| p>As girls growing up in our culture, we dream | | | | 3) I have, unfortunately, been involved in |
| about our wedding day from the time we're old | | | | situations where the bride makes all kinds of |
| enough to be aware of weddings. But ladies, don't | | | | grand plans, only to have them dashed when her |
| bring your fiance in only when it's time to present | | | | fiance looks at the bottom line. From a practical |
| the contracts. Here are several good reasons to | | | | standpoint, making sure that both the persons |
| include your hubbie-to-be in the planning of your | | | | who are involved in the planning and payment for |
| wedding and reception. | | | | the party are on the same page, will ensure |
| 1) Start by realizing that you are creating a | | | | there's not a blow up or demand for changes |
| precious memory. Given that, men really do care | | | | after plans with your vendors have already been |
| about how their wedding day turns out, and what | | | | set. Having not gone through the planning process |
| they want it to be (not just about how much it | | | | with your various vendors (which is very often |
| costs), although it may be a little more difficult for | | | | also an educational process) he may become |
| them to articulate their desires. Ladies, encourage | | | | frustrated. He may rebel against what you've |
| him, and give him the space to share his thoughts | | | | decided so far, and you may have to go back |
| and desires. | | | | and renegotiate after you've put in time and |
| 2) View planning your wedding and reception as | | | | work. This will cause frustration to both you and |
| an opportunity to deepen the relationship, and as | | | | your vendors, and can even leave you stuck late |
| practice for the many other projects you will | | | | in the game looking for another caterer or |
| work on together throughout your life, i.e. getting | | | | photographer. |
| pregnant, raising children, supporting someone to | | | | 4) Just in other areas of your relationship, each of |
| take on a new job, or buying, moving to and | | | | you brings different strengths and weaknesses to |
| decorating a new home. This may be especially | | | | the process. All of your gifts and points of view |
| true for a younger couple who may not know | | | | are necessary to create your best day, and to |
| each other (or themselves) for as long, or as well, | | | | keep you both sane and on track. |
| as some older couples do. It gives you a chance | | | | It may take some work to involve your man in |
| to work on a project together, and will bind you | | | | planning your wedding, but it will yield a more |
| together in a way that will carry over into your | | | | enjoyable day, and lifelong dividends. |
| life together. | | | | |