15 Things to do Before You Getting Married
You are young and dreaming of getting married. A lot of things come into your mind when you think about marriage. Marriage is a life-changing decision that impacts all aspects of your life. You may have many dreams about the big day. The dress, cake, decore, rings, and others.
Besides this fairytale part, you must know how to get married legally. You must learn about the legal requirements to make your marriage legal. Also, certain things must be discussed before marriage to build your marriage on a firm base. Read on to learn 15 things to do before you get married.
- Find someone you like a lot
Obviously, you need someone to get married to, but finding the right one is curial. Choosing a partner is the first thing you do before getting married. If you are single, you have to meet many people. Spend some time together, and go date either your favorite cafe or movie. Try to know him more.
And if you find out he is the right one for you, proceed further. But it is essential to know that the opposite person has the same intentions for you too. It's time to meet their parents and welcome them into your family.
- Understand each other's values
We all have different values and norms as an individual. Discuss religion, family dynamics and rituals, and politics with that person. Know what he/she believes and how they see life.
It helps you know how compatible the two of you are, and you can go long. The differences in religion, beliefs, and norms can bring conflicts in the future.
Talk to your partner and be calm while hearing them. Respect their beliefs and norms even if you are from the other end. Find a middle way to keep your relationship working and thrive. You are here to make the bond, not to break it.
- Propose to your honey or accept a proposal
You have been dating for months and are pretty sure about that person. The person will give you a hint, is he/she going to propose to you. You see, they are serious when talk about marriage. Be ready to accept their proposal nicely.
And if you know he/she is the one, you ask what they think about marriage. If the answer is in your favor, go for it. You can propose in a romantic way by putting the ring in the drink and after they find it sit on your knees and say with red roses.
- Announce your engagement
Hurray! You are engaged; now it's time to reveal the secret. Arrange a gathering to inform both families. You can do this with your friends also. Some couples like to celebrate this event grand. Well, it depends on how much you can spend on it.
Some couples add this event to their pre-wedding parties and spend a lot of money on it. It may cause them to work more or go on home town honeymoon. While an event with only family members and close friends can save you hundreds. You can use them to plan your dream honeymoon.
- Talk about kids
Kids are a true blessing if they are planned at the right time. Talk about kids with your partner; what do they think about it? How many do they want to do it? And most essential when? These questions are necessary for future planning. Unplanned kids can ruin your life.
Some couples cannot start a family right after marriage due to personal and financial issues. Kids are huge responsibility that changes your life. Planning your kids can save you from many things like emotional and financial breakdowns.
- Take dance lessons
After so much serious talk, you need to refresh yourself. Take dance lessons together; it is a rehearsal for your wedding dance. So, you can learn it to amaze your family and friends. The idea is to try something different and know how the two of you could synchronize.
The two of you move in a flow; follow the steps carefully. You learn how how to move together on the dance floor. It also helps you release the wedding planning stress. You have the opportunity to learn together, spend more time, and focus on each other.
- Take a class together
Learn something new with your partner is always exciting and thrilling. You can take a cooking class, a digital photography workshop, or a beginner's yoga session. Going out of your comfort zone and sharing a new experience can strengthen your bond. You both have fun and more time to spend together.
Because during wedding planning couples have less time to see each other. Taking a class can also help you with your wedding planning. Cooking class can help you with your wedding menu. The photo workshop can help you make invitations and signs. And lastly, yoga keeps your mind and soul relaxed.
- Set a date and plan the wedding
Set a date and plan your wedding with your partner. Most couples want a year for wedding planning to pay all those bills from the year's earnings. Sit with your partner and set a wedding budget to keep things working and perfect.
But if you want a small intimate ceremony, it is ok. Buy or rent the wedding dress or tux and invite your family and friends. Plan a reception with food, cake, music, and wine. The only important thing is your happiness.
- Get a marriage license
Get a marriage license to make your marriage legal. Marriage registration is an essential and unavoidable step to getting married. If you do not know about the process to get your marriage license, you get frustrated in the end. Collect information from your local courthouse and ask when and where you need to apply for a marriage license.
The application for a marriage license may vary from state to state, but this is the basic. Also, ask how old you both need to be and how much it costs. And what forms of ID do you need to bring along when you pick it up, and how long do you have to submit an application before expiration.
Your officiant who marries you, you, and two witnesses will sign this marriage certificate. Then officiant files it in the court, and you will receive a copy in the mail in a few weeks.
- Prenuptial agreements
Premarital agreements can play a curial role in building a healthy marriage and preventing divorce. These legal agreements help you to specify the property and financial rights and obligations before marriage. And also, if you get divorced in the future and can protect each spouse's separate property.
It also helps you establish a custody plan for any kids you have had together before marriage in the event of separation. Before entering into the premarital agreement, you must be fully aware of the law to make your agreement legally valid.
- Find an officiant to marry you
You don't need an officiant if you are getting married at the courthouse. A judge, justice of the peace, or a court clerk can marry you. But if you are getting married somewhere else, you need an officiant.
A member of the clergy will work for a religious ceremony. Ask about their charges and make sure they are available on the wedding day. Always make a reminder call the week/day before.
- Make sure your ceremony is legal
Many states have legal requirements regarding the marriage ceremony. Before heading to the wedding ceremony, look for the legal requirements. In most states, limited people like judges, ministers, or clergy members can perform a marriage ceremony.
But some states can allow people ordained via the Internet to officiate a wedding. Check your state's laws before the wedding to make sure the person marrying you is legally entitled to officiate the wedding.
- Show up and say, I Do
Finally, it's the wedding day, the most precious day you dreamed about. You made so many efforts to get this day. Try to feel every moment and collect each and every memory you can. Try to book your hair dress and makeup artist for gorgeous looks and photos.
Head to your destination calmly and peacefully; don't get panic. Relax your nerves; you are going to walk down the aisle to your love and happiness. Say your vows with your heart and soul. And once you say I do, a new life begins with your beloved one.
- Altering your name after marriage
Many brides used to change their last names after their marriage. They thought it was romantic, but it's not legally required for either partner to change their last name. If the wife wants to change her last name.
She only needs a marriage certificate to inform all agencies and organizations about your name change. While if the husband wants to change his last name to something completely different. He may need a court order and file a petition to legally change his name.
- The marriage, money, and property issue
After marriage, your property and assets will, to a specific extent combined with your spouse's. You must be aware of what should be included in the marital property. And know how to keep some assets as separate property.
In the case of a divorce, you may be forced to split marital property 50/50. It includes wages, interest earned on investments, and homes. Discuss financial matters and future investment plans with your spouse because their money-spending ways could affect your bank account, too.
