Do These 10 Things During Your First Year of Marriage

Discover our favorite ways to make unforgettable memories and catch the season premiere of Welcome to Plathville on Tuesday, March 31 at 10P!

March 23, 2026

By: Samantha Lande

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10 Ways to Make Your First Year Even Sweeter

Welcome to Plathville’s Lydia and Zac spent the last year traveling, sharing new experiences, and learning even more about one another. Despite some troubles surrounding their wedding day, they made the absolute most of their first 365 days as a married duo! Here are ten wonderful experiences every couple should consider during their first year of marriage.

Book a Trip

Sure, you may have just taken your honeymoon, but the first year of marriage is all about exploring together! There’s no better way to do that then to travel. Whether you jet set off to another continent or you pick a city that you’ve always wanted to explore, booking and planning an epic trip is a must your first year of marriage.

Learn to Cook Together

Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but when you learn together, it can be a really meaningful and romantic experience. Take a cooking class or each pick a recipe and make them together at home. This could be a tradition you keep growing in years to come.

Start a New Tradition

Joining into a marriage means starting your own life together, and with that comes new traditions. Whether you make a new holiday tradition together or even a simple tradition like coffee time in your PJs every Saturday morning, the traditions you set in your first year of marriage can carry on a lifetime.

Decorate Your Home

Building a home together has many meanings, but creating the space you want to live in, whether you are renting or have a new home, is important. Spending the time together to decorate your home can be a great bonding experience. Yes, there are some tedious parts, but shopping, designing, and even building together can be a special experience.

Plan a Ritual

Even as newlyweds, life is still busy with work and other responsibilities. Take time and intention to plan a weekly ritual for just the two of you that you’ll stick to no matter what. It could be trying a new restaurant once a week, binging your favorite show on Tuesday nights, or whipping up a new cocktail every Friday night. Whatever you choose, make it something you both enjoy doing together — and most importantly, stick to it!

Find a New Joint Activity

Finding something you can do together is not only fun, but also a great way to bond. It can be anything from joining a beach volleyball team in the summer to playing trivia on Tuesday nights. Maybe you’ve always wanted to take pickleball lessons or learn guitar. Sit down and figure it out together!

Road Trip

There’s nothing like hitting the open road, whether you’re taking a two-hour drive to check out a new state park or a five-hour drive to a nearby beach town. Road trips entail a great playlist, snacks, and good conversation, making them perfect for year one of marriage and beyond.

Make Plans for the Future

You don’t have to conquer the world in your first year of marriage; you’re in for a lifetime together. Enjoy year one, but also spend time putting plans in place for the future. They can be social plans or life goals, a bucket list or places you want to travel.

Step outside of Your Comfort Zone

It may feel uncomfortable to be uncomfortable, but being in a marriage means your supported even in the moments that feel scary. Pick a time to challenge yourselves together. It could be something big like ziplining with a fear of heights or seeing a scary movie if your partner likes that and you don’t. You could perform standup or run a race. Taking on challenges together will feel great.

Have Spontaneous Date Nights

Not everything about the first year of marriage needs to be pre-planned. Spontaneity is important and always makes for a great to start the first year of marriage. Finding yourself with a free night can lead to new adventures. Grab last-minute concert tickets, take advantage of a nice day and have a picnic outside, or find a free local event. Sometimes, the most spontaneous moments lead to the best memories!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Lydia & Zac's First Year of Marriage in Photos, Having Baby #2? Here's What to Expect — and What May Surprise You, Baylen Out Loud: Must-See Photos of Colin's Romantic Proposal to Baylen

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