- Marriage in the US: Divorce rates have decreased, and the average length of marriage increased.
- Newlyweds should organize and have a financial plan to set shared goals and expenses.
- Planning fun activities and creating a comfortable home environment is essential to keep the romance alive.
- Work on your marriage by communicating, expressing love and gratitude, and developing as individuals.
- Consider spending time with friends and setting boundaries before moving in together.
Congratulations on your wedding! After the honeymoon, you may feel like you’re starting a new life. You’re beginning the next phase of your journey together, and there’s much to consider. What do you do now that the wedding day has come and gone? Don’t worry – this is a time of excitement and opportunity. Here’s what you need to know about marriages in the U.S., how to prepare for it together, and when to consider moving in.
The State of Marriages in the U.S.
Divorce rates have decreased throughout the years. The average length of marriages has also increased slightly to around eight years. However, some marriages can last a last time if you know what you’re doing. Here’s what you should do after the honeymoon stage.
Get Organized
It’s important to organize your new life together. Set a budget, determine your shared goals, and create a plan for achieving them. Talk about your savings goals and future big purchases like a house or a car. It’s also the perfect time to talk about your individual goals too. Determine how you’ll split the bills and other shared expenses.
Have a Financial Plan
Make sure you have a financial plan in place. This includes creating a budget, setting a savings goal, and developing a plan. Talk about your financial goals and future big purchases like a house or a car. As newlyweds, you want to prioritize building up your emergency fund and working together toward financial stability. It’s also an excellent time to ensure you have a good health plan that covers both of you.
Plan Fun Together
After the wedding, it’s time to start thinking about your future together! List activities you would like to do together, such as camping trips or date nights. Planning activities together keeps the magic alive and gives you something to look forward to. But keeping the romance alive during mundane days is also essential.
Work on Your Marriage
Marriage is a commitment that requires ongoing effort and work. Take care of yourselves and your relationship by communicating and being kind to one another. It’s important to talk about your worries, concerns, dreams, and excitement. Also, make sure to express love and gratitude regularly. Take time to develop as an individual to bring fresh energy and happiness when you both meet.
When to Move In
Most couples move in before marriage. However, you shouldn’t rush this as people who move in before marriage as a ‘test-run’ tend to have a higher chance of divorcing. Here are things to consider before moving in:
Spend Time With Friends First!
After your honeymoon, you should spend some time with your friends and family before moving in together. This is especially true if you come from different backgrounds and have different experiences to share. Spend time getting to know each other’s friends, passions, and beliefs.
Create Boundaries
Make sure you discuss what boundaries you want to set for your relationship to work. Discuss topics such as finances, chores, and communication. Setting boundaries is essential for long-term relationships and will help you both feel more secure in the future.
Start Building Your Home Together
Create a comfortable and cozy home environment by creating a plan for your perfect space. Start by creating a mood board and determining what kind of décor you both like. Start with the basics, like bedding, furniture, and kitchen utensils. You can also designate roles on who will take care of daily chores like laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping to ensure equal work distribution.
Hire a Mover
The stress of moving can be stressful for both of you. This is why you should consider hiring a professional to help you out! Hire a reliable local mover to handle the logistics and ensure everything goes smoothly. This can reduce the stress between you and make a move more enjoyable.
Enjoy Your Life Together
Finally, enjoy your new life together! Marriage can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience when done right. Make sure you celebrate your relationship every step of the way and focus on creating a strong bond between you both for years to come!
Marriage and honeymoon are both exciting milestones, but understanding the steps after it is essential to ensuring you both have a successful and fulfilling life. Take time to plan your life together and make you celebrate every step of the way!
