Waiting For The Perfect Time To Tie The Knot

There are many reasons why couples may choose to wait before getting married. Some may want to wait until they are more financially stable, while others may want to enjoy the excitement of being engaged for a little longer. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and rushing into it can lead to added pressure. Taking the time to save money and plan can help ensure that the day is everything the couple dreamed of. For some, a longer engagement provides the opportunity to work on their relationship and build a strong foundation for their future together. This can be especially important for younger couples who may not be financially independent yet. Ultimately, the decision about when to get married is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Enjoy being engaged and take time to celebrate

There are many reasons to take your time and enjoy the period between getting engaged and getting married. Here are some reasons to take it slow and savour the moment:

First of all, it's a chance to simply enjoy being engaged. This is a special time in your life, and it's worth taking a moment to savour the feeling and celebrate your engagement. You might want to throw an engagement party, or just take some time to revel in the joy of the moment with your partner. It's an exciting time, and it's worth drawing it out and making the most of it.

Secondly, a longer engagement gives you the opportunity to take your time with wedding planning. You can relax and take a leisurely approach, making decisions slowly and without stress. You'll likely have your pick of wedding vendors, as most book up about a year in advance. This means you can take your time to find the perfect fit for your special day, without feeling rushed.

A longer engagement also means you have time to save and plan for the wedding. It can be an expensive business, so having a longer lead time can help you budget and save up for the day. You can also spend this time working on your relationship and making sure you are ready for married life.

Finally, a longer engagement gives you the chance to really enjoy the build-up to the wedding. The anticipation and excitement of the coming celebration are all part of the fun. It's a chance for you and your partner to make plans and grow closer, knowing that your relationship will soon be elevated to a new level of commitment.

So, if you're newly engaged, take a breath, pop the champagne, and enjoy this special time. You don't have to rush into wedding planning straight away – give yourself time to celebrate and savour this unique and happy moment in your life.

Discuss long or short engagement preferences

The length of an engagement varies from couple to couple. While the average length of an engagement in the US is 12 to 18 months, some couples are content with planning their wedding in a few short weeks, while others wait years. The perfect amount of time to be engaged is however long you want!

Short Engagement Preferences

A shorter engagement means less time to wait before you can enjoy being a happily married couple. It can also help you avoid wedding fatigue, where the excitement of planning wears you down. With a shorter engagement, you have less time to change your mind or be swayed by the opinions of family and friends. You will also experience less stress overall, as you have less time to feel confused by the myriad of options available and are forced to make decisions and stick to them.

However, a shorter engagement usually means higher costs, as vendors prefer to be booked well in advance. Your favourite vendors may already be booked, and you may be forced to rush planning. If you are eloping to a coveted destination, you may find that reservations and flights are booked or very expensive. You will also have less time for things like dress alterations.

Long Engagement Preferences

A longer engagement gives you more time to save money and is less likely to take over every spare minute of your life. You will also be more likely to get the venue and vendors you want, as they won't be booked up yet. A longer engagement also gives you more time to work on your relational goals as a couple and cultivate a dialogue about your marriage and goals. If you're into DIY, a longer engagement gives you plenty of time to craft to your heart's content.

On the other hand, with a longer engagement, you will be waiting longer for the big day to arrive, and you may find it difficult to make decisions with so many options and opinions available to you. You may also experience "wedding burnout" if wedding planning goes on for too long. A longer engagement may also mean that you take on too many projects, and your family and friends might drive you crazy asking about your wedding plans!

Wait at least a few weeks before planning

There are many advantages to waiting at least a few weeks before planning your wedding. Firstly, it gives you and your partner time to simply enjoy being engaged. This is a special time that should be savoured and celebrated, so take at least a month to bask in the "just engaged" glow and celebrate with an engagement party, if you wish.

Another benefit of waiting is that it allows you to have an important conversation about whether you want a long or short engagement. There are advantages to both, and the general engagement length will impact your planning timeline. For example, if you opt for a longer engagement, you'll have more time to plan at a leisurely pace and will likely have your pick of wedding vendors. On the other hand, a shorter engagement can be planned in a shorter timeframe without losing out on much.

If your wedding is more than 18 months away, you can relax and take your time with the planning process. You'll likely have your choice of vendors as they typically book up about a year in advance. This extended timeframe gives you plenty of time to make decisions and create a budget and guest list at your own pace.

Even if your wedding is only six months away, there's no need to start planning immediately. Giving yourself a week or so to relax and enjoy your engagement won't put you at a disadvantage. You can follow a six-month planning timeline to help you get started when you're ready.

So, while the excitement of your engagement may have you eager to dive straight into wedding planning, it's beneficial to wait at least a few weeks. This delay will ensure you don't lose momentum and will give you time to simply savour being engaged before embarking on the planning journey.

Tough it out and build resources

Toughing it out and building resources is a viable option for couples who are not yet ready to tie the knot. Here are some reasons why waiting to get married can be beneficial:

Financial Stability:

Waiting to get married can allow both individuals to achieve a stronger financial footing. This means having stable jobs, savings, and the means to provide for each other and any potential future children. For example, one partner may want to pursue a college degree or technical training to improve their career prospects. By delaying marriage, they can focus on their education and enter the workforce with improved earning potential. This, in turn, can lead to greater financial security for the couple in the long run.

Emotional and Relational Maturity:

Marriage is a significant commitment that requires emotional maturity and relational skills. By waiting, couples can take the time to develop these areas of their lives. This includes learning how to communicate effectively, manage conflicts, and support each other through life's challenges. Waiting can also allow couples to assess their compatibility and ensure they are making the right decision for the long term. This is especially important for couples who have only been dating for a short period, as it gives them time to truly get to know each other and build a strong foundation for their future together.

Reduced Stress:

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and time-consuming process. By waiting, couples can avoid the pressure of rushed decisions and last-minute preparations. They can take their time to save money, choose vendors, and create a wedding that truly reflects their personalities and values. A longer engagement also gives couples the opportunity to enjoy this special time in their relationship without feeling overwhelmed by the impending wedding day.

Personal Growth:

During the wait, individuals can focus on their personal growth and development. This may include pursuing personal goals, such as travelling, starting a business, or engaging in hobbies and passions. By taking the time to develop themselves individually, they can bring a greater sense of self-awareness and maturity into the marriage. This can lead to a stronger and more fulfilling relationship in the long run.

Building a Strong Foundation:

Waiting to get married allows couples to build a strong foundation for their future together. This includes establishing shared goals, values, and expectations for the marriage. It gives them the opportunity to discuss important topics, such as their views on children, finances, career aspirations, and their vision for the future. By taking the time to align their priorities and create a shared vision, they can enter the marriage with a deeper understanding of each other and a stronger sense of unity.

Take time for self-care

Planning a wedding can be stressful, so it's important to take time for self-care. Here are some tips to help you stay calm and relaxed during the wedding planning process:

• Start a book club with your fiancé. Pick a book that you've both been meaning to read and discuss it together. This will give you some time to take your minds off wedding planning and simply enjoy each other's company.
• Stay active and exercise. This can be a great way to relieve stress and take your mind off things. Consider trying out new forms of physical activity, such as powerlifting, skateboarding, or ballet. You could even train for a race like a marathon.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep. Don't feel guilty about taking naps or going to bed early. Your body and mind will thank you, and you'll be more productive when you're well-rested.
• Delegate tasks to others. Don't try to take on everything yourself. Ask for help from family, friends, or a wedding planner if you can. This will free up some time for you to focus on self-care.
• Take breaks from wedding planning. Set boundaries and designate time each week for activities that help you relax, such as reading, watching movies, or spending time with friends.
• Practice good sleep hygiene. Establish a bedtime routine and stick to consistent sleep and wake times. Avoid screens and electronic devices before bed, and limit your caffeine intake.
• Indulge in some beauty treatments. Get manicures, pedicures, or a relaxing massage. You could also try facial treatments or hair conditioning to look and feel your best on your wedding day.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on nutrient-dense foods like green vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive sugar, sodium, and processed foods, which can lead to bloating and skin issues.
• Take care of your lips. Exfoliate your lips regularly and apply a generous coat of lip balm or Vaseline to keep them soft and smooth.
• Practice good skin care. Exfoliate and moisturize your skin regularly, and always remove your makeup before bed. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

Frequently asked questions