5 Tips for When You’re Getting Married
By Diana McKeon Charkalis
Officially forging a union with the one you love, in public, can be both exhilarating and terrifying. To better navigate the road to wedded bliss, follow these five tips.
Get crafty and save money. Pinterest and Instagram are full of great ideas to make your wedding personalized, stylish and affordable. If you and your bridesmaids are a creative crew, whip up some favors, decorations or photo booth props. To create an elegant look on a small budget, opt for simplicity, not clutter. Less is more.
Not so crafty? You can still save money by handling some of the programs, menus and seating cards yourself. Bonus tip: Allow yourself more DIY time than you think you need, since results may vary and you want your special day to be as well-crafted as possible.
Face those finances. About a third of American couples say money is a major source of conflict in their relationship, leading to some of their most intense arguments, according to the American Psychological Association. That’s why it’s a good idea to discuss financial goals before you get married, as well as how you’d like to share responsibilities once you’ve said, “I do.”
Avoid using the word “budget” and use the less restrictive term “spending plan.” If you schedule a time to talk about finances, plan something fun to do together afterward so your money date seems like less of a chore.
Cultivate kindness. Practicing patience and gratitude toward the one you love during good times and challenges can go a long way. If tempers flare in the days leading up to “I do,” consider this quote from Mr. Rogers: “Love isn’t a state of perfect caring … To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.”
Keep the compliments coming. Researchers at Harvard noticed that when it comes to praising co-workers—and spouses—there actually is an ideal ratio. Five positive comments for every negative one seems to tip the scales in favor of staying together—or at least getting along. So if you must mention the dirty dishes in the sink, don’t forget to balance it out with spreading the love in a few other areas of the relationship.
Consider wedding insurance. This little-known form of protection can come in handy for couples, says personal finance expert Nicole Lapin. It covers fees and expenses due to extreme weather, no-show vendors, alcohol-related accidents and other expensive inconveniences. “Don’t let your perfect day turn into a perfect waste of money.”
Amica wedding insurance policies offer two kinds of protection: liability and property damage insurance, and event cancellation/postponement for non-refundable expenses or lost deposits if you have to cancel your event. Visit AmicaQuote.com to get an Amica Insurance quote today!
Diana McKeon Charkalis is a Yahoo Storyteller. Her work has also appeared in USA TODAY, Prevention and The LA Daily News.
