With the holidays upon us, many couples will be taking the next step in their relationship and becoming engaged. The engagement season is very exciting, however it can be a bit overwhelming at times. Here are the best five pieces of advice for newly engaged couples to help them breeze through the wedding planning process and down the aisle into marriage.
5.) Wedding Planning Can Wait
For many couples, as soon as the engagement announcement has been made, they immediately start planning their wedding. While there are some things that need to be booked in advance, couples shouldn't rush into wedding planning. Being newly engaged, is a very special time in a couple's relationship and they should take some time to enjoy it. Also, most grooms have spent a lot of time (and money) selecting the ring and planning the perfect proposal. Give the groom-to-be a break from planning a major life event and maybe even get him a little token of appreciation.
4.) Go to Pre-Martial Counseling
Marriage is a huge commitment and should be taken very seriously. I recommend that all couples seek pre-martial counseling, religious or otherwise, during their engagement season. Counseling helps couples plan for their new lives together, build a stronger bond as well as learn life lessons such as how to fight fairly. Additionally, counseling helps couples develop a "life plan" including when and how many children they want, financial goals and how to manage in-laws.
3.) Continue to Date Each Other
Even though an engaged couple is technically no longer "dating" It doesn't mean the romance and dates should end. Couples should continue to date each other as if they had just met. Take turns planning both low-cost but fun dates such as a picnic in the park or a game night as well as a special nights out on the town. Having a regular date night helps keep the relationship fresh and sets a precedent that will carry on throughout the marriage.
2.) Limit Social Media
Social media has become a huge part of our society and how we document major milestones in our lives. While a newly engaged couple may want to post every detail of their wedding planning process, it opens the door to several annoyances that can cause unnecessary stress. By avoiding posting about your wedding, you will also cut down on unsolicited advice, self-invited guests and your friends burning out on hearing about your wedding. It also allows the couple to keep their relationship private and to make this process truly about them.
1.) Rely on Each Other
Wedding planning is a good lesson in trust, compromise and learning to lean on each other for the soon to be married couple. When challenges arise, remember that your finance is there to help and support you. By planning the wedding together, couples will to learn how to lean on each other