As spring quickly approaches, many brides to-be will be calling venues, tasting wedding cake, and dreaming about their perfect day. There are so many preparations that go into planning a wedding for the bride, groom, and family members, but many people spend a lot less time preparing for life after the wedding. Married life comes with many unexpected challenges and changes that need preparation even more than the wedding day. Here are some areas to prepare for as you move towards married life:

The wedding is a family event: When planning the wedding think through how your decisions before and during the wedding will affect future relationships with in-laws, parents, siblings etc. For example you decide you only want your dad to walk you down the aisle even though your mom wants to walk you too. You and your partner have the right to make the decision that is right for you just consider life after the wedding and how you want to communicate your decision and still maintain the relationship with your family and friends later.

Part 2 in the series tomorrow.

Jennifer Wilmoth, LAMFT
JWilmoth@ GROWCounseling.com