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Top Fights That Surprise and Frustrate Newly Engaged Couples and How to Grow Stronger Through It

Writer's picture: Brenda GebhardtBrenda Gebhardt

Updated: Dec 22, 2024


engaged couple arguing

Hey there, newly engaged couples—congrats! You said “yes!” and now you’re diving into one of the most exciting chapters of your life. No pressure or anything, right? Honestly, one of my favorite things about running a wedding venue is watching couples in this new season of love—it’s pure magic. But let’s be real: planning a wedding can also get a little stressful. If you’ve noticed more bickering or tension lately, don’t freak out. It’s super normal, and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your relationship. This season is beautiful, but it can also test you in ways you didn’t expect. So, let’s talk about it—why it happens, what it means, and how to keep your connection strong through it all. Find your partner, settle into a cozy spot, grab your favorite drinks, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in to the most important blog you will ever read as a newly engaged couple!


Why Do Couples Fight More After Getting Engaged?

Engagement is filled with joy and dreams of the future, but it also brings new dynamics and challenges that can test any relationship. Here are just a few reasons why:

  1. Big Decisions, Big Changes: Planning a wedding means tackling major decisions—everything from the budget to the guest list, vendors, and the overall vision. For many couples, this is the first time they’ve had to make significant choices together, and it can be overwhelming.


  2. Family and Friend Expectations: Weddings are an important time for all involved and tend to bring out strong opinions from loved ones. Whether it’s parents, siblings, or friends, everyone seems to have a suggestion or expectation. Balancing those voices with your own desires can create stress.


  3. Pressure to Have the “Perfect” Wedding: Let's be real, social media and Pinterest are great resources for planning your dreamy celebration, but they also paint a picture of a flawless, magazine-worthy weddings without any obstacles or limits. Trying to live up to those unrealistic standards can take a toll emotionally and financially.


  4. Future-Focused Conversations: This time isn’t just about planning a wedding—it’s about preparing for a marriage. The real discussions about finances, family dynamics, careers, and long-term goals often come up, which can be hard if you’re not aligned.


  5. Life Goes On: Between your jobs, everyday responsibilities, and wedding planning, it can feel like there’s no time to breathe. This time-crunch can make even small disagreements feel bigger than they are.


Can you relate? Well, here's the good news...it's normal and you now have the opportunity to learn, grow and build healthy habits that will benefit your marriage. Let's talk about how to start working as a team and growing skills that will serve as a baseline for you and your partner for the rest of your lives.


How to Stay Connected Through the Wedding Planning Process

Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this season with love, grace, and unity:


  1. COMMUNICATION: Seriously…reread that. I know life is busy, and wedding planning adds a million things to your plate, but you have to make time to talk to each other. Talk about everything—the wedding details, your feelings, what’s exciting, and even what’s stressing you out. Be honest about the little frustrations too. But don’t just stop at talking—make sure you’re really listening to each other. Here’s the thing: wedding planning isn’t just about pulling off one amazing day. It’s about how you navigate this journey together. Being kind, patient, and supportive of each other will go a long way in making this time not just manageable but meaningful. Remember, you’re a team. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating a day that celebrates your love. And let’s be real—communication isn’t a “one and done” thing. You don’t have one deep talk and suddenly understand each other perfectly forever. It’s a constant effort, one you’ll keep working on throughout your entire marriage. Oh, and a little spoiler alert—your partner cannot read your mind. Don’t assume they just know what you’re thinking. Speak up, and if they don’t get it the first time, that’s okay—keep talking. Because the more you communicate, the stronger you’ll be, not just during this season but for all the seasons to come.


  2. Set Realistic Expectations: Let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as a “perfect” wedding. And that’s okay! Think of this as part of your story—one that doesn’t need to be perfectly edited or airbrushed. All that matters is that your day feels perfectly yours. Take some time to figure out what truly matters to you as a couple and make that your priority. Whether it’s an epic dance party, a quiet moment together, or your local favorite dougnuts, like our favorite Dough Co Dougnuts, on the dessert table, focus on the things that make your wedding feel like you. Don’t let outside opinions or Pinterest-perfect pressure steer you away from what’s most important. This is your day, and it should reflect your love story—not someone else’s.


  3. Share Responsibilities: Bring your partner over and read this together...It's that important! Wedding planning is not a one person job...nothing is life is. This is the beauty of marriage. You will come back to this over and over. As someone who’s been married for 30+ years you must know that this is the beauty of marriage, you are a team but becoming a team takes effort and communication. Go back to Communicate what you need—don’t assume your partner can read your mind. Spoiler alert: they can’t. The good news? You’ll get better at this with practice, and wedding planning is a great place to start. Divide up the tasks based on your strengths and what you actually enjoy doing. Maybe one of you loves digging into the details while the other is great at big-picture decisions—play to those strengths! The key is to trust and support each other. You’re a team, not just for the wedding, but for the life you’re building together. So why not start practicing now?



  4. Take a Break: Seriously, wedding talk doesn’t need to dominate every conversation. Make it a point to schedule date nights or carve out intentional time together where the wedding is completely off-limits. Use that time to reconnect, laugh, and just enjoy being together. Remember why you fell in love in the first place—those moments matter more than centerpieces or seating charts. And here’s the beautiful thing: 20 years from now, you’ll still want to be able to tap into these feelings. The way you felt when you first fell in love can be a touchstone for your relationship, a reminder of why you chose each other in the first place. Your love story doesn’t have to be a perfect fairytale, but it can be your fairytale—and it starts with moments like these. So, take those breaks, soak it all in, and keep building the kind of connection that lasts a lifetime.


  5. Understand Grace: Grace is one of the greatest gifts you can give each other—starting with wedding planning. By definition, grace is offering kindness and understanding that isn’t necessarily earned. It’s about choosing love and patience even when things don’t go perfectly. In our own marriage, we’ve experienced firsthand how God’s grace has carried us through countless challenges. It’s taught us to give grace to each other, and trust us, that practice has made all the difference. Planning a wedding is exciting, but it’s also a learning curve for both of you. Mistakes will happen, plans might change, and emotions can run high. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. God’s grace is always there to guide and strengthen you, just as it has for us. Choose to forgive, even when it’s hard, and show patience when things get tense. Your partner might forget an important detail or get stressed about the guest list. Instead of letting it spiral, take a moment, breathe, and remember—you’re on the same team. Offering grace not only makes wedding planning smoother but also helps build the foundation for a marriage that’s rooted in love, understanding, and faith. After all, isn’t that what this journey is all about?



  6. Pick your battles: Trust us, this one is a game-changer. When disagreements pop up (and they will), take a moment to step back and ask, “Does this really matter in the big picture?”, more than likely, the answer is no. It’s so easy to get caught up in the little details, like the exact shade of napkins or whether the playlist needs one more slow song. But here’s the truth: your wedding is just one day. Your marriage is the real forever. Think about it—this day is about something far bigger than color schemes, food options, or the perfect dance order. It’s about the two of you, choosing each other, and committing to a lifetime together. Those small details will fade, but the love and promises you share on that day will carry you through the years. Remember why you’re doing all this—to celebrate your love and the life you’re building together. At the end of the day, those tiny details won’t matter nearly as much as the joy of standing side by side and saying, “I do.”


  7. Lean on Your Faith: This has been everything for us, and we would be remiss if we didn’t share it with you. The Bible teaches us to love each other as Jesus loves the church. And how much did He love it? Enough to give everything, even His life. That’s huge. Now, no one’s asking you to go that far (thank goodness!), but the principle is powerful: are you willing to set aside your own wants and needs to love your partner well? I've witnessed the magic of this practice for over 30 years in our marriage... when you start putting each other’s needs ahead of your own, something incredible happens. You’ll find a deeper love and connection that’s unlike anything else. My husband is the best example of this. He’ll take out my earrings when I fall asleep on the couch or bring me a drink when he knows I’ve been running around and probably forgotten to hydrate. It’s those little acts of love that add up and create a bond that’s unshakable. During this busy, exciting, and sometimes stressful season of wedding planning, keeping God, and His principles, at the center of your relationship will make all the difference. Pray together, lift each other up spiritually, and lean on Him for peace, wisdom, and connection. Trust me—He’s the best Guide you could ever have on this journey. With God in your corner, not only will you get through this season, but you’ll also come out stronger, more connected, and more in love than ever.



The Beginning of Forever

This season, while exciting and beautiful, is also a time of growth. The arguments and challenges you face don’t mean something is wrong with your relationship—they’re just part of the process. These moments are opportunities to strengthen your love, improve your communication, and build an even stronger bond. Remember, wedding planning is temporary, but the foundation you’re creating together during this time will last a lifetime. When it all feels like too much, take a moment to pause, hold hands, take a deep breath, and remind each other why you said “yes.” At the end of the day, it’s not about the perfect playlist or the most coordinated décor—it’s about celebrating the life you’re building together and the love that makes it all worthwhile.


If you’re newly engaged or know someone who is, be sure to follow our blog for helpful wedding tips, creative inspiration, and ideas you may not have even considered. And if you’re searching for the perfect venue in Canton, Cleveland, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio and beyond, we’d be honored to host your special day at Yellowbrick on 39.


Nestled in a picturesque Ohio destination, our venue blends rustic charm and modern elegance with its exposed brick walls, handhewn beams, and stunning views of the adjacent Norma Johnson Conservation Center. It’s more than just a wedding venue—it’s a space where love stories begin and memories are made.


We care deeply about each of our couples and their futures together, and it’s truly an honor to play a part in such a meaningful chapter of your lives. Your journey is just beginning, and we’re here to help make it as beautiful and unforgettable as possible.


Come visit Yellowbrick on 39 this holiday season, and let’s start planning a celebration as unique and special as your love. We can’t wait to meet you and help you bring your vision to life!


Merry Christmas and congratulations to all the newly engaged couples! We’re so excited for you and can’t wait to see what your forever looks like.


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We are dedicated to using our platform to support other locally owned wedding venues. In every blog we write, we will include links to locally owned wedding venues who use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. Be prepared to be inspired by the beauty of their venues and talent of their clients and vendors. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map



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