Every relationship is different and unique, and for many couples, a long-term relationship results in marriage. Your wedding day is a wonderful prospect, but for many people, it’s also terrifying. It signifies a huge step in your relationship and a massive commitment.
Your whole life will change when you get married. While it should be for the better, any change can be stressful. Here are some tips to help the transitional period move as smoothly as possible.
The Proposal
While a surprise proposal is incredibly romantic, it’s important to make sure that both people in the relationship are at the same point. If you’re planning a proposal, then you should at least check that your significant other is likely to be on board.
A proposal is not the answer to a troubled relationship. While the romance can sweep you off your feet and feel amazing at the moment, it’s by no means a long-term solution to an argument and can result in bigger problems further down the line.
If you’re planning a surprise proposal, you can still figure out whether your significant other is likely to accept. Do you talk about having a future together? Have you discussed children, living arrangements, or other things that would affect your lives?
Once you know that you’re both prepared for a commitment, then it’s time to pop the question.
The Ring
Wedding bands signify your love and commitment to one another. They might be simpler than the engagement ring, but this doesn’t mean that they’re any less important. In many relationships, only one person will wear an engagement ring (whoever gets proposed to), but both parties tend to wear wedding bands.
You should pick a wedding band that means something to both of you. Some people like more ornate rings, while others like a simpler piece that does the job. Ideally the bands should both match, as you match as a couple.
What Makes Your Relationship Special
The wonderful thing about your relationship is that you don’t necessarily have to follow all of these rules. You can plan a wedding and marriage that suits you both. The important thing is that you work together.
Marriage and any long-term relationship mean working as a team. If you plan to have children, then this viewpoint is even more important. But even if you want to simply create your own little family with the two of you, you need to be able to work well together.
Getting married doesn’t magically mean that you are suddenly able to mesh and think alike. This is a skill that you will have practiced throughout your relationship, and wedding planning can bring out the best (or worst) in anyone.
Think of it as a practice run for having to navigate the problems of life together. Your wedding day isn’t going to be the biggest hurdle or stress that you’ll have to overcome, but dealing with your families and getting everyone used to each other can feel like it at the time.