Wedding Appearances: I Don't Get It

I'm in the period of my life when my peers are marrying each other in masses. Many will spend a large sum of money to celebrate their love with their family and friends. At some level, I understand the willingness to do so.

While many aspects of weddings (I previously had "marriages" here but quickly realized that much more complicated) confuses me, how people view beauty has my head spinning the most. If you look at women at weddings, many of them are covered in cosmetic products after spending hours getting prepared. The men's hair are usually lathered up in her or other slick. In some occasions, the women are almost unrecognizable.

I understand the desire to feel extra special and beautiful for such a momentous life event, but I often think that most women look more beautiful without all that makeup. I'm always conflicted whether I'm a jerk when people compliment on the appearance on someone (e.g. "She looks so pretty!") and all I can think is they look better without all that makeup and crazy hair styling. But of course "better" is all dependent on the eye of beholder; and can often be seen as "on a par".

If people truly think that all that makeup and such improve their appearance, that's good, but I'm sure there are those who give in and conform to social convention (e.g. need wear makeup to look beautiful/formal).