What to Do Before Getting Married: A Practical Guide for Couples

Getting married is one of life’s most meaningful milestones. Beyond the excitement of the wedding day, it represents the beginning of a shared life, built on love, trust, and partnership.

While planning the big day is important, preparing for marriage itself takes thoughtful effort. Here’s a practical guide to help couples navigate what to do before tying the knot—so you can build a strong, fulfilling foundation for your future together.

1.  Have Honest Conversations About the Future

Before walking down the aisle, couples should have open and honest discussions about:

• Life goals and timelines (career, children, travel, etc.)
• Financial habits and expectations (budgeting, debt, saving)
• Lifestyle preferences (urban vs. suburban living, daily routines)
• Family boundaries and values
• Getting aligned early helps avoid future misunderstandings.

2.  Get Financially Transparent

Money is one of the leading causes of tension in marriages, so it’s essential to be financially transparent before tying the knot. Sit down together and openly discuss your current income and monthly expenses. Understanding each other’s financial situation helps set realistic expectations and encourages a collaborative approach to managing money as a team.

In addition to income, be honest about any outstanding debts or loans. Whether it’s student loans, credit card debt, or a car loan, knowing what each person is bringing into the marriage financially can help avoid surprises and inform joint financial planning.

It’s also a good idea to check and share your credit scores. While this might feel intrusive, your credit health can directly impact your ability to make joint purchases like a home or car in the future. If one of you has a lower score, you can start working together on a plan to improve it.

3.  Create a Legal and Logistical Checklist

There are many practical steps to take before marriage:

• Update or create wills and beneficiaries
• Discuss health and life insurance
• Look into prenuptial agreements if needed
• Merge or coordinate bank accounts and taxes

4.  Establish a Conflict Resolution Strategy

Even the happiest couples disagree. Learn to communicate respectfully, listen actively, and work through conflict without blame. Consider attending premarital counseling or workshops to build a shared toolkit for handling tension or disagreement constructively.

5.  Plan Your Living Situation And Consider Renovating

As you prepare to live together, whether you’re buying your first home or moving into an existing one, take time to make it a space that reflects both of you. You may find that a renovation is in order to create a fresh, shared environment.

Updating your home before marriage can help:

• Clear out old clutter and start with a clean slate
• Personalize shared spaces like kitchens or bathrooms
• Improve functionality and comfort for your future lifestyle

If you’re looking to revamp your home with professional support, GVD Renovations offers expert remodeling services that can help you transform your space and start your married life in a home that truly fits your shared vision.

6.  Talk About Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations

Clarify who does what around the house, how you’ll divide errands, and what you each expect in terms of time spent together or apart. These conversations are especially important as your lives become more intertwined.

7.  Celebrate the Journey

While planning for marriage is serious business, don’t forget to celebrate the joy of this moment. Take trips, enjoy date nights, and create memories together during your engagement. These experiences will serve as a strong emotional foundation as you move forward.

Final Thoughts

Marriage is about more than love, it’s about partnership. Taking time to prepare mentally, emotionally, financially, and practically can set your relationship up for long-term success. Whether you’re making plans for your dream home or laying down communication ground rules, every step taken together strengthens the path ahead.