Wedding Planning, One Date Night at a Time

I'm a huge believer in wedding planning as a team sport. You are setting the foundation for a life of adventures together, and wedding planning is a crash course! It's not always easy, and it will come with its share of compromise, but working together throughout the wedding planning process can be incredibly rewarding, and also fun.

Speaking of fun, how about a date night? Check out our list below of 8 wedding planning "tasks" that can be reframed as dates! You can spend quality time together while also checking some items off of your to-do list - it's a win-win.

It's important to keep things in perspective while wedding planning: you're not just planning a big party, you're setting the stage for a marriage. Be kind to each other, have fun, and remember that your love for each other is the most central element to the big day.

Brainstorming Session

One of the first wedding planning tasks to tackle is a conversation on your vision for the day. Don't get bogged down in the details now - sit down together with a bottle of wine, and brainstorm about what you hope the big day will look like from a 10,000 foot view.

Do you want a springtime garden party? Or an elegant ballroom reception? What's most important to each of you?

"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality."

Venue Tours

Try to schedule several venue tours back-to-back - make a day of it!

Make a dinner reservation for the evening and compare notes while you enjoy a meal.

Menu Tastings

An elegant meal with no time in the kitchen? Yes please!

Think of any tastings with your venue or caterer as a date night. It's special time together to focus on each other and the meal that will kickstart your happily ever after.

Registering for Gifts

In this day and age, registering for gifts can be tackled from home.

Get cozy on the couch with your laptops and settle in for an afternoon of creating your ultimate wish list. Divide and conquer - maybe you can choose a few towel options while your partner compares reviews for bakeware. Come to a consensus together on the items that you add. Remember to provide plenty of options at various price points!

Shopping for Wedding Bands

Maybe your engagement ring was a surprise, but shopping for wedding bands together can be a great bonding activity.

Head to your local jeweler of choice and try on bands together to find the right fit.

Choosing a First Dance Song

A week before your date, agree to each put together a list of 10 potential first dance songs that you love.

When date night arrives, present your options. Listen to a portion of each song. Is there any overlap?

Choose a few top contenders from each of your lists, and actually get up and dance to them - trust me!

You can use this method to choose other special songs too, like songs for your cake cutting or reception entrance.

Practicing Your First Dance

Ok, you've chosen your first dance song. Feeling a little nervous about dancing in front of your guests on the big day?

Practice. We're not talking full-on choreography (but if that's your thing, go for it!). There are lots of YouTube videos that provide a few basic tips, such as how to do a spin, or a simple dip to finish the dance. I'm linking to one here.

Watch together, and then give it a try! It's natural for nerves to run high on your wedding day. Why not make a date night out of your practice so you feel more confident on the big day? And don't take it too seriously - this is supposed to be fun. :)

Cake Tastings

Last but not least, the sweetest date of all!

Some bakeries offer tastings in person, others offer samples to take home and try on your own. Either way, this is the most fun you can have while wedding planning (in my opinion!).

Get creative, and don't feel limited by traditional flavors. Find a flavor combination that is special to you as a couple.