date night, and go all out for one another? In the beginning of a relationship, we always try to put our best foot forward, but sometimes we let that effort slip. Your spouse is attracted to you no matter what you wear, but of course he or she is likely going to be wowed by a hot outfit instead of sweatpants. Showing one another that you are each still worth the effort is a great way to breathe life back into a deflated marriage.

This seems like a no-brainer, but it's amazing how many couples spend every weekend vegging out in front of the television. It’s quite possible that you’ve both forgotten just what made you fall in love in the first place. By making your relationship a priority again, you’ll allow yourself to see the qualities in your mate that you love and cherish. Take a dance class, or learn to ski together. Do something new and adventurous, just the two of you, and see if you can’t ignite a flame in your relationship.

You know yourself and your own relationship better than anyone else, and the probability is that you’re likely to know a fair amount about your spouse, too. Take a moment to brainstorm a few really special gifts or treats that you could splurge on to show your significant other how much you care. Maybe she’s always wanted to spend a romantic night at a hotel, getting couples massages and eating fancy food. Maybe he has often lamented that he never bought that old motorcycle he was considering, and it would be really special to present him with a set of riding lessons to inspire him to do it now. Don't wait until a normal gift-giving holiday. Do it unexpectedly for no reason!

Marriage is a delicate balance, and it requires two dedicated parties to survive. By being honest, communicative and thoughtful, you may find that your relationship is virtuous and worth saving.

I used to believe that all girls have already imagined since they were at least 7 years old how they want to be engaged and then have played with the thought of prince charming and marriage altogether. I am guilty of that, I have played scenarios and dialogues in my imagination that I wonder how many times my boyfriend would propose to me for all my imagined scenarios to come true. But then I have a friend from college who haven't thought of a marriage proposal. I mean, she does want to get engaged and get married but she hasn't imagined how she wants her prince to propose, how she'd say yes, what her ring would look like, etc. That broke my long streak of friends who have imagined where their future husbands would propose at least to those who are like me who already imagined even the whole dialogue at most. How about you?

I have made up the whole wedding proposal scenario in my head not solely because of how sweet and wonderful it would sound to others when I share the story to them, that is just a bonus. I thought of it because that is how I want it to happen, that is how I prefer things, that is what I think would make me melt like butter. I know from my friends who are already engaged how completely surprised they were how their boyfriends proposed to them. The proposal wasn't that much of a surprise since most of their relationships are more than 3-6 years already, it's how the guys proposed that caught them all off guard. There were things done that made them wonder how the guys did it, where did they get the time to prepare, who helped them and where did they get the ideas. Engagement stories are important for memories, something you can treasure and go back to if you want to feel the joy of that moment that got proposed to. And well yes, something to share with your friends who are all too excited for you and maybe even lend a hand to your boyfriend with the proposal thing.

The most important thing when proposing: the ring. Depending on the girl's preference, the guy proposing would at least have an idea (or ask the girl's closest friends to help out, that works too) on what ring best suits his girl. It's sweet how guys really take time and exert effort on deciding and looking around for their girl's engagement rings. But if the girl would have to choose she'd probably choose a customized engagement ring, or something with a name like Tiffany, I personally find it more thoughtful if the guy would buy one from what he knows about me, that'll be sweet. Aside from the classic Tiffany choice, David Yurman rings are also a popular choice if you have the budget for it. Just an idea.

How did you imagine your boyfriend to propose to you? Where? When? Do you want it in a restaurant while having dinner? Do you want it just the two of you or with a few close friends? On Valentine's Day, your anniversary or some other special occasion meaningful to both of you? However and whenever the question "will you marry me?" pops out, it will surely be a memorable moment!

Looking to sweep that special someone off their feet, however the price for acquiring the ideal piece is certainly pulling you down. Here are some tips to finding the perfect, dazzling design at a more affordable price.

A proposal is on the horizon and you are planning a big surprise that will forever mark your future! You want only the best for your loved one, however, with a mountain of costs rising; wedding plans and the setting up of a new home, your panic for getting the perfect ring are growing! Stop panicking, with a little research and a push in the right direction you can get your fiance (to be) a breathtaking design at a reasonable price!

Going Vintage

Luckily for you vintage designs are all the rage right now! When I talk about vintage I am not referring to new-vintage or vintage inspired designs that are beautiful and extremely pricey. I mean antique designs; real vintage. What makes antique jewelry so fantastic is that you are getting the real deal; a unique design from era’s gone by. If your lady loves and knows her fashion, then it is more than likely that she is going to fall head over heels with a vintage piece! Let her fall for the romanticism of a historical design, ladies love one-off treasures. Set off on a hunt around vintage jewelers and antique fairs and find the perfect piece deserving a second time round.

If your bride to be is a lady with classic taste, you may shy away from old-vintage designs, thinking that she will want a traditional design that is brand new. This is not always the case, while you are hunting the fairs and stalls; keep a look out for dazzling Solitaire or Trinity designs. These elegant, traditional designs may be just key to sweeping her firmly off her feet. Ask her family and friends for their opinion on this, you may be surprised!

Bridal Sets

Don’t let the words “Bridal sets” put you off having a look at these shimmering duos. These cost-effective ring buying sets are not only more affordable but they also cut out the hunt of finding two separate items that compliment each other. When you invest in a bridal set you are getting two designs that are in perfect partnership, a fitting symbol for your union! Often people will shop for rings as separate purchases, not seeing the bigger picture; the need for a second ring. There are also unjustified snobbery behind buying two pieces as a set being cheaper. It is true that buying two pieces tends to be more affordable but this is surely a positive!

Most jewelers offer bridal sets, the standards and designs of these vary greatly. Shop around and see for yourself you might find the perfect set all at once.

Price Watch

If you are adamant that a brand-new (single) engagement ring is what you after, you still have a chance of getting a stunning design at an affordable price. Shopping around and comparing prices is a great way of getting the very best deal for her. To do this effectively, you need to be organized and keep your finger on the pulse, check out when sale days are taking place, see if certain websites are offering discounts for online purchases, visit price comparison sites. Also, many companies will offer you the lowest price if you find items cheaper somewhere else. For example, you would prefer to buy your ring from a reputable store, but, you have found the desired item for a cheaper price elsewhere, reach out to the store you would prefer to shop at and the likelihood is they will match the price or beat it!

Being your guests' first impression of your wedding, the stationeries create anticipation and expectation of how you and your spouse are preparing for the big day. As a trendy communication tool for invitation, it is now like a lifestyle experience. In many ways, a wedding stationery is like your book.  Below herewith are some ideas on creating the perfect wedding stationeries.

Firstly, you may consider hiring a designer to create your stationery that best describes your personality and theme for the wedding.  The designer can help you create the unique stationery of your wedding story. Next thing to note, try to be bold when choosing colors. The colors should help bringing the essence of your wedding. Get your inspiration from your wedding venue or anything you like.

As with anything else in preparing for a wedding, you should plan ahead as early as possible. Similar to choosing a wedding gown, particularly if you are on a budget and is already having a headache searching for cheap dresses, careful planning of your wedding will surely help reduce any unnecessary stress.  Give yourself sufficient time ahead of the wedding, as there will likely be many unexpected happenings along the way for you to encounter as it gets closer to the wedding day.

Then, you should plan the flow of the wedding day itself and the days toward it as this would help you have an idea what is needed along the way when you prepare the stationery items. For instance, you may wish to send "Save-The-Date" cards prior to the official invitation. Some other stationeries that are used include RSVP card, reception card, directional card, menu, program, thank you card etc.

Many ways are available to present your stationaries, such as emboss, foil stamping and flat printing. Depending on your budget, there are several printing methods and post-production finishing. Just choose those that best match your wedding theme.

From deciding who gets picked, to choosing dresses, there are many bridesmaid woes to worry about. First thing to do is to select the appropriate time to ask friends to be your bridesmaids. Actually, anytime is good. But, if you really want to set a formal time, it is better to wait until a few of the big wedding details have been decided, such as when and where the wedding is taking place. And, of course, don't wait too long either. They should be given enough time for dress fittings and other arrangements without feeling rushed. Do send each of your bridesmaids-to-be a bouquet with a card or invite the group for a meal. Being a bridesmaid is a big commitment, so you should give her sufficient time to consider it.

A common question on choosing a bridesmaid is whether she has to be unmarried. Well, not really. Usually bridesmaids are unmarried and hence the term maids. If you pick a married friend, she would be called matron of honour instead, and would be wearing something more mature than the typical bridesmaid dress. Most importantly, just try to pick someone who makes you feel confident and happy, someone you can trust to help you out on your big day. Also, if you do not want to start a battle by only asking some, but not all of your friends to be bridesmaids, you can ask them to become unofficial wedding "helpers" or "sisters".   

The typical protocol is that the bride pays for the bridesmaids' dresses while the groom bears the cost of the suits for the groomsmen. The transport to and from their homes to the wedding venues have to be well taken care of too. All these may add up to a really big sum of money. However, there are always several options to help you sourcing for cheap dresses and suits. 

It is not necessary to have bridesmaids wearing matching dresses. Matching styles may not work as your bridesmaids aren't identical to start with. While styles don't have to match, you can have one common element so the whole look of your bridal party gels. For instance, you can choose the color and fabric that suits all bridesmaids and they pick the style of the dress themselves. 

A dress is the total display of all the external visible adaptations of one’s body and all physical objects that is attached to it. Thus, a dress includes not only garments, but also all the accessories, hairstyles and any alterations to the body.

With its constant continuing changing nature, fashion seems to flow full cycle every decades, with designs being revamped and revisited again and again. Styles that was fashionable 10 years ago can be transformed, or left in their original look, and come back with a new brand logo and a whole new look with some additional accessories or minor alterations. It has become increasingly popular to bring back old-fashioned-looks that were once adored. We seek for the simplicity of the past and embrace looks that cover all areas of the style variety. Designs that offer trendy looks and also feel comfortable as it looks are always the more popular ones. 

In the early days, you seldom see a dress that has length that goes above the knee line. Then, at the start of the early 21st century, fashionable ladies began to try wearing dresses above the knee length. In the 1950s, dresses were made up at the knee length that gave an elegant and vintage look. These dresses were popular for decades until women started to seek other fashionable means to meet their ever-changing tastes. Today, there are numerous different varieties of dress designs. Designs that adopt the knee-length style of the 1950s are still popular with the additions of some accessories or alterations to compliment it. 

In fashion shows worldwide, it is not uncommon to see renowned designers combine fashion from the past and present. This may not be a bad thing as it gives us plentiful options in searching beyond the different flavor of fashions for different periods. By complimenting and blending styles of different periods, you can look just as fashionable as anyone today while wearing a 1950s dress. There is no need for you to spend lots of monies to create a trendy look. With many dresses that are priced at less than $100, you can easily find cheap dresses. The secrets to source for fashionable cheap dresses are simply to give yourself ample time and be as creative as you can on blending styles that match you best. Moreover, a plain or not-so-perfect dress can always be modified or embellished.   

Classic design that offers a vintage conventional look has drawn a growing number of shoppers, and classic wedding gowns are not exceptions. Getting very stylish and womanly, classic wedding gowns have become common these days. Gown is one of the most significant factors of any wedding function, and selecting a suitable one is generally tedious.