There is nothing quite like the moment when a man gets down on one knee and pops the question to the one girl that has captured his heart, the girl that he has chosen to be with for the rest of his life. It is a surreal moment filled with laughter, tears, champagne and seemingly unending happiness. However, what happens when the initial excitement of the proposal begins to fade and you come down off of the post engagement high?

An engagement can happen in a matter of minutes, or seconds even. The path to the altar and the planning involved to get ready for the big day is a bit more extensive. While it can be exciting to pick out a dress, throw engagement parties, or register, it can also be a tiring and stressful process. For this reason, it is understandable that the pressures of planning what is said to be one of the most important days of people's lives can cause couples to fight.

It is important to understand that you and your fianc are both making huge changes in your life, and there will be moments of panic, frustration, tension, and, yes, possibly even fights.

In order to avoid (or at least limit) pre-wedding fights, it is advisable to keep the following in mind:

-For the bride: Do not get mad if your fianc is not overly eager to register. Remember his lack of interest in duvet covers does not mean he is not interested in you. Let him be involved to the extent he likes. Be appreciative of his help, and understanding when he needs to escape.

-For the groom: Take an interest in the planning of the wedding. Even if you decide to let your fianc take charge of the arrangements, ask her questions, stay informed, and be excited about the decisions she is making. Your enthusiasm will make her a much happier wedding planner.

-For the bride and groom: Do not keep your feelings bottled up. When you are feeling scared or upset, talk to your fianc. This is the person that is vowing to take care of you and listen to you for the rest of your life. By helping each other, you are not only helping yourself but also establishing a healthy pattern for the future.

-For the bride and groom: Although it seems obvious, relax and enjoy your engagement. Don't let the pressure of making everything perfect consume you. Focus on the excitement of getting to pick out new things, getting closer to your new family, and getting to share your life with someone. It can be a lot of fun if you allow it to be and as long you learn not to sweat the small stuff.

As a final note, if you can just keep in mind that, no matter what plans you make, your wedding day will be perfect simply because you will finally be able to look into the love of your life's eyes, and say "I do", then the tension causing details that go along with planning the wedding will seem insignificant.

Learn more about this author, Gabrielle Kuhl.
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