Planning your wedding is an exciting process that typically moves full speed ahead.

Before you hit the gas, there are a few things to remember as you head into the next chapter of your life’s story!

Now, there are two ways to approach this concept. First, there are many things to consider before getting married to your partner– relationship-wise.

You’ll want to make sure that the both of you are in agreement before entering a marriage, which should take precedence to wedding planning. Even if you did not discuss these things before getting engaged, prior to planning a wedding is a great time to talk through and work through any issues or concerns that you may have about your relationship before getting married.

Discuss and be aware of the following relationship topics before getting married:

1. Financial expectations and planning
2. Do you both want children, or where do you stand on that subject?
3. Where do you see yourself living and making a life together?
4. How do you feel about each other’s families?
5. How do you handle conflict– and what changes do you want to make when in conflict?
6. If you do want children, how do you want to raise them?

If you haven’t previously discussed these topics with your fiancé, make it a priority before you dive headfirst into wedding planning. If you aren’t on the same page with these topics, this doesn’t mean that you need to call off the wedding! It might just mean that it’s a great opportunity to discuss couples’ counseling and get even closer in your relationship before walking down the aisle. A long engagement isn’t a bad thing!

Ultimately, you’ll want to address these very important relationship questions before moving into a marriage. A marriage is a binding contract, and you’ll be legally tied to your fiancé with what is intended to be a lifelong commitment.

Make sure that you can both compromise and come to an agreement on life together after the wedding. After all, it’s not just a wedding, it’s a marriage that you’re signing up for. Which is beautiful, complicated and exciting all at once!

The second concept to consider before you begin wedding planning is the wedding itself. There are some preliminary things that you and your partner must agree on before you move forward and start paying vendors.

Wedding details you and your partner need to agree on before wedding planning:

1. How big do you envision the wedding to be?
2. What will the budget for the wedding be?
3. Where is the money for the wedding coming from?
4. Where do you want the wedding to be?
5. How will you divide the wedding planning details?
6. When is the projected wedding date/ year?

Once these wedding planning details have been established and you’ve come to an agreement, you’re ready to begin calling vendors, selecting a venue and sending out RSVPs!

Some of these conversations may be difficult to have, but you’ll enjoy a long and happy marriage together once you’ve discussed your wedding and life after.

©CTW Features