Did you know that flowers were used to deliver messages in the Victorian era? It was an easy way for couples to express affection through code.
Things have changed since then. Now, a proposal is a pretty clear way of expressing your affection and commitment to someone—no flowers needed!
Proposals are exciting, but it can be hard to navigate the weeks that follow. What exactly do you do after you’ve broken the big news to everyone?
We’re here to help you out. Keep reading below for seven steps to take following your engagement announcement!
- Photos to Celebrate Your Engagement Announcement
Chances are you already posted a photo of your ring and partner on Instagram and Facebook, but some couples like to go the extra mile with engagement photos. Engagement photos are a nice way to commemorate the occasion, but you will also have a lovely set of pre-marriage photos.
Engagement photos also give you the chance to explore potential wedding venues. Venues aside, you can get a better idea of the aesthetic you’re aiming for—rustic, boho, traditional, etc.
Engagement photos also give you the opportunity to test out photographers. If you enjoy the photos, you’ll have one less hired position to worry about for the actual event!
- Take Time to Celebrate Your Engagement
Often couples jump headfirst into planning their wedding before taking time to properly enjoy their engagement. Before getting married, take a breather and spend time with your fiance and enjoy the special news.
A special date night is a great way to celebrate your engagement announcement, especially if you’re a more private couple. If you want to make it a little more glamorous, plan a special trip or getaway with your fiance to celebrate.
Now is also the time to throw an engagement party and celebrate with your loved ones! Engagement parties are the perfect place to introduce your families to one another if they haven’t properly met. It’s also a great time to start your gift registry—it’s one less thing to plan farther down the line.
- Take Care of the Ring
Whether it’s a stunning palladium ring or any other precious metal,
ensuring its safety and longevity is essential.
First of all, if the ring is loose or too tight, be sure to head back to the jewelers ASAP. Chances are you’ll be wearing it for around a year, so you don’t want it slipping off or getting stuck.
Along with securing the fit of the ring, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected. Ring insurance is a real thing, and it’s worth investing in. Ring insurance can often be an extension of homeowners insurance, which makes it considerably less expensive.
- Start Brainstorming
Before you immediately start booking vendors and choosing dresses, take some time to brainstorm what you want as a dream wedding.
You’ll be a lot happier with your special day if you don’t stress yourself out planning everything from the get-go. After all, the journey should be just as fun as the destination!
A great way to let your mind dream up possibilities is by creating a mood board. Pinterest is one of the best places to let your mind run wild and find inspiration for your special day. While you may have a dream wedding in mind, seeing other examples can give you new ideas and paths to explore.
- Don’t Get Overwhelmed
When an engagement is announced, friends and family members may try to throw in their two cents. It can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you have no intention of planning your wedding right away.
Of course, all these conversations are only born out of good intentions. However, unless you’re asking for help or starting conversations about your wedding, it can become monotonous and frustrating.
If you’re being bombarded with questions and suggestions, politely thank them for their help but explain that you’re taking time to organize your own thoughts. If they’re insistent, express your appreciation and promise to make a note that they’re available for assistance if needed.
- Create a Blog or Website
Wedding websites have become more and more common. They give you a place to fill in details about the big day and post pictures once the wedding actually arrives.
However, a website or blog can also be useful for your wedding planning process. You can post any entries detailing fun experiences during the planning, such as dress shopping or a bachelorette party.
There are plenty of websites that offer templates for wedding websites. These are perfect since many people don’t have website development backgrounds. If you want to opt for a blog, you can use websites like WordPress or Tumblr to get your ideas across.
- Sort Out the Details
Once you’ve taken a breath and enjoyed celebrating your engagement, you can begin the process of planning your wedding. Whether that’s a week or six months after your engagement, it’s one of the most exciting things to begin after your engagement announcement.
It’s best to start by choosing a date. It will make finding available vendors and venues easier and confirm your friends and families will be able to show up.
Then the fun really starts! You can begin visiting venues, testing cakes, and choosing flowers and decorations. Start a registry if you haven’t yet—earlier is better, and your guests will thank you.
Enjoying the Engagement
Getting engaged is an incredibly special moment, but the weeks that follow can be a whirlwind. Luckily, you can take the engagement and wedding at your own pace. The guide above will help you take the next steps in your journey following your engagement announcement!
For more articles on romance and relationships, check out the rest of our website!
