The start of a new year always brings fresh hope, big goals, and exciting plans.
For many couples, it also marks the beginning of a completely new chapter together. December is famously the most popular month for proposals, the winter lights, festive celebrations, and time with loved ones often set the perfect scene for the big question.
If a proposal recently happened, congratulations may well be in order. Planning a wedding is joyful and full of anticipation. But it can also stir up a few feelings that aren’t quite as picture-perfect, especially if certain behaviours over the festive season have raised questions or concerns.
Perhaps someone went quiet on Christmas Day without explanation. Maybe there were secrets around spending. Or perhaps a partner’s story didn’t quite add up during family gatherings.
It’s completely normal to want reassurance before making major life commitments. And the truth is, January is the ideal month to take action on those lingering doubts rather than waiting until plans are further along.
Engagement Season and Why Emotions Run High
With proposals peaking in December, many couples suddenly find themselves fast-tracking decisions in the New Year.
And even if you’ve already been engaged for a while, it could be that January’s the time invoices start coming due, especially if your wedding is in the spring season.
Venues are booked, deposits are paid, honeymoon ideas are researched, families are involved, it becomes real very quickly.
At the same time, the festive period has a unique way of revealing character:
- Financial behaviour may be more noticeable during gift-giving and seasonal spending
- Family interactions can uncover tension or hidden relationship history
- Disappearing acts at parties or during nights out can raise suspicion
- Alcohol and celebrations may bring out unexpected sides to someone
It’s not that any one moment provides certainty, but small worrying signs can add up.
Rather than pushing those worries down because “a wedding is happening now”, January offers breathing space and the chance to get clarity.
What Are Pre-Nuptial Checks?
Pre-nuptial checks, also known as relationship due diligence, are simply a way to ensure that what’s being presented in a relationship is genuine. They are not designed to undermine trust, but to confirm it with facts.
Weddings are expensive. Marriages are even more expensive. If you have doubts, then these checks could be useful.
Typical checks include:
Background verification
Confirming your partner’s identity, employment history, relationship status and any hidden criminal concerns.
Lifestyle and financial consistency
Ensuring that their stated income, what they’re telling you they earn, aligns with real spending, and that they have no undisclosed debts or any other financial risks.
Social connections and cohabitation status
Understanding who a person actually lives with, and whether there are hidden relationships.
Vehicle and movement patterns
Where appropriate, discreet monitoring can help explain unexplained absences or secrecy.
All of these are carried out legally, discreetly and professionally. No drama, no confrontation – just reliable information.
Why January Is the Perfect Time to Act
Once wedding planning ramps up, emotions and finances can become tightly intertwined. By spring or early summer, couples are often:
- Locked into their chosen venue and catering contracts, with heavy financial penalties for late cancellations
- Sharing bank accounts or loans
- Considering property together
- Introducing partners as future family members, if they haven’t already
- Feeling pressure to “just go ahead” even if they’re at all unsure
Backing out later becomes harder and more painful, not just financially but socially.
In January, things are still flexible. There’s space to make decisions without pressure. Whether a wedding is planned for 2026 or still just an exciting dream, now is the point where certainty matters most.
If everything checks out, you gain peace of mind and can move forward with total confidence. If something concerning is uncovered, you’re empowered with the truth early enough to protect your future.
Post-Christmas Red Flags Worth Noting
There are plenty of innocent explanations for changes in behaviour, but some patterns deserve attention.
Look for any unusual spending or sudden requests for money, because that’s often a sign that something isn’t right.
Are they disappearing randomly or without explanation, or giving you unreliable stories about where they’ve actually been?
They might be more secretive than usual with their phone or social media, and they can get angry or defensive if you ask them simple questions.
A big one is feeling like they’re rushing you into commitments, especially financial ones. If it feels like they’re trying to hasten everything along with a bit of panic, that should be a red flag.
Again, none of this means anything is definitely wrong. But when doubts settle in the background, they rarely disappear on their own. A calm, professional check can prevent assumptions and misunderstandings before they grow.
Building On Trust, Not Replacing It
A healthy relationship is built on openness. Many couples actually find that pre-nuptial checks reinforce trust – especially when one partner has been hurt before or has significant personal assets to protect.
Being informed means that you have the freedom to make your choices with confidence, and you’re more comfortable having any honest conversations that are needed.
You’ll also feel more secure, and importantly you’ll have a stronger foundation for your marriage, or a reason to pause everything.
It isn’t about “catching someone out” it’s about ensuring that the future being promised is real.
Bear in Mind the January Blues
One important distinction you need to make within yourself is whether you do have genuine concerns, or if you’re just struggling with the post-Christmas comedown, and feeling sad.
January Blues are a real thing and could be putting a spin on how you see your relationship, potentially planting seeds of doubt where they aren’t warranted.
So just take a moment to consider what’s really getting to you. And if, after that, there are still some lingering doubts, then opting for checks on your partner could be the right path.
Start The Year with Peace of Mind
If a wedding is on the horizon, 2026 could be a year of amazing celebrations and new beginnings. The best way to protect that happiness is by making sure everything is based on trust and transparency.
January is the moment to take control. Our supportive, friendly team is available to help you explore your concerns confidentially and get the clarity you need.
For a discreet chat, give EJM Investigations a call on 01772 334700.