A survey by WP Diamonds answered by 1,000 people between the ages of 20 and 60 showed that 20 percent of engagements are called off before the wedding for various reasons. However, not all breakups happen for significant reasons. Sometimes couples drift apart or have disagreements that they can’t seem to overcome. These small things can add up and eventually lead to the end of a relationship.
Hence, it is essential not to take for granted the wedding planning process, as it can be a strong indicator of the health of a relationship. Suppose a couple is constantly bickering or disagreeing about the wedding. In that case, it could signify that the couple might also not be on the same page about their future together. On the other hand, a couple that can navigate through the stress of planning a wedding together is likely to handle other life stressors well.
Between the budgeting, the vendor meetings, and the endless to-do lists, it’s easy to see how tensions can start to run high. But if you want your relationship to survive—and even thrive—during this process, follow these six tips:
1. Set your expectations
Talk about how much involvement you want from your partner and set your expectations because, as the old saying goes, “expectations breed resentment.” If you want your partner to be super involved in the planning process, communicate that early on. Similarly, if you prefer to handle most of the details yourself, let them know so that they can be supportive in other ways.
2. Agree on a budget (and stick to it)
It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive. The average wedding costs over $30,000. It’s easy to go over budget when planning a wedding because so many little things eventually add to a much bigger bill than you initially expected.
You can avoid this by agreeing on a budget before you start planning and being wary of your wedding-related costs throughout the process. You can always find suitable and affordable options without having to settle. For example, catering could be a significant cost for your wedding. Still, there are many creative ways to save money on food without sacrificing quality or quantity, like opting for a food truck instead of a formal sit-down dinner. Similarly, your wedding attire can also be quite costly. But there are many ways to get a beautiful dress without spending a fortune, like shopping at a consignment store or renting a dress instead of buying one. If you want to have your wedding gown customized while sticking to the budget, you can always find a local seamstress who can make alterations for a fraction of the price.
However you plan your budget, the most important thing is to be on the same page with your partner and stick to it. This will help avoid any arguments down the road.
3. Ensure you have some time for yourselves
It’s essential to spend time with each other during the wedding planning because it can be a very hectic time. There are many things to do, places to visit, and people to speak with. This makes it easy to get overwhelmed. Spending time together will help keep your relationship strong and help you stay focused on what’s important.
For example, you can go on a date night, take a weekend trip, or just spend an evening together talking about the wedding. This way, you can stay connected and support each other during the wedding planning process.
4. Keep communication open
Keep communication open to avoid any misunderstandings. Communication is key to a successful relationship, and wedding planning might put you to the test.
There can be many disagreements when planning a wedding. Some of the most common ones include disagreements about the budget, the guest list, and the venue.
When it comes to the budget, often couples disagree about how much money they should spend on their wedding. One person might want a more extravagant wedding while the other wants to save money. It’s important to discuss your budget early on and come to an agreement about what you can afford.
Guest lists can also be a source of contention. One person might want to invite many people, while the other wants to keep the guest list small. Again, it’s important to discuss your expectations early on. You might even want to create two guest lists: one for immediate family and close friends and another for extended family and acquaintances.
Finally, couples often disagree about the venue. One person might want to get married in a church, while the other prefers a more unique setting. It’s important to discuss your preferences and agree on the venue.
You don’t want to end up with a less than ideal wedding simply because of miscommunication. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can avoid potential arguments and disagreements. This way, you can focus on enjoying the wedding planning process together.
5. Seek help from others
You can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything yourselves. There’s no shame in asking for help from family and friends. It can be a huge relief to have someone else take on some wedding-related tasks and responsibilities.
For example, you can ask a close friend to be your wedding day coordinator and a family member to help with the wedding invitations. Or, you can hire a wedding planner to help with the overall planning and coordination. If you’re looking for a wedding planner, there are a few places to start. One option is to search online. There are many websites that list wedding planners in your area. Another option is to ask friends and family for recommendations. They might know of a good wedding planner who can help with the planning process. Finally, you can also check with your local wedding venues. They might have a list of recommended planners.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your partner. They’ll likely be more than happy to lend a hand (or two). Asking for help can take some of the pressure off you and allow you to focus on other aspects of the wedding.
6. Most importantly, enjoy this time!
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Make sure to savor every moment because, before you know it, the big day will be here. Seeing the joy on your partner’s face as you exchange vows is worth all the effort to make your wedding day perfect. So don’t worry too much if something doesn’t go according to plan. In the end, what matters most is that you’re marrying the love of your life!
Wedding planning can be a challenging process for any couple. Still, it is essential to remember that it is also a time to celebrate your love for each other. Following these tips ensures your relationship stays strong through the wedding planning process and beyond.