While wedding planning is an exciting, fun process, often times it is accompanied with a few tough conversations that can be difficult and/or awkward to deal with. In all honesty, it's best to face these conversations head on regardless of how you feel about them to ensure a whole lot less stress on the wedding day. The following are three important areas where tough conversations may come up and why it's important to address them:
Budget
ALWAYS discuss the budget with your significant other ahead of the planning process. You should face this topic immediately when it comes up because it is very important to be on the same page with how much you are spending for your wedding day. The budget will not only determine where the wedding will be located but even all of the details including what centerpieces you might use and everything in between that. Here's three things to remember:
Be completely honest with each other on the amount that can be saved up and spent on the wedding. If you are prepared with a realistic budget, this will save you an immense amount of stress leading up to the date.
Expecting parents or others to chip in for the big day? Make sure to be straightforward with them right away and ask to be sure they are actually contributing. It might be an awkward conversation to have, but the last thing you want to do is expect a certain amount that you may not recieve. As a tip, try to approach the coversation by letting them know what your budget number is and ask if they are willing to contribute to that. This is an easier way to approach the conversation rather than just blunty asking for money.
Set the budget and stick to it. What's the point in having a budget if it will be ignored? Staying realistic with the budget will make decisions a whole lot easier when they need to be made.
Guests
There are many tough conversations that may come up when discussing the guest list. One tough conversation you may need to have is cutting down the guest list. All together, there might be 300 people on your list but your budget may only allow for 225 people realistically. There may be some difficult decisions to be made, but just remind yourself that it's important to have your closest friends and family there. Try not to invite people just to invite them.
In addition, when it comes to the invites, be blunt. This will help you avoid any unwanted guests at the event. Let your guests know in writing on the invite whether or not they can bring a plus one, children, etc. Plus, make sure to specifically address the invites to avoid any confusion.
Future
Remember, your wedding is all about joining together in marriage and becoming a family so be sure to have any important conversations about your relationship necessary leading up to the big day. One tough conversation that couples may have regards prenuptials, but at the very least speak with your significant other about financials and assets. Have conversations about your future and make sure both of you don't have completely different ideas and expectations beforehand. This will ultimately help to ensure a healthy marriage.