Do This Before Planning Your Wedding

05.18.22 02:19 PM By Jason Spranger
Wedding planning can be extremely overwhelming for many couples. Especially when everyone is sharing their thoughts on weddings with you. Here is a great activity to help you and your fiancé focus on what is most important for you two.

Plan a date night where you take 15-20 minutes to write down a list of what is most important for you at your wedding. Have your fiancé do the same. After the 15-20 minutes is up, discuss together. Don't rush that time alone either. Reread you list. Formulate reasons why you value some parts more than others. I know it can be tempting, but don't discuss with your fiancé until you've had enough time to be with your own thoughts. Maybe it takes 30-40 minutes. Maybe it's best to write the lists separately before you meet. There is no need to rush. Then, once you've gathered your own thoughts, it's time to discuss (not debate) with your fiancé. Share what you value and why. Listen to what your fiancé values. Ask questions to gain understanding. Since you two are planning on spending your lives together, I would guess you'll be on the same page for a lot of it. And I'm sure there will be some surprises as well.

Here is a list to get you started. You can always add to the list or omit if they don't apply.

Examples of what to value include but not limited to:
Ceremony
Guests
Flow of event / Timeline
Overall budget
Photography / Videography
Convenience / simplicity the day of your wedding
Wedding planner
Small decor (centerpieces / flowers / candles / pictures, etc)
Large decor / Atmosphere (color scheme, room lighting, cold sparks, look of venue)
Venue (looks as well as food, service, and overall presentation)
Location (Hotel option due to people traveling)
Attire (Dress/Suit)
Entertainment (Music, selfie station, the guest book, other forms of guest involvement)
Save the Dates / Invitations / Thank you’s (Budget stamps)
Bridal Party Selection
Transportation
Desserts

Now I'm sure I didn't cover everything about weddings in this list; however, it's plenty to have a quality conversation about what is most important for the two of you. This helps to cutout the noise of what others say you need at your wedding. This exercise also streamlines your focus and budget  to have the wedding you two will appreciate and value.

Jason Spranger