It may be a little early for the final countdown on the bride’s to do list.

But I’m hoping that if one of the millions of May and June brides reads this in time, her list will contain some useful information. Right now, she’s probably focusing on the stuff that brides think they must have. You know, the gift registry, venue, invitations, music, reception menu, favors, flowers, bridesmaid’s dresses, wedding gown, tuxedo, cake, rings, photographer, videographer…and so on.

I’ll bet that if I checked the to do-list of a million of those brides, I wouldn’t find a reference to credit scores, budgets, premarital financial counseling, debt, checking accounts, prenup agreements, community or separate property or any other aspects of the financial life the couple will share.

The soon-to-be marrieds may never have had The Conversation, or any conversation, about money and how they will handle it in their marriage. They may be counting on their love to handle any conflicts that come up about money.

She may not want to anger him by bringing up the money subject - again. He may not know how vital it is to discuss money with his future bride, so they can get a sense of how they will handle this touchy subject as husband and wife.

No one enters marriage believing they will be one of the two couples who divorce. Bathed in love, fantasy and hope, newlyweds take one of the biggest steps in their life with less preparation about their ‘job’ than McDonald’s workers get.

Or as one hopeful cynic quipped “I’m getting my first marriage out of the way so I can get to the one that I know will work”.

Next blog: The Wedding Financial ‘ToDo’ List

This entry was posted on Friday, April 11th, 2008 at 1:05 pm. Visit the archives for all blog posts.