By English Wedding member Truly Experiences
Images by Becky Harley Photography

Getting engaged and planning your wedding all starts on a high note. First, you’re on cloud nine because your soulmate has finally asked you to spend the rest of your life with them. This bliss continues as you set the date, begin the search for the perfect venue, and start dreaming about dresses, décor, beautiful bouquets and first dances.

However, it’s all too easy for you (and your partner) to get swallowed up by seating plans, budgets, family friction and guest list dramas. Before you know it, romance has taken a back seat and you’re missing out on the real joy of spending time together before your big day.

Don’t let this happen! Wedding planning shouldn’t derail romance. With these tips, you can keep the romance alive while juggling dress and suit fittings, cake tastings and choosing your playlist.

1. Always Make Time For One Another

Try to organize date nights to regroup and escape from the craziness. This shouldn’t involve any wedding discussions or debates; it should simply be a time to reconnect with one another.

You could also look for more ways to include one another in other aspects of your lives. For example, going on double dates with friends, starting an exercise regime together, or taking up a new hobby. It may sound like these things will all take up a lot of time, but if you plan your schedule properly, there should always be time for romance and connecting with your partner.

Don’t make wine and cake tastings count as a date. Try to keep the wedding within its own space and time, and don’t forget to take a break from it every once in a while.

2. Reflect On Your Memories

Remember why you’re here in the first place.

Go through your old chats and messages, read love letters and romantic cards, and scroll through photos of the two of you together.

If you really want to relive and reminisce, share this blast from the past with your soon-to-be-spouse. Talk about those cringe-worthy messages in the early days and how you felt when you first realised you were falling in love. Talk about how far you’ve come and how happy you are to be there.

You may even be inspired to include some of these memories in your big day, but let this be an extra, not the focus for your walk down memory lane.

3. Make Home Date Nights A Standard

While going out can be fun, there’s no denying the appeal of simply relaxing at home without having to worry about cooking or cleaning. Light some candles, put on soft music, dim the lights and enjoy a romantic date night at home that sets the mood.

You can either order takeout and Netflix and chill, or you could order bespoke date night boxes to help you in your quest for romance. If you want to add a touch of something special, there are on-demand chefs you can book to cook for you in your home, leaving you to sit back, relax and unwind after a long day of work and wedding planning.

4. Prepare Your Love Nest

If you haven’t already been living together, this is the time where you can work on decorating and furnishing your new home as a couple.

Make it a fun activity that also focuses on getting some “chores” done. Get to know your space and make it your own. Whether you spend the time shopping for new furniture, choosing paint colours or doing the painting and DIY yourselves, do it together. Nothing is more romantic than creating a space where your love will grow.

5. Go On A Mini-Moon

Take a day or two to just be.

Whether it’s spending the day somewhere, going away for the weekend or embracing the idea of a staycation, take a time out together and block out the rest of the world before the big day. Make sure it’s just the two of you, and that you focus on each other.

You could spend a weekend rediscovering your city, finding new places to hang out, or trying exciting activities that you’ve put on your bucket list. You don’t have to wait for the “official” honeymoon to relax. Taking a mental health day or two is encouraged to keep you both sane throughout the wedding planning stages.

6. Drop The F-bomb

Your fiancé status will only last so long, so make sure you flaunt it while you have the chance! Enjoy the novelty that comes with being engaged.

Shout it to the rooftops and don’t be afraid to say, “we just got engaged” while you’re out and about. Worst case scenario, someone says congratulations. Best case scenario, you receive a complimentary drink. Plus, there’s a certain thrill to be able to say, “my fiancé”! It’s also a great opportunity to show off your ring and tell the world how wonderful your partner is.

7. Make It Fun

Wedding planning isn’t supposed to be tough and stressful, but there are always parts of it that will be. Keep the romance alive by making the planning fun and be sure to take a step back and regroup when it gets too serious.

You can turn planning your gift list into the ultimate game of tag, missioning through department stores in search of your favourite must-have items. Or turn cake tasting into your very own version of MasterChef – the options are endless!

If you can see your partner isn’t enjoying planning your big day, ask them how you can change that. Communication in every relationship is key, and if they’re not enjoying being part of the process, talk about it.

Make Time For Romance

The secret to keeping the romance alive while planning your wedding is to stay focused on your end goal – spending the rest of your lives together. Make time for what’s really important – the two of you – and you’ll build an even stronger bond that will bode well for a beautiful future.

Meta Description: Find out how to keep the flames of romance alive while wedding planning. Our seven tips will help you to bond with your partner before your big day.