Only you and your partner know when the right time is for you to get married.
One of the most common questions people get asked once they announce their engagement is when they are going to get married. However, this can be a difficult question for couples to answer. Is it honestly required for people to set a date the second they get engaged? Of course not, but it seems many people assume the wedding date is going to be set shortly after the engagement. You may be tempted to get married more quickly so you can begin enjoying life together sooner as a married couple. While this is a perfectly acceptable choice, there are some benefits to having a longer engagement.
More Planning Time
No one can ignore the fact that planning a wedding takes a great deal of time and energy. There are many details to think about, and trying to make plans in a short time span can make the situation very difficult and stressful. When you have a longer engagement, these decisions are much more spread out, which makes it more enjoyable for you. Not only that, but you won't feel rushed to make decisions, which means you will be more likely to decide on things you want instead of settling for whatever is easiest. When it comes to your wedding, planning for a date at least a year in the future can help make the planning process go much more smoothly.
Easier to Book a Venue
If you have chosen a wedding venue in high demand, then it's important to book it as soon as possible. Many popular venues will be booked for months or sometimes years in advance. This is where having a long-term engagement can benefit you. Finding somewhere to get married with just a couple months' notice can make it nearly impossible to find a halfway decent spot. When you have a wedding date that is a year or more in the future, you are setting yourself up with many more options.
Pre-Marital Counseling
Many people scoff at the idea of pre-marital counseling; however, it can be highly beneficial for couples to go through some of this counseling before getting married. It is much easier to prevent problems before they start than to encounter these issues in your marriage. Some things that can be decided include:
- How you are going to handle finances
- How many children you are going to have
- Whether you will have specific roles or split the duties
Ironing out these details beforehand can make getting married a much smoother transition. When you have an extended engagement, you have more time to commit to this counseling, which can take several weeks or months.
Save Money
Let's face it, weddings are expensive. Even if you are going for a low-budget wedding, you are likely going to need to spend at least a couple thousand dollars. When you have an extended engagement, you are giving yourself more time to work and save up this money. This also gives you a chance to save funds for your honeymoon.
Get to Know Each Other
Hopefully, once you are engaged, you know each other pretty well. However, having a long-term engagement can give you an opportunity to know each other even better. This can help strengthen your marriage and help ensure the two of you are right for each other. However, try not to let the stress of the wedding get in the way of your relationship. It's normal for couples to butt heads while planning a wedding, so don't necessarily take strife as a sign you shouldn't be together.
Of course, only you and your partner know when the right time is for you to get married. Take your own personal factors into consideration before making a final decision.
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