How to Navigate Through The Holidays as a Newly Married Couple

The holidays can be the cause of tension in some relationships but this article from LOVERLY.COM, explains how to get through it with ease!

The Newlywed's Guide to Negotiating the Holidays

by

Kimberly Watson

The holidays are finally here and you and your partner are likely looking forward to spending time with family and friends. The only trouble is, whose side makes the cut? Whether you're recently engaged or newlyweds, you both probably have a different ideas about your plan for how the holiday season is going to play out. Here are a few helpful tips to help keep things merry and bright.

 

Photo by: Braedon Flynn Photography on Grey Likes Weddings 

  

 

  1. Get on the same page as your partner...STAT. First things first: COMMUNICATE. Don't just expect that your partner can read your mind. Talk about priorities, traditions, and preferences as early as possible. If Thanksgiving is the most important event for your family, make that known and be willing to concede on another major holiday. Figure out where it's possible to give a little...'tis the season, after all.

2. Keep your families in the know. Your friends and family are eager to hear your plans for the holidays because they're looking forward to seeing you, but they also need to figure out their own schedules. Be sure to communicate with anyone extending an invitation as soon as possible. Waiting to RSVP because you can't reach a decision is a surefire way to land on their naughty list. Be open and honest! 

3. Don't play the blame-game. Once you have made the decision about where to spend the holidays, remember that you've come up with the plan of action TOGETHER. Sure you may not have gotten your way, but it's not fair to put the entire decision on your partner. Don't set him or her up as the bad guy. 

4. Make your partner feel included. If you decide to spend the holiday with your family and can feel that your partner is a little bummed, sweeten the deal by incorporating some of his or her family's customs. Ask your in-laws for a special recipe you can prepare or get the scoop on another family tradition that'll help your partner feel right at home. 

5. Put your best foot forward. On the other hand, if you're the one giving a little this year, remember to put on a smile and enjoy the holiday. This isn't a punishment! Take a deep breath and plunge forward into your new life (and new family) together. It's something to celebrate, not complain about. 

6. Have a go at hosting. Can't seem to find a compromise? Offer to host the holiday yourselves, bringing together both families and the long-loved traditions that come with them! Plus, it's a great time to kick-off some new customs that you can carry through the years as you build your own family. 

7. Stay true to yourself. If your partner is being stubborn about holiday plans and not leaving room for your preferences, it's okay to put your foot down, even if that means you end up spending the actual holiday apart. If your families live close by, consider splitting your time in the days leading up to the holiday. And, if that's not in the cards, schedule time to see both families in the New Year! 

8. Remember your priorities. Negotiating the holidays requires patience and careful consideration each and every year. The two of you have created a new family and will need to come together to figure out what works best (in spite of everyone else's opinions and preferences). Stand by your choices, and stand by each other.

What is the difference between a Wedding Planner & a Venue Coordinator

   Congratulations on your engagement! No doubt, this will be the most exciting time of your lives as a couple so far. It can also be overwhelming when you start getting into the planning process and that's where we as wedding planners come in. One question that we often get is, what is the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator. When is comes to a wedding planner and a venue coordinator, the titles are similar, but in reality, they are immensely different.  Simply put, a wedding planner's services are endless while a venue coordinator has boundaries. To better understand, we have highlighted the main differences below.

 

 The Venue Coordinator

• When you contact a venue to schedule a walk through, a venue coordinator will usually be the one who you will speak to as well as show you around during your appointment.
• They are partially a salesperson, as well as a spokesperson for the venue and point of contact between the couple and the on site operations team.
• Coordinators are responsible for all things related to the venue, such as venue contract and payment, menu tastings if their is an onsite caterer, making sure the venue is set up correctly and that vendors follow all rules set by the venue.
• Many times when asking a venue coordinator for recommendations for vendors, they will more than liking suggest someone from their recommended list and you may not get an honest referral based on someone's experience or merit.
• They will not meet with you during your consultations with your potential vendors.
• Once your wedding day is confirmed, you more than likely will not hear from the venue coordinator until a month or two prior to your wedding day.
  
  
  

  

  
  

The Wedding Planner

• You will have a team of professional wedding planners and coordinators at your service from the beginning of the planning process or month of coordination where we will help you with the final details and pull of the pieces together.
• You will be assisted with creating a budget, as well as recommended venues and vendors within your budget.
• Review and negotiate contracts. (Selected Packages)
• Scheduling and attending menu tastings, cake tastings, walk throughs and consultations with you.
• Customized personal design reflecting the vision of the couple while developing an ideal floor plan.
• Personalized timelines and wedding day overviews for vendors, bridal parties, family members and venue.
• Organize and lead/assist the wedding rehearsal with or without your Officiant.
• Communicate a detailed timeline with your wedding team of professionals days/week before the wedding and follow up with any questions they may have.
• Over see time management for processional, recessional, cocktail hour, entrances, speeches, dancing, etc.
• Ensure quality control as well as troubleshoot any issue that may arise without interrupting your special day.
• Pack all personal items and gifts after the reception and ensure they are delivered to your room or designated person.
• Allow your family and friends to enjoy every moment of your wedding day with you!