Anna Elizabeth, Emma Beiles Howie
Getting engaged is magical — until your weekends turn into site visits, your inbox becomes a sea of vendor quotes, and your biggest conversations revolve around seating charts and canapés. Wedding planning can quickly take over your lives, leaving little room for the romance that started it all. But staying connected as a couple isn’t just possible — it’s essential. Whether you’re months out or deep in the weeds of planning, these 8 strategies will help you stay close, communicate clearly, and further enjoy this chapter together.
Stefanie Keeler, Lady B Creative
Make Time for Actual Dates
Wedding planning can take over every free moment, which is exactly why you need to prioritize real quality time. Block off space in your week for a proper date — not a vendor meeting disguised as one. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be intentional. Go to your favorite restaurant, take a weekend hike, or cook together without multitasking. It’s about choosing each other, not just crossing things off a list. And as it turns out this type of time might be the most important thing you “schedule.”
Divide But Don’t Conquer
You’re a team — not rival project managers. Share the workload in a way that feels fair and sustainable. Delegate based on your strengths and interests, but make sure you’re both in the loop and feel appreciated. Clear communication and mutual respect go a long way in preventing resentment.
Kaela Leone, James E Harvey-Kelly
Talk About Anything
But the Wedding
Sometimes the best planning strategy is pressing pause. Even during dedicated time together, wedding talk can sneak in — especially when you're excited or overwhelmed. Set boundaries around when you don’t talk about the wedding: no logistics at dinner, no budget chats during a morning walk, no guest list edits over coffee. Protecting that space helps you reconnect as a couple, not just co-planners.
Celebrate the Milestones
Along the Way
Don’t wait for the wedding to raise a glass. Booked a venue? Found your outfits? Sent your first batch of RSVPs? Celebrate it. Wedding planning is full of mini milestones that are easy to rush past. Taking a moment to toast the wins — big or small — reminds you that this journey is worth enjoying, not just surviving.
James E Harvey-Kelly, Rebbeca Rees
Make Space for Individual Time
Wedding planning often means spending more time together than usual — joint decisions, constant conversations, and countless hours side by side. But that doesn’t mean you have to do everything together. Give yourselves permission to take solo time — whether it's a workout, a night out with friends, or just reading in peace. Focus on your own hobbies and what makes you feel like you. It’s not distance — it’s breathing room.
Keep the Romance Alive in Small,
Consistent Ways
This is when the small stuff can really count. You don’t need elaborate date nights to stay connected — sometimes it’s the daily rituals that make the biggest difference. Think: a quick note left in their bag, sharing a playlist, or even sending a funny meme mid-day. These mini-moments keep you grounded in affection, no matter how hectic things get.
Nicole Kittivat Kirn, Kaela Leone
Take a Tech Break
Between scrolling inspiration, answering emails, and managing guest lists in Google Docs, it’s easy to feel like your phone is your co-planner. But too much screen time — even if it’s wedding-related — can pull you out of the moment and away from each other. Try carving out phone-free zones: a device-free dinner, a Sunday walk without screens, or even an hour in the evening just to talk or relax. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence.
Get Support Outside
the Relationship
You don’t have to do it all together. Lean on your wedding planner — that’s what they’re there for. If something’s causing stress or tension, talk to your planner before letting it spiral into conflict within your relationship. They can handle the logistics so you don’t have to carry every detail between the two of you. And if the pressure is starting to affect your dynamic, consider seeing a premarital counselor. It’s a proactive way to strengthen your communication and stay grounded in your connection.
