How To Find Compromises When Planning Your Wedding
An important part of being in a relationship is learning how to compromise but how can you compromise when you’re trying to plan the wedding of your dreams? Well, in this entry I mention a number of ways you can include your partner while still making your ideas known. This way, no one will feel left out of the mix and you’ll be sure to start your journey on the right foot.
Be open about what you want - Start by having an open and honest conversation with your partner about how you both envision your wedding day. Have a serious heart to heart about your ideas, wants and what you feel is absolutely necessary and can’t be taken out. While you may not get everything you originally hoped for this is a great first step because it gets everything out on the table.
Prioritize - Identify what aspects of the wedding are most important to each of you. This could be the venue, photography style, food, music, etc. Allocate more flexibility to areas that are less crucial to you and compromise on the aspects that matter the most. If you don’t really feel strongly about the food but it’s an important decision for your partner it could be nice to give them the choice.
Make the list - Create a list of all the wedding related elements you’ll need including the venue, photographer, decor, catering, entertainment, etc. Each of you can then rank these items in order of importance to you. Compare your lists and look for overlaps or areas where compromises can be made.
Meet halfway - Find common ground where you can meet in the middle so both sides feel like they’re being heard. For instance, if one partner prefers a small intimate ceremony while the other prefers a huge, over-the-top celebration, consider having a smaller ceremony and a bigger reception. Sometimes it can be fun to figure out new ways to change things up and incorporate ideas from both of you.
Take turns - If you’re finding it hard to meet halfway maybe you can take turns making decisions. If one person gets to choose the theme or colors, the other might get more say in selecting the menu or entertainment. Remember that it’s still super important to run your choices by each other so that there aren’t any big surprises on the day.
Be creative - Look for creative compromises that blend both your preferences. This could involve incorporating elements from both of your cultures, interests, or beliefs into the ceremony or reception.
Be real with your finances - Agree on a budget and stick to it. Compromises might need to be made on certain elements that you both deem less important to ensure you stay in the green.
Delegate responsibilities - Divide tasks based on you and your partner’s strengths and interests. If, for example, you are more interested in floral arrangements while your partner is all about music, allow each of you to take the lead in those areas.
Stay flexible - Be flexible and open-minded throughout the process. Sometimes, the best ideas come through a combination of different perspectives. Don’t write anything off simply because it looks different than how you originally thought.
Get help - If you're really finding it difficult to come to solutions you might be well served by a wedding planner or a mediator who can provide unbiased suggestions. Even if you only get assistance for part of the planning the results will likely be well worth the investment.
Compromising is all about finding a balance so that both of you feel heard and appreciated. While planning a wedding can be a lot of work, it’s good practice to involve each other as much as you can and make it a day you’ll both enjoy to the fullest.