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Spotlight: New Year, New Goals

8 New Year’s Resolutions to help couples plan and enjoy their wedding journey

December 27, 2024

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, many couples find themselves not only celebrating a new year but also stepping into a pivotal phase of their wedding planning journey. Whether you're newly engaged or in the midst of finalizing details, the New Year is the perfect time to set resolutions that will help you plan and enjoy your wedding with ease and joy. These 8 tips are designed to inspire and guide you as you navigate the exciting road ahead.

1. Commit to Open and Honest Communication

One of the most important resolutions you can make as a couple is to prioritize clear and open communication. Wedding planning can bring about stress, differing opinions, and pressure, but maintaining a strong dialogue about your goals, expectations, and concerns will help prevent misunderstandings. Set aside regular time to check in with each other - whether it's a weekly catch-up or a quick chat over coffee. You both deserve to feel heard and understood throughout the planning process.

2. Create a Budget and Stick to It (But Be Flexible)

Weddings can get expensive quickly, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all. One of the best ways to avoid unnecessary stress is to commit to creating a realistic wedding budget and sticking to it. Break down your expenses into categories and try to anticipate costs before they arise. However, remember that life is unpredictable, so build in a little flexibility. Agree to make thoughtful compromises if you need to adjust your budget during the planning process. Setting a clear budget from the beginning will help you both stay aligned financially.

3. Focus on What Matters Most to You Both

As you start planning, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by opinions, Pinterest boards, and what others expect of you. This year, resolve to focus on what truly matters to you as a couple. Whether it's a dream venue, a specific type of ceremony, or including certain cultural or personal traditions, prioritize the elements that reflect your relationship. Let go of the pressure to please everyone - your wedding is about you and your partner, and that’s what will make it special.

4. Delegate and Ask for Help

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Resolve to ask for help when needed and delegate tasks to trusted family members or friends. This can be especially helpful when it comes to managing smaller details, such as addressing invitations, handling RSVP lists, or researching vendors. Don’t feel guilty about leaning on others - chances are, your loved ones are eager to support you. Plus, delegating allows you to stay focused on the big picture and enjoy the process more.

5. Prioritize Self-Care and Relationship Time

As you plan your wedding, always stay true to yourselves as a couple. "Carve out time together to take breaks from planning and enjoy the moment, then find ways to incorporate those personal moments of joy into your wedding day! Remember, it's your wedding and no one else's. Be authentic to who you are as partners, and don't be afraid to imagine outside the norm!" says Marley Bredehoeft from 402 Events. Your wedding day should reflect your unique relationship and shared values. Think about how you can weave personal touches into your day that make it authentically yours - whether that’s in the decor, the ceremony, or how you celebrate with your guests.

6. Let Go of Perfectionism & Embrace Imperfection

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of a perfectly executed day, but weddings are often filled with little imperfections that make them memorable. This year, resolve to embrace the idea that things may not go exactly as planned - and that’s okay! Whether it’s a flower mishap, a weather change, or a vendor delay, focus on the joy of the day and the love you're celebrating, rather than striving for perfection. Your wedding will be perfect in its own way simply because it’s yours.

7. Celebrate Small Milestones Along the Way

Wedding planning can be a long and sometimes overwhelming journey, so it’s important to celebrate the little victories along the way. Whether you finalize your guest list, pick out your wedding dress, or lock down the perfect photographer, take time to acknowledge these milestones as a couple. This will help you feel accomplished and remind you of the progress you’re making. Remember that every small step is moving you closer to your big day!

8. Don’t Lose Sight of the Bigger Picture

Lastly, remember that your wedding is just one day, but your marriage is for a lifetime. This year, resolve to keep your eyes on the bigger picture and focus on building a strong foundation for your future together. Keep the lines of communication open, tackle challenges as a team, and savor the moments of joy that come with planning your wedding. If you stay grounded in the love you share, the wedding planning process will be much more enjoyable, and the wedding itself will be a beautiful reflection of your partnership.

As you set your intentions for 2025, let these resolutions guide you in your wedding planning journey. Here’s to a new year filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments!

^{Main Photo by Victoria Petersen Photography}