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Have you just committed to spending the rest of your life with your true love? This is an exciting time and one filled with planning and organization all the events that surround a wedding and the union of two people for a lifetime. No doubt you are receiving well wishes from friends and family from afar. There is a staggering amount of time and resources dedicated to staging a wedding. Countless hours and dollars go into staging an even that typically lasts less than a weekend.  From bridal showers to bachelor parties, rehearsal dinners to honeymoons, the lists continue to grow. This can be a stressful time as the need to make a never ending stream of decisions and expenditures can take their toll on even the most grounded couple.

One component that is all too often neglected in the wedding planning process is the planning for the marriage. While the wedding festivities may last for a weekend, the marriage is intended to last for the rest of your life. At the very least, dedicate an uninterrupted weekend with your bride or groom and begin to discuss the issues that you will be confronted with in your marriage. Most marriage counselors will point to a lack of true communication and respect as the culprits for most disagreements. Most issues can be addressed up front. Follow these recommendations from the marriage professionals to get your marriage started on solid footing.

Careers, finances, extended family, children and household chores are some of the biggest issues that married couples face. Are you one to look for a sale or bargain each time you shop? Take advantage of the awesome deals offered by Groupon coupons the next time you’re in the market for new fashions and check out the deals offered by American Apparel. Has your partner already decided how many children they want and when? Are you part of this plan and in agreement? Will your career choice mean multiple moves over the next decade? Are both of you in agreement with this? Lastly, how will you argue and disagree? To suggest that you won’t argue is naïve. The question is, how will you argue? Stick to the issue at hand, no dredging up past disappointments, and certainly no name calling. Work out your differences and close the topic. Ever go to bed angry and always commit to listening before responding.