Congratulations on your engagement! It’s an incredible journey you’re about to embark on, and having your soulmate by your side makes it even more special. Think of it as a shared rollercoaster ride filled with love, surprises, and celebration. Enjoy every moment!
As the reality of your engagement sinks in, you might be wondering about the next steps. Where do you begin? Who should you share the news with first? How should you break it to them? When is the right time to start planning your wedding, and how do you even start?
We understand that with so much to consider, it can quickly become overwhelming. But don’t fret – we’re here to point you in the right direction and make the next few weeks a lot smoother. We’ve put together a checklist to ensure you’ve got everything covered.
In this post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on what to do after getting engaged, including the order in which you should inform your family and friends and when it’s the perfect time to start making those important bookings.
Plan the perfect engagement announcement
Before rushing to share the news, think about creative ways to announce it or gather both families for a surprising revelation.
Tell your families
Share the exciting news with your immediate family, be prepared for lots of happy reactions, hugs, and maybe a few tears of joy.
Protect the ring
Insure your engagement ring promptly. It’s a precious and valuable item, and having it insured will bring peace of mind, allowing you to proudly show it off.
Tell wider friends and family, starting with the A team
Extend the news to friends and colleagues, and consider those who might play key roles in your wedding party. Make it special when asking them to be part of your big day.
Have a manicure
Ensure your nails look great before engagement photos or social media announcements, as there will be plenty of close-ups of your ring finger.
Make the papers
Consider announcing your engagement in a local or national newspaper, a tradition that can be a charming keepsake for you and your family.
Shout about it on social media
Embrace the 21st-century equivalent of shouting from the rooftops by sharing your engagement news on social media platforms.
Enjoy the moment and don’t rush into it
Resist the urge to dive straight into wedding planning. Take a step back, breathe, and enjoy being engaged. Consider a getaway for just the two of you.
Plan your engagement party
Set a date to celebrate with friends and family. Keep in mind that engagement party guests may expect a wedding invitation, but feel free to break with tradition if it suits you.
Capture the Moment with Engagement Photos
Ensure you preserve this special time by arranging an engagement photoshoot. It’s a fantastic chance to familiarize yourself with the photographer and become comfortable in front of the camera. Consider it a practice run before your wedding, so get ready to flash those smiles and brace yourself for a potential jaw ache.
Adjust Your Ring Size
Unless your partner nailed your ring size perfectly, consider getting your engagement ring resized for a snug fit. You might want to do this sooner, especially if it feels too loose. However, it’s a bit of a juggling act – wanting to show it off, having it for photos and announcements, and ensuring it doesn’t slip off and disappear forever.
Depending on the jeweler, resizing could take up to four weeks. If you’re willing to pay extra, some jewelers can expedite the process, completing it in just a couple of days.
Kickstart Your Wedding Planning
With thoughts about your dream wedding likely swirling in your mind, start researching and jotting down your preferences. Bridebook offers a variety of tools and resources, including a budget planning tool and a user-friendly app, to assist you throughout your planning journey. Plus, we provide exclusive discounts from numerous popular vendors.
Explore Wedding Fairs
Amp up your excitement by attending wedding shows and fairs. These events allow you to meet vendors, gather ideas, and explore what’s available to spark inspiration and make decisions. Check out both national shows like The National Wedding Show and local events to connect with vendors close to you.
Prioritize Communication
With a plethora of ideas floating around, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your partner. Share your thoughts, worries, excitement, and everything in between. Maintaining transparency will help you navigate each step of the busy planning process successfully.
Begin Drafting the Guest List
Consider whether you envision a large wedding with over 100 guests or a more intimate ceremony. Start creating a rough guest list, keeping your budget in mind. You can use tools like Bridebook to assist you in this process. Decide whether you want distant relatives on the list or prefer a smaller and more affordable gathering.