3 Important Questions to Ask Before Marriage

Perhaps you’ve bought a ring and are planning to propose soon. Or maybe you’ve just been proposed to and are still admiring the sparkle of your engagement ring.

Either way, you’re probably basking in the glow of the newly or soon-to-be-engaged!

It’s absolutely important to revel in this once-in-a-lifetime moment, but remember that you shouldn’t stop there. You also have to sit down with your future spouse and explore the list of important questions to ask before marriage.

By doing so, you’ll ensure that both of you are ready to go on the biggest adventure in your life.

Are These Questions Really Important?

No matter how well you know each other, there might still be some important topics that you haven’t thought about and/or discussed yet. By going through the list of recommended marriage questions, you’ll have the chance to dive into these topics and see where the other person stands.

It’s also important to note that people’s opinions and beliefs can change over time. So, even if you’ve talked about certain marriage-related topics months or years ago, it’s not a guarantee that you or your partner still feel the same way.

Revisiting these topics will help you determine if you’re still on the same page or if there are any adjustments you need to make.

Key Questions to Ask Before Planning Your Wedding

Take note that this isn’t a comprehensive list. There are dozens of questions to ask before marriage, so I’ve decided to compile some of the most important ones below.

1. How Will You Handle Finances?

Finances are an incredibly broad topic, so you’ll want to break them down into different parts and make them easier to discuss. Here are some examples:

• What are your financial habits? Are you a spender or a saver?
• Do you have existing debts? What are your plans for paying them off?
• Will you have joint or separate finances? How will you handle bills and other expenses?

Talking about money might seem icky at first. However, you must get used to it to avoid financial troubles, which can affect or even break down marriages.

2. Do You Want to Have Children?

Having children is a polarizing topic for couples, which is why it’s one of the most important questions to ask before marriage.

If your partner wants kids and you don’t (or vice versa), you have to decide if staying in the relationship is worth it or if you need to move on.

Remember: raising children doesn’t just take 18 years; it’s a commitment that lasts a lifetime. If you’re on the fence and end up having a child, you’ll likely develop deep feelings of resentment that your future kid will surely pick up on.

Also, take note that the longing for children doesn’t go away immediately, or at all. If either of you wants kids and you end up not having them, you might deal with resentment and other issues down the road.

3. What Role Will Religion Play in Your Married Life?

Religion is often not an issue in the dating stage since both parties are free to explore their spirituality on their own. However, if you’re getting married, you have to determine how it will affect your life moving forward.

This is a key topic to discuss, especially if one or both of you come from a culture that prioritizes religion. If you’re engaged to a Filipina, for example, she’ll likely be a Catholic (just like 80% of the country) and will want to keep practicing her faith even when you get married.

Discussing this topic is also important if you both want to have kids. Decide if they’ll be observing religion as they grow up. If you and your partner come from different faiths, ask yourselves if your children will be exposed to both of them or just one.

Start Asking These Questions Today

Getting married isn’t just about having grand proposals and thorough wedding plans — it’s also about ensuring that you and your partner are on the same page about most aspects of life. Explore the key questions to ask before marriage and use them to build a strong foundation for your future!