I know you’re busy planning the big day: picking the venue, curating the playlist, and dreaming of that walk down the aisle. But beyond the seating charts and signature cocktails, there’s something even more important: preparing for the marriage itself. Whether you’re newly engaged or just weeks away from saying “I do”, these important tips for marriage before the wedding will help you build a foundation for a happy, healthy, loving relationship. Because once that cake is cut and the last song is played, you’ll receive the real reward: the start of your marriage journey!
If you’re wondering things like “How do we get ready for married life?” or “What should couples talk about before marriage?”, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most important tips for marriage engaged couples should know including resources and workbooks to do together. (Non-boring, promise!) Ready to get started? Let’s go!
1. Talk About More Than Just the Wedding
One of the best relationship tips for engaged couples is to go beyond the wedding checklist and talk about real life: your values, goals, and shared future.
Some important things to talk about before marriage:
- How do we want to manage our money together?
- What does quality time look like for us?
- What are our expectations for family, holidays, or kids?
- How do we want to handle conflict or tough seasons?
These early conversations set the stage for deeper trust and understanding.
2. Understand Each Other’s Communication Styles
If you’re searching “how to prepare for married life”, start here: learn how your partner communicates, and how they receive love and support.
Try tools like the 5 Love Languages (also, see the next part in the series here) or quizzes for couples to better understand your relationship dynamic.
3. Make a Plan for Conflict (Yes, Really)
Every couple argues. One of the most powerful tips for newly engaged couples is to decide now how you’ll handle tough conversations later.
Create a conflict plan with boundaries you both agree on, like:
- No name-calling or blame language
- Take breaks when emotions run high
- Check in regularly, even when things feel good
Pro tip: Read The Workbook of Love or a similar book with worksheets to complete and/or discuss together before the wedding.
4. Try a Relationship-Strengthening Program
Not every couple needs full-on therapy — but every couple can benefit from relationship support before marriage. Think of it like premarital coaching that actually fits into your schedule. OurRitual isn’t traditional couples therapy. It’s a modern, flexible relationship program that uses elements of therapy such as guided support, trained professionals, and evidence-based tools — to help you build a solid foundation for your marriage.
The difference?
- Short, 20-minute sessions
- Option for individual or couples work
- Focus on education, skill-building, and communication
- Support for couples who are struggling, or those who just want to grow stronger
- Helpful in-app tools to use between sessions
It’s the perfect fit if you’re searching for marriage tips before the wedding and want more than surface-level advice.
► Learn more about OurRitual here.
5. Build Meaningful Rituals as a Couple
Rituals don’t have to be fancy. They just have to be yours.
Creating small, meaningful habits, even before the wedding, builds emotional connection and helps you feel like a team.
Ideas for simple rituals:
- Weekly coffee dates without phones
- A shared gratitude journal or anniversary journal
- Cooking a new recipe together every Friday
- Evening check-ins after work
Tip: Grab a couples journal like 365 Devotions for Couples to make it easy to connect.
Make it fun: this low-key yet helpful The Newlywed Instructional Manual looks less like a self-help book and more like an easy-read guide, perfect for browsing together on the couch and relaxing.
6. Don’t Wait for a Problem to Start Strengthening Your Marriage
If you’ve asked Alexa or Google, “How can I get ready for marriage?“, you’re already taking the right step.
The truth is, investing in your relationship before things feel hard can help you avoid the issues that take couples by surprise later on.
With OurRitual or similar support, you can start marriage strong by focusing on:
- Emotional safety
- Shared values and goals
- Healthy communication
- Conflict repair and recovery skills
Think of it like an engagement gift to yourselves — one that keeps giving for years to come.
7. Crowdsource Marriage Tips from Family and Friends
Instead of a traditional guest book, opt for marriage advice cards from your friends and family. These practical tips are often helpful ones they’ve used themselves, and they’re sure to pass on their best ones to you so you’ll have a heartfelt collection of the BEST marriage tips for years to come.
After the wedding, keep them in a small keepsake box, like this or paste them into a scrapbook.
► Not quite right? Browse more alternative guest book ideas to find one that suits your relationship best. The most important part? Returning to it over time, reading the sweet words and helpful tips written by guests, and reliving the day together as a couple.
Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Prepare for Marriage Is Now
If you’re planning a wedding, don’t forget to plan for the life that comes after it.
These tips for marriage before the wedding, from honest conversations to guided support, will help you create a foundation that’s just as beautiful as your big day.
Editor’s Note: I’m lucky to be happily married and these are all wonderful tools to use. I would like to add that a pre-marital retreat is a very fun experience. If you have the opportunity to take one (even one night or a weekend), I highly encourage you to do so. It is one of our favorite memories as we look back to wedding planning!
You’ve got the love. Now build the tools to make it last.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
This is a sponsored post.
Tags:
tips for marriage before the wedding, how to prepare for married life, premarital advice, engaged couples tips, ourritual review, relationship prep, wedding relationship tips
