First 13 Things to Do as Soon as You Get Engaged

First 13 Things to Do as Soon as You Get Engaged

Celebrate and enjoy your engagement privately with your fiance

We know it’s hard to keep something this awesome to yourself but savor the momentous occasion first with your new fiance before you start spreading the news. You’ll get busy with wedding preps soon enough, so it’s nice to just take a moment and let things sink in a bit. Maybe take a picture or two (or lots!) to capture this time with the love of your life. Even if you won’t be showing these photos to anyone just yet or maybe even at all, you won’t regret having them to look back on years from now.

Share the news!

Maybe tell your parents first, then the rest of your family and close friends before making it social media official. Unless it was a public proposal where they were there to witness it, it’s only right that you tell those closest to you first before posting anything on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or any other social media channel you’re on.

Get your ring sized and insured

If your ring is already a perfect fit, then there’s no need to get it sized. But if it’s not, then do it early on. You can’t carry around a ring that doesn’t fit or wear a slightly loose one and risk it slipping off and getting lost, right? And while you’re at it, get it insured in case it gets lost, stolen or needs to be repaired for whatever reason. Have it appraised and insured and make sure you understand the fine print. You can look for an insurance company that specializes in jewelry or you can add it to your renter’s or homeowner’s policy.

Celebrate with a party

Now that everyone knows, celebrate in a big way! Throw an engagement party with family and friends or go for a nice quiet dinner with both your families. Either way, celebrate any way you want to and bask in all the attention - you just got engaged!

Start thinking about the kind of wedding you both want

Sit down with the fiance and talk about your dream wedding. Do you want a big or small wedding? Something formal or casual? Where do you envision getting married? Church or outdoors? A ceremony in the morning or in the afternoon? Think about the big picture so you can get down to the details later on. Talk about the theme, the season of the year, type of venue, and whether you want a wedding planner or not. You don’t have to decide on everything all at once, but at least agree on a few major elements.

Think about your wedding party

Most women know right off the bat who they want as their maid of honor and bridesmaids. Talk it out with your fiance and agree on your bridesmaids, groomsmen and the rest of your wedding party, so you can ask them soon and maybe even get them to help out in some of the wedding planning.

Set a budget and perhaps open a wedding bank account

Once you’ve talked about the kind of wedding you both want, figure out what you can afford, what you have to spend, and whether your families will help out. Make sure you and your fiance have agreed on a few things before taking it up with your families.

Set a date

Think about your wedding timeline and discuss a date, even a tentative one, so you have something you can work with when planning your wedding. Check in with your families, bridal party, close friends and other important people and get a feel of their availability on whatever month you’re going for, but also remember that you and your fiance are the ones deciding on the date and not everyone else.

Decide whether you want an engagement photo shoot or not

An e-shoot can be a fun way to not only celebrate and document your engagement but also practice being in front of the camera. If you want to change it up, do an engagement video instead. Have fun crafting and telling your own story. Deciding to do an e-shoot is also a great way to book your wedding photographer early since most of them get booked up on popular months in advance. Some of them include engagement shoots in their wedding packages.

Draft the guest list

Start making an initial list of the people you want to be there on one of the happiest days of your life. Ask your parents as well for their ideal guest list, but make sure they understand that it’s just an initial list. You can ask them to prioritize later on as you start trimming, editing or adding as needed. Your guest list will have to fit your budget so think about that as well.

Start booking your venue and wedding vendors

Most wedding vendors like the venue, caterer, photographer, videographer, band, and wedding planner (if you opt to get one) are availability-sensitive so you have to start locking them down. Do your research and check out different options, especially when it comes to your venue, because you’ll never know what you’ll end up liking.

Gather inspiration

Start gathering inspiration for your wedding ceremony and reception. We’re talking about style, theme, floral arrangement, decors, program, and anything else you can think of. Browse through magazines, Pinterest, Instagram and wedding blogs. Now’s the time to get inspired. Save, pin or file images of elements that you like. Don’t be afraid to go crazy and end up with a ton of inspiration. The ideas you always get drawn to are the ones really worth considering.

Start planning your wedding dress and shoes

We say it’s never too early to start dreaming up your bridal look and accessories, from dress and veil down to your shoes. Check with your family if you have heirloom pieces you can use as is or as meaningful add-ons. Ask yourself what dress silhouette you envision yourself walking down the aisle in. Consider different options because you’ll never know what you’ll end up loving. Also consider designing your own custom shoes not only to suit your dress and personal style, but also for comfort since you will surely be dancing up a storm in them during your reception!