You\u2019ve sat down and had an intense and emotional one-on-one conversation with her dad. You\u2019ve shopped across the city for the perfect diamond for your best friend. You\u2019ve planned the perfect place to ask her the question. You\u2019ve given a heartwarming speech that she won\u2019t remember because she\u2019s so excited. Now you\u2019re engaged. Time to start planning the wedding. For most grooms-to-be, wedding planning is a frightening journey of all things guys can\u2019t stand: planning, talking, shopping, trying on clothes, arguing, crying, and looking fancy. But the engagement process shouldn\u2019t be a nightmare for grooms, here are some easy tips to survive and thrive during the wedding planning phase.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Debate, but Have Opinions:<\/b> It\u2019s easy for guys to separate themselves from the wedding planning, especially when the fangs and claws come out about minute things like ribbon color. But don\u2019t use that as an excuse to not have an opinion. Your fianc\u00e9 wants to see you engaged and involved in the planning process. That doesn\u2019t mean to openly debate about table placement with the mother of the bride, but you need to consistently voice your thoughts and opinions. This will make the bride feel valued and loved.<\/p>\n
Be Supportive:<\/b> In every step of the wedding planning you need to be supportive. Use words of affirmation and actions as a way to support your bride during the emotional roller coaster of planning a wedding. Many times this means you will have to step in and be the leader on decisions. \u201cSaving the day\u201d is important to establish early in the engagement. This usually happens when your future in-laws are using a planning decision as an emotional escape. No mother of the bride cares that much about the invitation font, it\u2019s usually a symbol of coping with her daughter growing up.<\/p>\n
Focus on the Important Things:<\/b> After buying the ring and proposing, the groom can feel like his job is over but this is far from true. Although men probably won\u2019t have to do a majority of the wedding planning, it\u2019s important for them to focus on the important things leading to marriage. Continue to love and swoon your bride throughout the engagement period. Focus on your relationship and how you will live your future life together. Marriage counseling is required by many churches and religious denominations, but don\u2019t leave the discussion to a couple one-hour sessions. Continue to mold and develop the relationship throughout the engagement to create a better marriage in the future.<\/p>\n
Do Fun Things:<\/b> The worst thing for an engaged couple is to only talk about the wedding when you\u2019re together. Do fun things throughout your engagement. If necessary, do a \u201cno wedding talk\u201d clause before you take your fianc\u00e9 out on a creative date. Helping her get away from the planning process will help your relationship and the planning as a whole.<\/p>\n
Do Stuff with the Bros:<\/b> This will be the last time you\u2019re able to spend real guy time before you get married. Take a long weekend (aka a bachelor party) or make planned and regular \u201cchill time\u201d with your buddies. You\u2019ll never be able to go back after your married, so take advantage of the time you have now. Plus, time with guys will help you remain sane throughout the planning process and remind how great your bride is.<\/p>\n