Around a third of all engagements take place during December. If you are newly engaged – congratulations!
This is one of the most exciting times of your life. Because it is such a huge, once-in-a-lifetime occasion you don’t want anything to spoil it. Here is our ten point post engagement plan to ensure you’ve got all the bases covered for a magical milestone.
- Take a moment
Major life decisions like this one can be overwhelming. It’s perfectly natural to feel some anxiety in amongst the joy so go easy on yourself. Allow yourself to experience all of your emotions. On average couples get married twelve to eighteen months after the proposal. You have time!
- Inform people personally
It is very important to make sure that all of the key people in your life have been informed personally before you make any announcements. Phone your parents, siblings, other close relatives and best friends or better yet tell them in person. Ask these people to pass on the news to your extended family so they can know before everyone else. If you fail to get this right your nearest and dearest will be offended.
- Go social
Once your relatives and best buddies are in the know update your status and make it Facebook official! Have a manicure, take that ring selfie and post it on Instagram! Revel in the excited reactions and well wishes.
- Look after your ring
Although you won’t want to part with it you’ll need to get your ring sized if it doesn’t fit properly. Rather a few days without it now than losing it forever because it slipped off! Be sure to purchase insurance in case of loss of theft. You may be able to add it on to your household policy.
- Pick a rough date
The first question you will hear from most people will be when is the wedding? Don’t feel pressured to diarize your nuptials just yet. Discuss a ballpark month or season with your fiancé and ensure you both agree on it. This will give you something to say and work towards together.
- Start making a guest list
In your enthusiasm you might inadvertently imply to people that they are invited before really knowing if they can be or not. You may find some of your friends and colleagues begin inviting themselves. You will be surprised how many people there actually are to consider. It is therefore wise to draw up a provisional guest list before you accidentally let anyone think they are definitely included. Start conversations with your parents early regarding who they would like to invite for exactly the same reason. Your budget, venue and own feelings will dictate how many guests you can stretch to.
- Think about your bridal party
Carefully consider how many bridesmaids and groomsmen you want and who these should be before dropping any hints. Once you’ve asked it is very difficult to retract. The size of your wedding, finances and partner’s opinion are all factors.
- Book a photo shoot
What better excuse for a professional photography session? Record the celebration forever and treat it as a date for you and your new fiancé. You can also use the opportunity to trial whoever you are thinking of for a wedding photographer and begin getting to know them. You’ll then be much more relaxed on the big day itself.
- Keep track
Hopefully you’ll be receiving lots of engagement presents and messages of congratulations. Keep a list of gift givers so you can say thank you and respond to messages.
- Enjoy the moment
Soak it all in! Your engagement will pass in a whirlwind once you get down to the nitty gritty of planning. Treasure your happy bubble right now and spend lots of quality time with your fiancé. Throw an engagement party if you would like to or simply meet up for drinks with friends. Celebrate!
Finally, don’t forget to book an appointment to view Hudson’s venue and discuss the possibility of hosting your wedding with us. We can’t wait to meet you!