Congratulations! You just got engaged! Now the fun of wedding planning begins. But before you get too overwhelmed with all that needs to be done, check out this list of the first five things you and your newly-minted fiancé should do after getting engaged.
Don't rush out to start notifying the world and making complicated plans too quickly. Take some time just between the two of you to celebrate the start of your new life together. This could be dinner at your favorite restaurant or a walk in the park. Or it could just mean buying a bottle of champagne and popping the cork together. Do what makes you happy and savor this moment.
Notify your closest friends and family members in person or by phone. Even in the social media and texting age, some people still deserve real conversations. Make a list of who should find out in person so you can check them all off the list before you start putting the word out on social media. For the most part, your whole immediate family should receive a phone call. You should also chat in person with those who will be invited to participate in the wedding. If you let people know that you have a lot of calls to make, they will be more willing to quickly celebrate with you and hold off on long conversations.
It's not particularly romantic, but one of the first acts you should do as a couple is insure your rings. Get an appraisal by a certified independent gemologist, which can often be done at the time of purchase. Find out whether
your jewelry store offers additional services, like insurance and ring sizing.
Discuss with your homeowners or renters insurance agent whether the ring can be covered by your current policy or if you need an additional rider or policy. You should also make sure you know what types of damage or loss is covered.
Wedding planning can get out of hand quickly, so sit down as a couple and decide some of the money matters as soon as possible. This includes determining who will pay for what, especially if parents or other loved ones will be involved.
Budgeting can be as simple as setting a firm upper limit, but it may be better if you two decide on a few categorical budgets as well. This means knowing what your priorities are and where you want to spend more money or are more willing to compromise.
Before you start ordering materials, choosing colors, and meeting with vendors, take the time to envision your wedding as a whole. Feel free to do some daydreaming. Talk about what your vision of the perfect day would look like. Is it formal or casual? Is it outdoors at sunset or inside your favorite venue? Are there a lot of people around you or just your closest friends? What is the most important aspect for you and your fiancé?
Even if you've been secretly planning your big day in your own head, write it down on paper to use as a base. Find out what your fiancé has been dreaming of too. Having an overarching plan together will help you create a more harmonious theme and avoid disagreements later on.
These first five steps are both practical and fun, and they will set the tone for your whole wedding planning. After you get engaged, set time aside for you and your fiancé so you can start planning the specifics of your big day.
