Ladies, let’s be real. If you’re on the verge of getting engaged, you’ve probably been living in a constant state of anticipation. You’ve subtly (or not-so-subtly) pointed out ring styles, your Pinterest board is overflowing with wedding inspo, and every time your partner reaches into their pocket, your heart stops, only to realize they’re just pulling out gum. Meanwhile, your mom is not-so-casually dropping hints like, “So, when are we getting some grandbabies?” and Aunt Karen keeps reminding you that she was engaged at 23 (thanks, Karen).
But before you dive headfirst into wedding planning and spend an ungodly amount of time perfecting the perfect Instagram caption for your engagement post (“He liked it, so he put a ring on it” is taken, by the way), let’s take a breath. This is the last stretch of your pre-marriage adventure, and it deserves to be legendary. So, here’s a bucket list of ten things to do together before you say, “I do.”
1. Take an Unplanned Road Trip
Because nothing says “test of true love” like trying to navigate Google Maps while one of you insists they totally know a shortcut. Bonus points if you end up at a sketchy roadside diner where the Wi-Fi password is “goodluck.”
2. Cook a Fancy Meal Together (And Try Not to Start a Fire)
Sure, ordering takeout is the safer choice, but there’s something about attempting Beef Wellington from a YouTube tutorial that really strengthens a relationship. Just remember: smoke alarms are not a cooking timer.
3. Go to a Wedding Expo and Pretend You’re Planning a Stranger’s Wedding
Nothing prepares you for the chaos of wedding planning quite like a convention full of enthusiastic cake vendors and hyper-caffeinated brides. Bonus: free samples. Downside: You will leave with brochures for things you didn’t even know you needed, like monogrammed napkins.
4. Survive a Costco Trip on a Saturday Afternoon
If you two can navigate through hoards of people battling over free cheese samples and emerge unscathed, congratulations, you’re ready for anything marriage throws your way.
5. Plan a “Yes Day” for Each Other
Each of you gets one day where the other has to say “yes” to everything (within reason, no skydiving if one of you is afraid of heights, and no adopting six cats). It’s a fun way to push each other out of your comfort zones, even if it means he has to endure a full day of The Bachelor reruns.
6. Binge a Cringey Reality Show Together
Find the worst, most dramatic show you can (hello, Love Is Blind), and fully commit. Take sides, yell at the screen, and place bets on which couple will break up first. It’s bonding at its finest.
7. Have the “Worst Case Scenario” Talk
Okay, let’s get semi-serious for a sec. Before you merge lives (and Netflix accounts), have those real talks, finances, future goals, and how you’d handle a zombie apocalypse. (Spoiler: If he says he’d trip you to escape, run now.)
8. Crash a Karaoke Night (Even If You Can’t Sing)
There’s nothing like a dramatic duet of Shallow to solidify your love. Also, if your partner stays with you after hearing your off-key Bohemian Rhapsody, they’re a keeper.
9. Take One Ridiculously Over-the-Top Engagement Photoshoot
We’re talking coordinated outfits, unnecessary props, and possibly a rented horse. Because years from now, you’ll want something so extra that your future kids will roll their eyes every time they see it.
10. Write Each Other a “Before Marriage” Letter
This one’s actually sweet (shocking, I know). Write a letter to each other about why you’re excited for marriage, what you love about each other, and how you plan to keep life fun. Open them on your first anniversary for an “aww” moment, or to laugh at how naive you were before you knew that marriage involves so much laundry.
At the end of the day, marriage isn’t just about planning a dream wedding, it’s about finding joy in the everyday chaos. So, before you get lost in cake tastings and seating charts, take the time to create some wild, ridiculous, and unforgettable memories together.
Now, tell me, what’s on your pre-wedding bucket list? Drop your best ideas (or funniest pre-engagement mishaps) in the comments below!