Original content: What To Do After Getting Engaged: Guide For 2023-2024
Just Got Engaged? Now what?
So you have a shiny new ring on your finger, and you have a lot rushing through your mind. You’re wondering, who do I tell first, what to do after getting engaged? While there is a lot that you should do, try to take a step back and bask in the light of this new change.
While you are savoring this new stage in your life, this guide can show you the list of dos and don’ts for after you get engaged. Things like notifying friends and family take center stage at this point, not wedding planning. You could even create an engagement checklist on what to do and when.
Quick Navigation
- 1. Announce It
- 2. Get Bridal Box
- 3. Check Very Important List
- 4. Celebrate It
- 5. Get Inspired
- Things Not To Do
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after getting engaged should you set a date?
Deciding on the wedding date is likely going to be influenced by the wedding venue you want for your ceremony & reception. Start researching venues right away to see availability. In the United States and Canada, the average engagement length in between 12 and 18 months, which means it’s totally fine if your date is 2 years from now.
How long after getting engaged should you start planning the wedding?
A common timeframe is to start planning the wedding within the first three to six months after getting engaged.
How long is it OK to stay engaged?
Traditionally, engagements have spanned from a few months to well over a year. It all boils down to what each couple desires. Some lovebirds might choose a shorter engagement, eager to say their vows and embark on their marital journey. On the other hand, some couples relish a longer engagement, taking their time to meticulously plan and orchestrate every aspect of their dream wedding. Ultimately, it’s about discovering what suits each couple and their unique circumstances.
Is it normal to feel anxious after getting engaged?
It’s completely normal to feel anxious. Your entire life changes, but these are the happy moments in your life.
1. Announce Your Engagement!
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- Celebrate Together
Take some time to celebrate your engagement as a couple. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a weekend getaway, or a small gathering with close friends and family, celebrate this special milestone in your relationship.
- Share The News
Announce your engagement to your loved ones. This could be through personalized announcements, phone calls, or even throwing an engagement party. Sharing the joy with your family and friends will make the moment even more memorable.
- Get A Manicure #1
You’re going to be showing off that hand a lot, so get a manicure to make it extra pretty, especially for the ring-selfie photos.
- Take A Ring Selfie
Capture the beauty of your engagement ring with a ring selfie! This is a popular trend where you take a photo of your hand showcasing the ring. Share it on social media or keep it as a memento of this special time in your life.
- Enjoy The Engagement Period
Take some time to savor the engagement before diving into wedding planning. Enjoy being engaged and the romantic phase it brings. Spend quality time together, plan dates, and embrace the excitement of your new journey.
2. Get a Brial Subscription Box
With 71% of couples saying that wedding planning is more nerve-wracking than finding a new job, it’s no surprise brides-to-be need something to bring them back to enjoy their engagement journey. A wedding-themed subscription box is at the top of the list of what brides said is a must-do as soon as getting engaged.
When is the best time to subscribe?
Right after the engagement is the best time, because subscription boxes usually contain a lot of fun bridal merch and wedding planning help that is useful for all stages of wedding planning.
Miss To Mrs® Box allows you to subscribe even if you don’t know your wedding date and they tailor which themes you receive depending on where you are in your planning journey.
What is included in the subscription?
Typically, boxes come with full-size bridal merch – apparel, decor elements, bachelorette party & honeymoon essentials, and lots more exciting products to help you enjoy the engagement journey.
Some companies go beyond merchandise. For example, your membership with Miss To Mrs® Box Subscription also includes a Wedding Planning Guide in each box, as well as other FREE premium perks to help with wedding planning and save $$$ for your big day.
Miss To Mrs® Box - Learn More
What brides said:
– Tessa M: “Not only has it truly made me feel like I have help on my journey to our special day but it also gives me a break to step away from all the stress that planning can come with!”
– Lauren D: I have been considering getting one of these since I first got engaged. I just wish I had done it sooner. Nice little pick me up in the craziness of wedding planning.”
3. Very Important Things To Do ASAP
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- Get Your Ring Re-sized & Insured
Not all rings are the right size on the first try, so if you fall in this category, endeavor to get it resized. Also, get it insured for it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Begin Envisioning Your Future
Start discussing your dreams and aspirations as a couple. Talk about your goals, where you see yourselves in the future, and what you want your life together to look like. It’s an opportunity to align your visions and deepen your connection.
- Explore Pre-Marital Counseling Or Workshops
Preparing for marriage involves more than just planning a wedding. Consider attending pre-marital counseling or workshops to strengthen your relationship and build a solid foundation for your marriage. It’s a proactive step that can help you navigate challenges and foster a healthy partnership.
- Start A Joint Savings Plan
Begin discussing your financial goals and create a joint savings plan. Saving together will not only help you achieve your wedding dreams but also lay the groundwork for your future financial stability as a couple.
- Set A Budget
Discuss your financial situation with your partner and determine a realistic budget for your wedding. This will help guide your decisions and ensure you plan within your means.
- Decide On The Timeline
Talk about when you both envision getting married. Consider factors like season, availability of venues, and any personal or cultural preferences you may have. Setting a rough timeline will help you plan other aspects of the wedding.
- Start The Guest List
Begin compiling a list of people you would like to invite to your wedding.
- Choose A Wedding Style
Discuss the type of wedding you both envision. Whether it’s a small intimate gathering or a grand celebration, decide on the style, theme, and overall atmosphere you want to create.
- Find A Venue
Start researching and visiting potential venues that align with your wedding vision and budget. Consider the location, capacity, amenities, and availability of your desired dates.
- Hire A Wedding Planner (optional)
If you feel overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner who can help you with the planning process, coordinate vendors, and ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day.
- Research Vendors
Begin researching and reaching out to vendors such as photographers, caterers, florists, and musicians. Take recommendations from friends, read reviews, and compare prices to find the right professionals for your wedding.
- Consider Wedding Insurance
Wedding insurance can provide financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances or cancellations. Look into different insurance options and decide if it’s something you want to invest in.
- Get wedding planning organizer
Get digital wedding planning organizer and guide right now! You will get endless inspiration and useful wedding planning tips.
4. Celebrate Your Engagement
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- Plan An Engagement Photoshoot
Consider scheduling an engagement photoshoot with a professional photographer. This allows you to capture your love and excitement during this special time. Choose a meaningful location or a backdrop that represents your relationship.
- Start A Wedding Inspiration Board
While this step is not directly related to wedding planning, it can be a fun way to gather ideas and inspiration. Create a digital or physical inspiration board filled with images, colors, and themes that resonate with your vision of the perfect wedding.
- Reflect And Be Grateful
Take moments to reflect on your journey as a couple and express gratitude for each other. Write love letters, reminisce about significant memories, and appreciate the love and support you have for one another.
- Have An Engagement Party
It doesn’t have to be big, but it is important to celebrate this milestone. Get your friends and family together and have a party. (Download our FREE checklist to plan your unforgettable engagement party!) If you prefer something even smaller, you can settle on date night with your fiancé to have a good time.
5. Dive Into Wedding Inspiration & Ideas
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- Set the Mood
Begin by creating a comfortable and inspiring environment. Gather some wedding magazines, create a dedicated Pinterest board, or set up a physical inspiration board where you can collect and display your ideas.
- Research Online
The internet is a treasure trove of wedding inspiration. Look for wedding blogs, websites, and social media platforms dedicated to weddings. Browse through real weddings, styled shoots, and vendor portfolios to gather ideas for venues, décor, flowers, invitations, cakes, and more.
- Explore Wedding Magazines
Wedding magazines can provide you with a wealth of inspiration. Visit your local bookstore or subscribe to a few reputable wedding magazines. Flip through the pages and bookmark or tear out the images and ideas that resonate with you.
- Attend Wedding Expos and Fairs
Wedding expos and fairs are fantastic opportunities to see various vendors and gather inspiration in one place. Take note of the vendors you like, collect brochures or business cards, and ask questions. You may discover unique ideas and meet professionals who can bring your vision to life.
- Visit Wedding Shows and Open Houses
Keep an eye out for local wedding shows and open houses hosted by venues, caterers, or other vendors. These events often feature beautifully styled wedding setups, allowing you to visualize different possibilities for your own wedding.
- Brainstorm Wedding Hashtag
Creating a wedding hashtag is a super fun and creative way to gather all the social media posts about your special day. So, get those creative juices flowing early in your planning process! Sit down with your partner, chat with your friends and family, and brainstorm a hashtag that truly reflects your personalities and adds a touch of fun to your wedding.
Guide To #WeddingHashtags: Realwife Samples & Easy Instructions
To keep track of the important things, save the infographic
What to do after you get engagedThings Not To Do After You Get Engaged
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While rushing off with your list of what to do once you’re engaged, there are certain things you should try not to do.
- Don’t Commit to Plans Too Quickly
A lot will be suggested and perhaps even insisted upon, but don’t be quick to accept your father’s suggestion on a location or your mother’s on the guest list. Take the time to consider it all, talk with your fiancé, and even his family and plan. However, be polite about it all.
- Hold Off On Choosing Your Wedding Party
Might seem the right thing to do to quickly choose your bridesmaids, maid of honor, and other members of your wedding party. But, you need to take your time with this one, be sure of how many you need to fit your budget, location, and even your heart. Decide on who will support you and who would be absolutely necessary to have in your corner for the wedding.
- Do Not Wear a Ring That Doesn’t Fit
Even though you might be excited to wear and show off that new ring. Wearing it when it’s too big could result in you losing it, and if too small could hurt your finger. So be patient until it has been resized and insured, to show it off.
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(no email or registration required)- Don’t Buy a Dress
While you might have a picture of your ideal dress in mind already, do not rush to buy a dress. There is so much to consider, from your budget to sizing and style. You will find that there is also a lot to choose from, so be patient, so you don’t quickly buy one and wish later that you didn’t.
- Don’t Stress
Planning a wedding might seem overwhelming, but like everything else in life, if you follow the steps, you will get through with it. So, take each day as it comes, go with the flow and don’t allow the process to stress you.
- Don’t Go on a Diet
It’s good to want to look great for your wedding, but making any drastic changes right now is unnecessary and will only add to the pressure. So, don’t suddenly get braces or go on a diet to lose weight or even get a nose or boob job. Your partner loves you the way you are and you need to be on your best, mentally and emotionally for your big day.
- Don’t Forget to Enjoy it All
It’s all for you, and everyone is there for you, so lap it all up. Enjoy trying the dresses, enjoy the cake tastings, enjoy the attention from family and your fiancé. Treat yourself to little things that make this hectic period of your life more pleasant. Have a spa day, indulge in a bit of ice cream (but not too much! you need to rock that dress!). If you feel even a little bit stressed, stop the clock and take a weekend to the sea, just relax and bask in the moments that add up before the big day.
I’m sure that from all of the advice above you can see that you don’t need to jump right into wedding planning mode after you get engaged. So, take the time, go through our ‘what to do after getting engaged’ guide, and decide for yourself what happens after the engagement. One of the great ideas is the Bridal Subscription Box. They are trendy and keep you up to date on all the latest wedding must-haves. So, slow down, celebrate, enjoy and take all the help you can get. Congratulations on your engagement.
