Photography: getty images
When we think of wedding planning, we think of themes and decors and dresses and "wow factors". We think of the things that will make that one day extra special. However, we tend to overlook the fact that a wedding is only the event to kick start a more important process: the marriage. We take the time out of our already busy schedules to prepare for our weddings, and yet we don't seem to have enough time to prepare ourselves for marriage. Invest more time in each other. Instead of meeting to further talk about the wedding planning, date. Let's not assume that we already know everything there is to know about our partners. There is always something new to discover. Let's go out on dates. Let's do something we've never done before. Let's talk about something we've never talked about before. Let's get to know each other, deeper and better. Let's make time to prepare ourselves for marriage.
So, here are 5 things you can do to take more time out from your hectic schedule to invest more in your relationship:
1. Hire a wedding planner. Did you know that a wedding organizer should actually be doing more than just being there on your wedding day? Yes. They can actually plan out the whole thing for you. Just let them know what you want and how you want it, and leave the details and execution to them. Trust us, it will be like having a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders.
2. Share tasks and responsibilities. When it comes to the tiniest details of the wedding planning, such as on the spot decision making or family coordination, share the responsibilities. As much as you think the groom should have it easy, he should not be let off the hook. Two heads are better than one and four arms are better than two. If you do this together, you will have more time to spend on each other.
3. Be realistic and practical. There so many things to do and yet so little time. That is the ultimate dilemma in wedding planning. The key to effective planning is to get the heavies out of the way early on. These include top and non-negotiable priorities such as the wedding budget, the time, and the venue. Once you've got that settled, don't go changing it to fit the smaller, negotiable things you want. If you can't afford it, don't waste your time on it. You have better things to do with your time than to find ways to convince each other to change your priorities.
4. Limit the wants. Don't waste your time pondering upon choices and weighing options. Limit what you want. Narrow your choices down to two options. Decide, and then move on. Don't spend any more time than you need to decide on one tiny element in your wedding.
5. Be disciplined with time. You know what it means to be effective at work ─ limit the distractions, set your priorities, etc. Apply the same skill set on your wedding planning. Do not forget to insert "date night" as one of your top priorities.
