- Discuss finances, goals for marriage, and wedding planning details before taking the plunge.
- Take time for yourself to ensure the relationship is healthy and strong.
- Cut costs by renting items, shopping smartly, inviting fewer guests, and choosing an inexpensive venue.
- Be prepared to plan and make the best decisions for you and your partner.
Getting married is a common event in the United States. Millions of Americans are getting married annually. However, getting married is not something you should rush. Instead, it must prepare for it by following these steps.
Things to Do Before Getting Married
Whether it’s your first time down the aisle or you’re a serial monogamist, specific steps should be taken before saying “I do.” It can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning and forget to take some essential steps. So here are four things you need to do before getting married.
Talk About Finances
Debts are one of the leading reasons for divorce. This is why it’s one of the most critical conversations couples should have before tying the knot. How much money do you each make? Are there any debts that need to be discussed? Do you plan on combining all of your finances or keeping them separate? These questions should be answered honestly and openly so that both parties understand what they are getting into. Especially if one person has significantly more debt than the other, this could affect how joint funds are used down the road.
Discuss Your Goals for Marriage
It isn’t enough just to talk about finances; couples should also discuss their goals for marriage, both short-term and long-term. For example, where do you want to live? Are there any areas of life (career, lifestyle, etc.) where one partner wants to make a change? What kind of family structure would you like to have? These conversations can help set expectations so that neither party is disappointed later on.
Compromise on Wedding Planning Details
When it comes to wedding planning, couples will inevitably come across issues where they don’t see eye-to-eye. This is why they need to practice compromising with each other early on in their relationship – starting with those pesky wedding details!
This could range from deciding who will sit at which table during dinner or which color scheme should be used in the bridal suite. Learning how to compromise now will save a lot of headaches in the future when deciding on more significant issues together, like child rearing or buying a house.
Take Time for Yourself
Finally, soon-to-be spouses need to take some time for themselves before jumping into marriage headfirst. This may sound counterintuitive since marriage is about spending time with your partner, but taking some “me time” is essential for maintaining your identity and sanity while still being committed as a couple! Whether taking an evening out with friends or going away on a solo trip, carving out time away from your partner can help strengthen your bond as individuals and partners in the long run.
Tips For an Affordable Marriage
Once you’ve done the steps above, it’s time to get married! Unfortunately, getting married can be pretty expensive, costing around $28,000 on average in the U.S. Here’s how you can drastically reduce those numbers.
Rentals
One of the best ways to reduce costs is to utilize rentals as much as possible. For example, consider getting shade from tent wedding rental services if you need shade. They can provide beautiful tents and canopies to romanticize your ceremony. If you need furniture, explore the options available from party rental services.
Shop Smartly
When budgeting for a wedding, getting caught up in all the details is easy. To ensure you don’t overspend on any item, shop around for each item separately. This will help ensure you get the best value for your money. Many reputable online stores have great deals on dresses and tuxedos, so take advantage of them! Additionally, visit thrift stores or consignment shops for decorations or accessories – you might even find your dream dress!
Invite Fewer Guests
Another way to save money on your wedding is to reduce the number of guests. Most couples want their big day to be unique and memorable but don’t want their budget stretched too thin by hosting hundreds of people they barely know. Instead, consider inviting close family members and friends only; this way, you can enjoy time with those closest to you while still having enough funds left over for other important aspects of your special day!
Choose an Inexpensive Venue
The venue is one of the most important decisions when planning a wedding and one of the most expensive purchases. To keep costs low, consider less traditional venues such as outdoor gardens or public parks instead of more costly options like ballrooms or country clubs. Also, opting for a weekday instead of a Saturday night event could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars!
Getting married is a big step, but it can be an exciting and rewarding experience with the proper preparation and planning. Follow these steps to make your journey down the aisle smoother and more affordable.
