This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Holy moly, you have an engagement ring, and you’re getting married! It’s so surreal, yet definitely happening. Like it or not, the hours, days, and weeks following that proposal are guaranteed to be a whirlwind.
There are so many things to think about, so many people to contact, and so much to get done. Don’t be overwhelmed. You have plenty of time to plan the rest of your lives, but if you’re like most newly engaged people, you’ll be itching to share the news with all your friends and dive into the actual wedding planning part headfirst.
Pinterest boards, bridal magazines, blogs, dress shopping, venue hunting…the list goes on and on. Years of watching wedding movies couldn’t have prepared you for what’s to come (trust us, it’s totally different). While the average engagement lasts a year to a year and a half, there are certain things you’ll want to get done stat—no matter how long you plan on being a fiancé.
So where do you get started after you pop the question? There’s no strict order to follow as long as you tackle the immediate to-dos. Committing the rest of your life to the love of your life is scary and amazing and the best kind of stress. However, it’s a major milestone, and planning a wedding together is the icing on the cake—we promise.
10 Things to Do for the Perfect Marriage Proposal
1. Call Your Parents
And your siblings and BFFs, too (unless you are keeping your engagement under wraps for a while). The last place they should have to hear about your new status is on social media, so give them a ring personally and tell them the happy news. Your parents may even already know what’s up and have been waiting by the phone patiently for your call.
2. Get a Manicure
Your hands will be in the spotlight for the next couple of weeks, which means your manicure best be on fleek. Or, if you’re going for the natural look, make sure your nails are clean and shaped. Otherwise, friends will be focusing more on your chipped nail polish than your gorgeous engagement ring. Not cool.
3. Post a Ring Selfie
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? If you’re ready to share with the world that you’re engaged, open up that Instagram. Take a ring selfie or a sweet pic of you and your fiancé to share the love. Even better—if the actual proposal was caught on film, nothing is better than that look of surprise. And don’t forget to make it Facebook official.
4. Cheers!
Round up some of your best friends and family to go out for a celebratory drink or have a special date night solo if that’s more your style. You’re engaged, and that’s totally worth toasting.
5. Gather Inspiration
Create a Pinterest board, or Google Doc, save photos on Instagram, or create a folder on your computer to compile imagery of your favorite wedding elements. Keep it to yourself just for organizational purposes, or share it with your wedding planner, mom, friends, fiancé, and whoever else to view and contribute.
6. Take a Breather
Don’t jump into wedding planning right away. Take a week or two to let the news really sink in and to just savor the moment. Trust us, you’ll have enough stress over the next 12 (or so) months to last you a lifetime.
7. Think About a Date
The most desirable wedding dates and venues get booked far in advance, so if you’re hoping to get hitched in the next year or two, it’s a wise idea to start thinking about dates now. Find out what works for both your families and if there are any potential conflicts.
8. Research Wedding Venues
Remember: You can’t book a date until you’ve nailed down your dream venue! Do some research online first, or maybe you already have a place in mind and can call to get more information on pricing and availability!
9. Discuss a Budget
Money talks, but unfortunately, no one likes to talk about money. It can be, well, awkward. However, before you can really move forward with any of your wedding plans, this is a discussion that has to be had, be it between you and your spouse, or you, your spouse, and the parents.
10. Plan an Engagement Party
You don’t have to have an engagement party, but if you do, there are a few considerations: Do you want to plan it or hand the reins over to parents or friends? Do you want to go low-key and have it at your home or in a friend’s backyard? Would you rather everyone meet at your favorite bar for drinks or rent a space for a catered dinner? Either way, just make sure to do whatever fits the vibe of your relationship.
Take three deep breaths you got this!!
Complete Weddings + Events Duluth
To inquire with Complete Weddings + Events Duluth, call/text (218) 230 2040 or email ari@completemn.com