Top 5 Things to do When You Get Engaged

Congratulations!  You’re engaged!  And since you’re reading this post, you’re probably wondering, what should I do first?  I’ve put together a list of the top 5 things to do when you get engaged, to help you break it down, and hopefully feel a little less overwhelmed.

 

 

Celebrate!

This may sound obvious, but it’s so important.  Take time to celebrate together.  No matter how long you’ve been together, you just took a MAJOR step forward in your relationship.  You declared that you love each other so much you want to spend the rest of your lives together!  That’s HUGE!    So whether you spend the day of the proposal together enjoying each other and your favorite things, or have a special date to celebrate the two of you, take this time together to enjoy the start of this special season in your life.

Of course you’ll also want to celebrate with others!  BEFORE you make that post on social media, call your parents.  Even better, if you are in the area, stop by.  Chances are they know, or at least, suspect a proposal is coming and will be thrilled to celebrate with you!  Call your siblings and those closest to you.  A good rule of thumb, would you want to learn about their big news on social media?  If not, take time to call them before telling the world.  They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

 

Get your ring insured

 

An engagement ring is a big investment, one you want to protect.   You may think, there’s no way I could lose it, I’ll never take it off.  Well, the sibling of one of my co-workers lost her engagement ring putting on lotion.  She actually found another lost engagement ring that she used as her own, but no one should count on being that lucky!

Jewelry can be added to a renter’s or homeowners policy on a rider, and it’s surprisingly inexpensive.  Ask your insurance agent about special coverage for jewelry.  Our rings, covered on a rider, are covered no matter what–loss, theft, etc. with no deductible.  I was thankful for our insurance when I lost the diamond in my ring during a freak curtain hanging accident.    Having the ring insured allowed us to have it fixed and the diamond replaced with no cost to us.  My husband picked out the original diamond, so he did the same again preserving the sentimental value, as much as possible. <3

 

Get your ring sized

If your ring is too big, you’re obviously at risk of losing it.  If it’s too small, it will always be tight and uncomfortable.  Sizing is usually provided at no additional charge by the jeweler where the ring was purchased.  If you have a separate band as a wedding ring, take them both in to be sized together.

 

Prioritize

 

I promise this will make everything else easier!  Besides marrying your best friend, what is most important to you about your big day?   Do you need to plan your date between semesters of classes?   Do want to get married on an important day in your relationship or in a certain season?  Maybe you have a dream venue or photographer you want to book and the specific date isn’t important, as long as they’re available.

Think of what you want to invest in the most and where your resources are?  You’ll be investing both time and money into your big day, prioritizing will help you determine how you need to balance these to create the wedding of your dreams.    When we were planning our wedding we chose to invest the most dollars in our rings and our photography, because those are the things that we knew would last.   All these years later, and we’d make the same decisions again–our rings are still strong and our wedding photos look like they did the day we got them.

 

Make a Budget

 

Now that you’ve had time to celebrate with everyone, taken care of your ring, and made a list of priorities,  it’s time for the budget.  It can be hard, and a bit awkward, but necessary.  Start talking with just you and your fiance`.  Decide if this is something you want to finance on your own or if you want to talk with your parents.

Most parents are thrilled to be able to help their kids with their big day!  However, even if your parents have already offered to help with wedding costs, it’s important to sit down and talk through the specifics. If they are offering to cover a specific item on the wedding day list,  talk about the amount they expect the coverage to cost.  Then as you are looking at vendors you’ll know the price range you can afford.  Since you’ve already prioritized, you’ll already have an idea of how you want to allocate the budget that covers everything from venue, pictures, and attire to reception,  decorations and food.

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and found it helpful.   Next week, well delve further into what to do when you become engaged, and take the next steps into planning a wedding to celebrate marrying your best friend.   Until then…

Update find the next steps blog post here:  The Next Steps: What to do After You Get Engaged

Happy planning!

To learn more about the Simply Seeking Photography wedding experience click here:  The Wedding Experience 

blessings,

Julie

 

Wonderful Vendors

First Photo:  Couple and ring

To learn more about Metea Park follow link:  http://allencountyparks.org/parks/metea/

 

Second Photo:  Couple kissing

To learn more about Sunken Gardens follow link:  http://visithuntington.org/sunken-gardens-a-must-see/

 

Fourth Photo:  Engagement ring on flower

To learn more about Lakeside Park and Rose Garden:    https://www.visitfortwayne.com/listing/lakeside-park-and-rose-garden/169/

 

Fifth Photo:  Bride and groom in front of wedding party

Venue | Orchard Ridge Country Club

Florist | R. Geary Floral Design-Becky Geary

Dresses | David’s Bridal

Tuxes | Louie’s Tux Shop

Groom & groomsmen socks | boldSocks

Robes | Silk and More

Bat Mugs| Lumberlend Co.

Rings | Bradley Gough Diamonds

Grooms’ Watch | Mvmt

Bride’s bracelet | Esty -EmmieMaeBridal

Bride’s shoes | TOMS

Hobby Lobby

 

 

Sixth Photo:  Venue, Bride and groom, Decorations

Ceremony Venue  |  The Tabernacle

Florist  |  The Country Squire Florist

Wedding Gown  |  One Fine Day 

Bridesmaid’s Dresses  |  David’s Bridal 

Tuxedos  |  Louie’s Tux Shop

Hair  |  Julie Stinson of 12th Street Hair Design

Jenny Straub

Make-up  |  Melisa Sink

Decorations made by Bride and her family and friends.

 

To learn more about the Simply Seeking Photography wedding experience click here:  The Wedding Experience 

blessings,

Julie