Choosing one person for the rest of your life is a big next step. The idea of conjoining as one in a healthy relationship can feel exciting but may not be for everyone. The process before getting married can feel overwhelming. Even so, several benefits can come from tying the knot. However, there are a few things to consider before getting married.

What is Marriage?

You may think of marriage as just two imperfect people who love and support one another through even the hardest of times. No one is perfect, so you may sign up to be with someone who has traits you can tolerate.

Sure, that is a pretty brief way to put it, but there is so much more to marriage than society makes it out to be. Depending on whether you sign a prenup, marriage is a legal contract between two consenting adults that states the legal rights and obligations between both spouses. Not many people look into what marriage involves before saying “I do”. You may not even remember your vows word for word or think to follow them days after the ceremony. “Becoming one flesh” could legally mean but is not limited to:

• Sharing home ownership rights
• Combining both bank accounts
• Possessing a vehicle together
• Taking on one another’s debt
• Caring for your partner’s kids or pets
• Managing major assets together
• Establishing a joint fund for children
• Marrying into your partner’s family

Benefits of Getting Married

If you have read this far, depending on where you are in your relationship, the idea of marriage can seem intimidating. Although this may be true, take comfort in knowing various benefits do come from getting married. 

According to the Office of Assistant Secretary Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), a wide body of research has highlighted that married couples are typically healthier than those who are single. Studies have proven that a healthy marriage tends to reduce depression symptoms for both partners. Research has also found that married couples live longer than those who are not married. Based on the U.S. Department of Labor, additional benefits that come with marriage include: 

• Health coverage
• Tax benefits
• Government benefits 
• Medical benefits 
• Estate planning benefits 
• Consumer benefits 
• Bigger loans 
• Better access to credit
• Auto and home insurance benefits
• Social security benefits
• Retirement benefits

The Process Before Getting Married

Before wedding planning, it is important to understand that the process can range from 6 months to 2 years. Think about how stressful it is to host a birthday party for friends or family. If you lack support or do not hire a wedding planner, the process before getting married can feel stressful.

The lead-up to the big day can feel nerve-racking but if you do it right, you can dance the night away and enjoy your stress-free honeymoon. So, what does the process entail? The wedding process can be different for everyone as a couple’s needs and wants can be entirely unique. Common wedding planning tasks include: 

• Finding a ring
• Planning the engagement
• Applying for a marriage license or marriage certificate online
• Hiring a videographer
• Hiring a photographer
• Choosing and decorating the reception hall
• Preparing the photo booth
• Finding the DJ
• Deciding on what food to provide
• Cake tasting
• Exploring floral selections
• Saying “yes to the dress”
• Fitting a suit or tuxedo
• Planning your honeymoon

When Should You Get Married?

Say your partner is messy, is a bit of a spender, and is quite introverted but adapts fine through life’s biggest challenges. If your communication is on point and you are a good team, you may have picked a good one. If your partner is uptight, excessively spends their money, goes out every weekend, and cannot hold a job you may want to communicate your concerns or consider other options.

Remember, when you marry everything changes. You flee the nest, become next of kin, share the same friend circle, possibly raise children with each other, attend family celebrations, and cry together at funerals. Therefore, it is critical to choose wisely.

Thinking Carefully Before Making a Decision

There are several reasons why you may choose to marry. You may simply be “in love”, want to blend in with societal norms, desire to hit the next biggest milestone in life, or feel pressured due to pregnancy, or cultural expectations. Whatever the reason may be, a few things to consider before making your decision include your: 

• Relationship status
• Mental health
• Physical health
• Prenup agreement
• Finances
• Living environment
• Relationship with In-laws
• Family planning
• Pets
• Career
• Family events
• Trust
• Religion
• Shared goals for the future