Congratulations on your engagement! You’re stepping into one of the most exciting (and dare I say it, emotional) chapters of your life. While it’s tempting to dive straight into wedding planning, don’t do that just yet. There’s a lot to do in the world of planning but you need to do these things first before getting yourself overwhelmed and misinformed.
1. Soak in the Moment
Before you rush to share the news with everyone, take a moment to celebrate privately with your partner and those closest to you. Whether it’s a toast, a quiet dinner, or simply basking in the joy of the proposal, this is a moment you’ll want to remember. The reason why you might not want to tell everyone as soon as possible is because they are going to get on your nerves. What do I mean by that? Their excitement will translate into a thousand questions that you probably don’t have the answers to just yet. So, process everything first and then let the world know.
2. Get Your Ring Insured and Sized
Your engagement ring is not just a symbol of love but also an investment. Ensure it’s properly insured to protect against theft, loss, or damage. More than likely, your boo already did this, though. It’s helpful that many homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies allow for jewelry add-ons.
And while you’re at it, make sure the ring fits perfectly. You’ll be wearing it daily (more than likely), so it should feel comfortable and secure. If you didn’t go shopping together or your significant other doesn’t know your ring size, this is the perfect time to get it sized appropriately.
3. Discuss Your Wedding Vision with Your Partner
Before the hectiness of planning begins, have an honest conversation with your partner about your wedding vision. Do you dream of a grand celebration or an intimate elopement? What’s most important to each of you? Who do you want to be there to celebrate with you? The two of you need to be on the same page even if they are not going to be as active in the planning process as you. Not only will this discussion will help align your priorities, it will set the tone for everything to come.
4. Set Your Budget
The “B” word is one of the most crucial parts of wedding planning. Sit down with your partner (and anyone else contributing financially) to set a realistic budget. This may seem hard to do if you don’t know how much anything costs, but examine your savings and any family contributions you may receive towards your wedding. This is important because most wedding vendors will prefer that you have a solid understanding of wedding costs when you talk with them.
A good way to look at developing your wedding budget is to identify which vendors will be the most important to you two: the food, the outfits, the DJ, etc. That way you can try to prioritize your budget appropriately, too.
Your engagement marks the beginning of a beautiful journey. By taking these steps, you’ll lay a strong foundation for planning a wedding that’s as unique as your love story. Again, congratulations.