Feeling the love on Valentine's Day as an engaged couple

With Valentine's Day coming up, love is in the air — but when you're planning a celebration of love, the holiday can feel like another item on your romantic to-do list.

You and your fiancé may be so wrapped up in the fuss of finalizing guest lists, coordinating with vendors and figuring out your finances that it can be easy to lose sight of what your wedding is actually about: your love for one another.

Here are some of our tips on how to make Valentine's Day feel special amid all the stress of planning your special day.

Dial down the pressure

This may be your first – and last – Valentine's Day together as a soon-to-be-married couple, so you might be feeling the pressure to make it extra special.

If you and your boo want to go all out, more power to you. But wedding planning can bring a lot expectations — many of which have nothing to do with the two of you — so you may want to consider finding low-key ways to enjoy each other’s company.

Your Valentine’s Day plans could be as simple as savouring a special home-cooked meal, or practicing your first dance in your living room. This is your chance to celebrate your love in an intimate way before sharing it with everyone else at your nuptials.

No wedding talk (but dirty talk is encouraged)

You and your fiancé have probably spent so long sorting out seating arrangements that you have each table memorized. Planning a wedding is work, so why not embrace the holiday spirit by giving both of you a day off. 

If the wedding does come up, try to steer clear of the logistics of party planning in favour of reflecting on the more romantic aspects of your big day.

Perhaps you and your fiancé want to workshop your vows by talking about all the things you love about one another. Or maybe you want to get excited for your wedding night by trying out something spicy in the boudoir.

Get nostalgic

Valentine’s Day can be a great opportunity to look back on all the shared moments that made you decide to get married in the first place.

Take a trip down memory lane by visiting significant sites in your relationship, such as the restaurant where you had your first date or the spot where you first said “I love you.”

If you’re exchanging gifts, you could assemble an album of photos that capture the trajectory of your relationship.

It could even be as simple as taking the time to reminisce about the milestones in your love story as you look forward to your happily ever after. 

Show yourself a little love

You may be so stressed trying to make everyone happy in your wedding planning that you’ve forgotten to look out for number one.

Make Valentine’s Day an opportunity to treat yourself to a little self-care, such as a relaxing day at the spa or getting a fresh blowout. 

Nothing is sexier than feeling sexy, so maybe pick up some new lingerie to remind your man just how lucky he is to have locked you down.

And remember: Your celebration of love doesn’t need to be limited to Feb. 14 or your wedding day. It’s the way you and your fiancé show up for each other every day that made you want to say “I do.”