Preparing for marriage… can that ever be done? Most couples go into it feeling ready to tackle anything that comes their way, as long as they do it together. But for others, it’s hard to look beyond the wedding day. They take the approach of ‘que sera, sera’. Which couple are you?
There is a difference between marriage and a wedding
A wedding is one day; it is one event, a single celebration. It is a meal, a party where the colours match, the bride is beautiful and the photos are timeless.
A marriage is much more. It is a lifetime; 365 days a year, 7 days a week for as long as you live. It’s a commitment that goes beyond seating plans and Chantilly lace. It is the decision to love the person standing at the altar, for the rest of your life; through the good times, through the bad times, through sickness and health, through 3am feedings and family birthday parties.
No one says, or has ever said, marriage is easy. Even the couple who finish each other’s sentences, who tend to make everyone around them nauseous with their constant sentiments, will find some parts of marriage difficult. Suddenly, the bad little habit he used to have of ‘forgetting’ to use a coaster, becomes grounds for divorce and the cute little snort in her laugh becomes a high pitched squeal directly in his eardrum.
No… marriage is not a walk in the park. But before you get cold feet, remember that it’s the hard times that develop strength in your relationship. Your bond will get deeper and as the days go by, it will turn into the type of love that people write novels about, the kind that has stood the test of time.
You have the ring on your finger and the security of knowing that your fiancé wants to make a lifetime commitment. Be intentional and use your engagement to build the foundations by preparing for marriage.
Preparing for marriage – be a friend
Yes, they make your palms sweat and your knees weak, but at the end of the day the person you marry should be your best friend, a glorified lifetime roommate. Emotions will fade, his amazing brown hair might fall out and she might lose her perfect teeth. Be sure you like the bald, toothless person you are left with.
They should be the person you can tell anything to, who makes you laugh, who understands you and wants the best for you, as you do for them. The best way to make a friend is to be a friend. No one wants to be friends with someone who is self absorbed, talk’s non-stop about themselves, who shows up late and has no thought about your schedule and lifestyle. The same is true in the romantic relationship. Treat your other half as you want to be treated, simple but true!
Preparing for marriage – use time wisely
Between your normal work schedule, friends, family and meeting the wedding planner for lunch, you may not have as much time for each other as you used to. But it’s crucial you make an effort. Make intentional dates when you don’t talk about the wedding, problem family members and any other wedding related stresses. Just spend time with each other as a couple, the way it used to be before you were engaged.
This may take some major prioritising; you will feel less stress if you have fewer things in your schedule. It might mean missing a night at the gym, going to work early instead of late or deciding against the tango class.
Preparing for marriage – focus on the goal
There is a point in the wedding planning process, when the details take over the reason you are getting married. This is when it gets stressful and rocky for you as a couple, and when you need to focus on what matters.
Take time to think about when you first met, the proposal and the day you knew you wanted to spend the rest of your life together. Whether you have a huge wedding or not, you are making the conscious choice to spend your days with your fiancé, and that can happen with chair covers and chandeliers or with a simple piece of paper from the registry.
It would be foolish to think you could please everyone with your wedding. Some dates won’t work for some people. Your sister may think your dress is just like hers, or your bridesmaid may say she looks fat in the colour you pick. Despite the whining, you asked them to be involved for a reason. It’s important to remember that your wedding is about more than just you and your fiancé. If it were all about you, it would be an event with just the two of you. The day is the celebration of your commitment, with the people you love.
Your wedding is an emotional time for everyone, especially your family. It will mean so much to them if you keep them involved. Little things like inviting your mum and your fiancés mum for dress fittings, and making an effort to meet up with the bridal party regularly, will make the whole process more meaningful.
This does not mean you take a poll about what dress to choose, or which venue to use. It means you make decisions that will generally suit you first, and then the people you invite.
Preparing for marriage – communicate
Almost all arguments can be pinned on a communication breakdown, whether it’s a lack of it or a misunderstanding. You said ‘I don’t care if you come with me to pick the cake’, and that’s exactly what he heard. But you meant ‘you better come with me to pick this blasted cake, or you will pay for it in guilt trips for the next 10 years!’ If you want him to help you choose the cake, tell him! We are all guilty of not saying when something is bothering us. To avoid harbouring bitterness, be open with your fiancé about what’s troubling you.
People communicate in different ways. Something she says offhandedly, that seems like nothing, may be something really bothering her. He may not tell you that he worships the ground you walk on, but will fix your toaster and sweep the garage instead. The way you can determine how your fiancé communicates is by watching what seems to mean a lot to them. How do they show affection to other people they love? And to you?
Preparing for marriage – talk through the ‘don’t go there’ subjects
Do you know what your fiancé thinks about religion? How many kids they want, if any? How much debt they have? Before you say ‘I do’, tackle all the topics that are normally a taboo on the first date.
There will be arguments with your other half, but you can prevent many of them if you ask for their side of things. Many couples find pre-marital courses very helpful in preparing for marriage.
