Well it is here!! He popped the question and now you are engaged!! There are so many things to think about, so many people to contact and so much to get done. Don't be overwhelmed. You have plenty of time to get things planned! While the average engagement lasts a year to two years, there are certain things you'll want to get done stat, no matter how long you plan on being a fiance. We have a few tips to help you get through this part with ease!! There is no strict order you have to go in just tackle the immediate to-dos as soon as possible!!
1. Call your parents and family members!
Make sure you get ahold of all the important people in your life to let them know your new status! The last thing you want is for them to find out on social media or from someone else!! Chances are some of them already know and they are waiting for the call from you!!
2. Take a selfie
This is a huge moment in your life!! Capture the moment with a selfie of you and your fiance or just a shot of your hand with your ring on it! Announce this moment to the world! Post it on Facebook or Instagram or whatever your favorite social media app may be!! Don't forget to include your fiance though, this is a big moment for him too!
3. Celebrate
Gather up some of your closest friends or family and go out to have a drink!! Or at least have a small celebration with your new fiance, just the two of you if you would rather do it that way!! You are engaged and that is an exciting time in your life and a great reason to toast!!
4. Get your ring insured!
We know that this is not exciting but it is very important! It could wind up saving your butt in the long run. When added as an extension to your homeowner or renter's insurance policy, it's pretty inexpensive.
5. Think about a wedding date
First and foremost before you can start any kind of wedding planning, you have to pick a date! Find out what works for both your families and if there are any potential conflicts. Most venues and wedding vendors get booked pretty far in advance so it wise to start thinking about a date and nail one down!!
6. Research wedding venues! Some ladies have a certain venue that they have dreamed about getting married at since they were a child, if that's the case then picking a date could depend on what the venue has available. If your not one of those girls then start researching venues and if you fall in love with one then go around their schedule. If you are one of those girls that has a significant date you have to get married on then you will have research venues until you find one that has your date available!!
7. Decide on the size of your wedding
Whether you're going big or keeping it small, being on the same page about this one is so important. Get your family's opinion if they'll be flipping the bill or if it matters to them or you. Once you've agreed on a rough guest count and budget, you can commit to a venue.
8. Decide on a bugdet
Money talks, but unfortunately, no one likes to talk about money. It can be awkward. However, before you can really move forward with any of your wedding plans, this is a discussion that has to be had. Sit down with your spouse and whoever else may be helping with the wedding bills and decide how much your willing to spend!
9. Get inspired
Create a Pinterest board, save photos on Instagram, or create a folder on your computer to gather images of your favorite wedding sytles and the way you want your wedding to look. Keep it to yourself just for organizational purposes, or share it with whoever is helping you plan so they can get an idea of what your looking for as well!!
10. Decide on your wedding party
How many bridesmaids or groomsmen do each of you want? Will you have a maid of honor or best man? Will you go with the same number of people on each side? No matter what, you need to discuss these things before one of you starts popping the question to friends. Also, make sure your party consists of people that both you and your fiance like and get along with!! Nothing can ruin your big day more than a member of the wedding party getting into it with someone!!
11. Relax
It’s going to be a whirlwind in the upcoming months. Take some time to slow down and treat yourself! Whether it is treating yourself to a relaxing mani-pedi or buying something you have had your eye on for awhile, now is the time to pamper. After all, you just got engaged and are about to spend the next year planning a wedding!
12. Draft a guest list I know we said earlier to decide how big or small you want your wedding to be, but before you book a venue you need to have a good idea of how many guests you are actually going to have! So get out the pen and paper and make a draft of the guests you are going to invite to your wedding!
13. Find the perfect photographer
Think about this, the only thing from your wedding day that will last the lifetime of your marriage are your wedding bands and your photos!! All the flowers will die and the food and cake will be eaten, so make sure you pick the right photographer to preserve those amazing wedding day memories!!
14. Register
Your guests will appreiciate that you registered, and the sooner you register the more time they have to plan your gift! So get registered soon and even you will be thankful that you did!!
15. Find a florist
There are so many florists out there so be sure you find the one that fits your budget and your look at the same time! Get ideas from pinterest, magazines, or any other source to take to your florist when you meet with them so they know exactly what your looking for!! No bride wants her flowers to look different than what she expected on her wedding day!
