Before we were married (in the Catholic Church), we went to Pre-Cana wedding counseling. They covered all sorts of everyday conflicts, and forced us to discuss it. Even if we didn't end up with an answer that day, it gave us the opportunity and guidance to start discussing it. Since the answer varies for every couple, it's hard to say that what I think is the better way, but we have found what works for us.
We do discuss purchases that would affect the household (regardless of cost) such as a new vacuum cleaner, as well as bigger-ticket items like upgrades to our computers. We also like to ask each other for opinions on things. We really trust each others eye for fashion. In other words, we both know what looks good on the other person.
Hence why everyone who's seen my hubby's new jeans (that I picked out) have made positive comments on them, with several of my girlfriends telling him that he needs to take their hubbies shopping.
