Planning + Design News - Relationship Advice

what to discuss after getting engaged with your parents

After getting engaged, the first thing you will likely do is tell your close friends and family – unless of course, they were present for the proposal. However, even after you tell your parents about your big news, it is important to sit down and have some discussions about the upcoming wedding. Whether or not they knew ahead of time about... More »

When Is a Long-Distance Relationship Ready for Marriage?

Learn what you need to do before getting engaged.

how to go from long distance to engaged wedding advice

Long-distance relationships are famously difficult, though it is certainly much easier now than in past decades. However, even with texting, video calls, and social media, nothing quite replaces the feeling of spending time with your significant other in person. As with any relationship, if things continue to go well, with time you will likely w... More »

What Engaged Couples Should Do on Valentine's Day

For most people, this is the last Valentine's Day before getting married.

Valentine's Day date ideas for engaged couples

Whether or not they are in a relationship, people tend to have very mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day. For some, it’s all about commercialism and puts too much pressure on people to have a perfect day of romance. Others find it to be a darling excuse to shower their sweetheart with love! There’s really no wrong answer, but i... More »

What Not to Do the First Year You're Married

Help keep your relationship strong.

Mistakes to avoid in the first year of marriage what not to do when you're married for one year

Depending on whom you talk to, the first year of marriage is either the hardest, or it’s the honeymoon period. This is not necessarily indicative of how your relationship will last – many different factors can be involved in an eventual split; however, no one will argue against trying to make sure your relationship is as harmonious a... More »

How to Make Your Kids Feel Included at the Wedding

Get wedding ideas for blended families.

how to include your kids or stepkids children or step children at the wedding

Whether you and your future spouse had children together before tying the knot, or one of you is about to embrace the role of stepparent, your wedding is really about coming together as a family. As important as the love for your partner is, parents will understand that once kids are in the picture, they trump just about everything else. Ch... More »

How to Know You're Ready to Get Engaged

It's not just about a ticking clock.

There is no set time to date or checklist to mark in order to know it’s time to get engaged. Some couples are together for months, others for years. It can vary wildly by religion, culture, and more. With so many variables, it can seem impossible to be sure when it’s time to propose (or to start dropping hints about engagement rings)... More »

How to Keep Your Groomsmen Happy

They're an important part of the day too!

how to show appreciation for your groomsmen

Wedding talk is often focused on brides, and as such, bridal party discussions tend to hone in on bridesmaids. However, groomsmen have a lot to offer as well. They may not typically be the ones helping with DIY details (although you could always ask!) or throwing showers, but they are still a special part of the support team. There have even bee... More »

What You Need to Do After Canceling a Wedding

The decision may be the hardest part, but there's more to be done.

As much as we wish it weren’t true, just like marriages, not all engagements work out. Being optimistic, it’s actually better to end an engagement than to still have the wedding and divorce soon after. Choosing to cancel a wedding is not a decision that comes lightly, and will probably be one of the hardest things you have to do. Whi... More »

A Newlyweds' Guide to Navigating Holiday Traditions

Learn how to balance the traditions of your family, your spouse's family, and create new traditions.

a guide to your first holiday season as newlyweds wedding advice

When approaching your first holiday season as a engaged couple or as newlyweds, you and your beloved will quickly discover that the season can be a difficult balancing act. If you and your sweetheart did not grow up in the same region, figuring out how to spend time with everyone can feel impossible. Not only that, but if it's the first time y... More »

Michelle Obama Shares Lessons Learned at Marriage Counseling

The former First Lady says marriage is work even when your relationship is great.

As part of the promotion for her bestselling memoir, Becoming, former First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week. Those who have already read the book know she has shared that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama have attended marriage counseling together. This was a relatable statem... More »

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5 Conversations to Have with Your Parents After Getting Engaged

It's important to make sure everyone's on the same page!