Planning your wedding is an immensely busy period of life. With so many good things to focus on, you don't want to miss the forest for the trees. Here are some practical ways to keep the spark alive in your relationship before you walk down the aisle.
Image by Lost in Love Photography
1. Keep the spark alive by dating each other
Just because you’re engaged doesn’t mean you should stop dating. Chances are your schedules will quickly fill up with visiting venues, organising guest lists and choosing colours. While it can be a lot of fun planning your wedding together, you don’t want it to be your only focus. After all, the wedding is just one day your lives but your marriage is the thing that lasts. Now is the time to be laying the groundwork for a great relationship and healthy habits. Set aside one night of the week for a date night. Turn off your phone and ban any wedding-related talk for the entire night.
2. Keep the spark alive by investing in your friends
The best relationships are those that are built on a strong friendship as well as enough trust and space to encourage each other to enjoy other friendships as well. Don’t put too much pressure on your wife or hubby to be your everything. They say “absence makes the heart grow fonder” and while that may be true, more importantly, spending time apart allows you to keep a balance in the relationship. Don’t forget who you are as an individual. That’s the person your partner fell in love with anyway!
3. Keep the spark alive by delegating tasks
Make a wedding to-do list and assign roles for each other as well as a selection of things you will organise together. List making might not sound sexy, but not fighting about silly things definitely is! If you are able to verbalise what you expect of each other and where you may need help, then you are well on your way to a supportive and healthy marriage.
4. Keep the spark alive by surprising your partner
You know each other so well. There is no one on the planet better equipped to make sure your partner feels loved. Think of little ways you could surprise them. You could pick some flowers, buy them a book, cook dinner, leave a note on the fridge, give a massage or whisk them away for the weekend. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, just as long as it shows you’ve thought of them.
5. Keep the spark alive by being playful
Everyone loves some flirtatious banter. Stirring up some of that early stage excitement again will remind your partner of why you first fell in love. Perhaps you could play a flirty game of hide and seek at home, or if you’re feeling extra daring, go to a bar and pretend you are meeting for the first time. The secret is to be cheeky, spontaneous and have some fun!
6. Keep the spark alive by having purposeful conversation
Communication is key in any relationship. Your significant other wants to feel heard and respected. The best way to do this is by being intentional and purposeful when you talk to each other. Spend 10 minutes every day checking in with your partner. Ask them about their day and really listen to them. This simple step will continue to foster emotional intimacy in your relationship.
While we love all things wedding related, at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you and your partner are happily married. Hopefully, these six tips will help you to continue to cherish and understand each other!
What do you think of these suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!
For more relationship and planning help, take a look at our blog on engagement advice from real brides.
