It’s not uncommon, at all, that the bulk of wedding planning will fall on the shoulders of one person in particular. Often, it’s the bride, since many guys simply can’t get as engaged in all the details that make the perfect wedding. That’s sometimes frustrating but it’s sometimes a good thing, as having one key deciding figure can really eliminate a lot of back-and-forth and indecision. Regardless of who is doing the majority of the legwork, however, there are some things that really need to be decided together.
The invites and seating plan
The first thing you should both do is come up with a number of invites. Who is invited is up to both individuals but having an even split can keep things feeling fairly representative. It’s important to talk about who you want to invite and to understand one another’s reasonings. This Brides article can give you some ideas on extraneous people to cut from your own invites, but don’t shoot down anyone your partner wants to invite. For instance, inviting your extended family might be incredibly important to you, but your partner might feel a much closer connection and bond to old friends.
The wedding party
You should, however, have a little more say over who is part of the wedding party, just as your partner should have some say who is part of your half of the equation. There are some picks that will always work, such as an immediate family member or two. However, for friends or more distant relatives, you have to make sure that everyone’s personality complements the wedding party, that there are no tensions or obvious conflicts. What’s more, you need to think about whether the party has a practical role in helping to plan or carry out the wedding and, if they do, are the people suited to the job?
The rings
You’re both going to be wearing these rings for the rest of your lives, so you should take a little time to make sure you’re both happy with the budget, look, and the practicality of it. This doesn’t mean you have to drag one another from jeweler to jeweler, thankfully. As this James Allen review shows, it’s much easier to use the web to find the perfect ring, even if you want to buy it in-store. You can explore different shapes, and see how the cut and clarity affects price, making sure you’re on budget. Don’t be afraid to mix and match rings instead of getting two perfect duplicates, too.
The venue
You have to have a serious talk about what kind of wedding you want. In terms of atmosphere, size, and tradition, the venue plays a huge role. For instance, if you have a wedding on an exotic beach in your dreams, you have to take into account who your partner wants to invite most and whether it’s possible to transport them out there.
Above all else, ensure that the factors above are planned together. You might feel like you work great as a team, and your partner might even be willing to contribute a little more to the planning process.