Sample Dialogue

Me: Hey, remember when we used to go on romantic getaways like once a month? Or how we used to go out to eat at cool restaurants all the time?
Him: Yeah.
Me: What the heck, man?? How come we don't do that anymore!
Him: Umm. We have a wedding to plan.
Me: Dang.

Ah... I remember those days all too well. We always had a fun weekend activity planned or a trip to look forward to. We had a "to-do" list of places to go and things to see. It was fun, fun, fun. Just me and my man. And then the stupid wedding came along and took away all our leisure time.

Okay, okay! It's not all that bad. Wedding planning is fun, yo! We have entered a new stage in our lives and we are embracing all of the changes it has brought. Yet I can't help to think back and remember all of the free time we used to have and how fun it was. Now, most of our free time is spent cleaning the house, cooking, going to the gym or for a hike, renting a movie, or doing something wedding related. Things that are "budget friendly," ya know? (Well, except for the wedding-related part.) But you know what? I'm really enjoying it! With everything going on right now (work, school, wedding) I am feeling way more productive with my life. There is so much to look forward to, so many new goals that I've set for myself, and many new experiences with my man.

So what if our strict budget doesn't allow us to take random trips or eat out every weekend? There are so many other ways to have fun as a couple and save money at the same time. For example: cooking together is so much fun and a good learning experience for both of us; going for a weekend hike makes for a great opportunity for conversation and reflection; designing wedding stuff on our own (centerpieces, invitations, etc.) builds our relationship as a team and will save us budget money; etc. Although planning the wedding has required a lot of sacrifices, I'm confident it will be worth it all when we are celebrating the day we become Mr. & Mrs. with all of our family and friends.

What kind of sacrifices or changes have you made as a couple in order to plan for your wedding and/or future?