pinkie

I’d say that it all depends on the comfort level of your SO, and you. There are many things to take into consideration here, but in essence, that’s what this is about right? Consideration of your life partner’s feelings… ?

I think this is something that can’t be answered in a generalized sense. That’s not fair to the individuals. There are always personal details that make each situation unique. It’s up to the couple. No survey can decide what makes a bachelorette, or bachelor party with strippers (and the like) okay, it’s a case by case call only. If you love and respect your partner, and you respect their feelings on the matter, then you come to a compromise with each other.

It’s not an, “If you trust me, you’ll let me do this” manipulation. Respect should be in place, trust is built with respect.

As for the ring – Same thing basically, it depends on the couple.

There’s always going to be someone trying to make a buck or a mark by selling some idea on; “The way things should be.” I think that people should do what they believe is right, and not rely on what others say is proper, correct or “the in thing to do.”

For myself, all of my life I’ve gone against the grain of normalcy in every way. That being said, I did try to go a bit “traditional” with my wedding. With hindsight I can say is that having expectations too high (of any kind) is a sure way to be disappointed with the outcome of something, and I was trying to create an "upscale on a budget" kind of wedding.

I learned that the best way to prepare for a wedding is to lower your expectations and increase your love for one another. Planning a wedding is a huge stress on the relationship so be prepared to be disappointed, life is full of them. However, there is nothing to prepare you for the unconditional love and devotion a good marriage yields. It blows my mind daily.