Especially when he/she *may* not have of dreamed of this day forever. While you may think that your partner wants nothing to do with the wedding planning, this is an exciting process that you’ll want to do together! You don’t want to get overwhelmed and burnt out just because you tried to do everything yourself, so enlist the help you can get. There are certain things you won’t need (or want) his help on, like finding a wedding dress, but ask for his help in other aspects. For some ideas on how to get your fiancé involved in the planning, try these tips!
Talk budget
Easily one of the most important wedding aspects you should get your partner’s input on the budget. Your future is starting together as a couple, and you don’t want to go spending money before having a discussion. Before any planning, sit down with your husband-to-be and talk budget. Come up with an amount that you’re both comfortable with, and consider what funds you’ll be getting from your family members as well. Set aside a specific dollar amount for each aspect of the wedding so you can stay on track and not overspend. You might think it’s worth it to spend $5,000 on flowers, but your partner might think that’s unreasonable, so it’s important to be on the same page before booking anything.
Ask for his/her opinion
Even if you think they may go with what you want still take the time to talk to your partner about what he/she wants out of this wedding. If your partner really wants an open bar or is set on a chocolate cake, always be sure to see what he wants when making decisions. This is their wedding too, after all! Even better: ask what kind of venue he or she is looking for before setting up tours. That way, you’re sure you won’t have him walk into the venue on the day of the nuptials and be completely shocked by all of the work you did.
Pick out your gifts
It may seem easier to just go to the store or go online and register all on your own for the things you know you need. Make registering into a date night so it’s time you can spend together. If you decide to register online, get into your cozy clothes and sit on the couch with some wine while picking out linens and fine china (or in our case ALL the cool coffee makers). Or if you’d rather go see the items in person, head to whichever store you want to register at and revel in the feeling of scanning everything you want! Afterward, go out for dinner or some drinks to really maximize the time you’re spending together.
Let your partner plan something on their own
There are plenty of tasks that you’ll need to get done, and might be working on yourself throughout the wedding planning. Give your partner something you can get done on his own. Giving him a sense of responsibility with help him feel a part of things, and will also help you check another to-do off your list! You could ask your fiancé to plan the honeymoon and research options that the two of you will both enjoy like us – after all Jon is much better at vacation planning than I am. You can give him some guidelines to stick to, like a vacation that will allow you to unwind, but also have fun and enjoy all of the amenities you’re looking for, like an all-inclusive cruise. The best part is, when the wedding day is all said and done, you get to head off on your honeymoon knowing it was thoughtfully planned by your new spouse!
Get crafty together
Use your wedding planning as a way to find new hobbies you can enjoy that allow you to spend time together. If you’re doing any DIYing for your decorations, enlist the help of your fiancé. Make it a DIY day and layout all of the materials you need to accomplish your projects. Make your own centerpieces for your reception if you can’t find what you’re looking for elsewhere, or DIY signs that will give your decor that extra something you’re looking for. You’ll have fun while doing it, and you’ll accomplish another thing on your list--together!
Plan the seating chart
You won’t only need your guy’s help at the beginning of the planning with all of the major decisions. Include him in on the decisions that need to be made in the months leading up to the wedding, like the seating chart. This job is easier done with two people, as you can get a second opinion on where best to place everyone. He’ll be able to give insight on what table and location are best for his members of the family, and might be able to help figure out how to organize both sets of friends so that everyone will get along. Keep in mind that tasks you think you can accomplish on your own can be made easier with a little help from your fiancé!
Happy planning, and don’t forget to continue to follow along with my wedding planning.
- Emma Walker
