Last Saturday, while doing my usual stuff, it dawned on me – “this is the last week that I’m a bachelor! This is my last week of being single!”

And even as of writing I still relish the idea that this is the last week that I am still single because in a few days I’m getting married. I’m excited, anxious, and hopeful at the same time. It feels surreal!

While I have an ideal married life and we have somehow planned things for ourselves, I cannot shrug off the idea that there are lots of things unexplored and surprises that await us. Soon enough, we have to figure things out for ourselves. There may be a lot of tips, hacks, and advice available, but we have to write our marriage playbook. It all boils down to our partnership and commitment. 

I want to share some of the things I learn as we prepare for our big day.

There will be friction – a lot!

A wedding requires a lot of choices and decisions. It will bring every couple up on their toes. And if one of them is indecisive, or both are so aggressive in making decisions, expect arguments and friction. It is a period of testing where your trust and submission, leadership and sacrifice, will be pushed to the edge. 

Frictions are expected in any relationship. Arguments are normal. But this gets heightened during wedding preparations because of the invested emotions – a mixture of excitement, pressure, wanting to please the guests, available working budget, preferences, etc. However, at the end of the day when the couple comes into an agreement, they will discover a lot about themselves. They will have a glimpse of their likes and dislikes, values and irritations, etc. Wedding preparation is the beginning of a lifetime of discovery.

There will be a shower of love

I learned that people love weddings! They get excited when couples get to engage and commit to marriage. When you commit to a lifetime together, people will shower you with good wishes and there will be gifts! 

Honestly, I do not patronize the idea of others that weddings can be an excellent money-maker. The primary role of sponsors is to serve as relationship advisers, not financers. However, I still acknowledge that this is a cultural thing. Especially us, Filipinos. We are generous and lavish when it comes to the people we love and care about.

And weddings sure open the faucet of blessings! As I mentioned in my previous post, there will be people who will extend help if you allow them to. I still believe that the default in people is to love. And I have proven that! I receive messages, pledges, and gifts from people days before our wedding. I know, I am surrounded by loving and caring people.

Take that first step

Our wedding is supposedly set for December, but we have to move it this August due to some schedule changes. It was an unexpected but welcome change. And because of this change, we have to expedite our requirements. And to our surprise, it doesn’t take that much time and preparation! At least a month will do if you are aiming for a simple and intimate wedding.

My fiancée and I realized that the idea of a long preparation is only for those with the luxury of time and resources to spare. But if the goal is simply to get married, it can be done if you just take that step. If you've decided to do it, just do it. Take that first step!

Indeed, wedding preparation is a wonderful season. It is full of surprises! Until next time!