The Proposal Aftermath: What's Next?

So, you've said yes to the proposal, the excitement has settled down, and now you're wondering what to do next. Well, the first thing to do is to call your parents and other close family members and friends – after all, they shouldn't be finding out about your engagement via social media! Then, you might want to get a manicure to ensure your hands and nails look their best as you show off your new engagement ring.

Next, it's time to insure your ring. This is the most prized and pricey piece of jewellery you now own, so you'll want to make sure it's insured in case it's lost, stolen, or damaged. After that, you can post a ring selfie on social media and announce your happy news to the world.

Now it's time to start planning. First, decide on a date and whether you want a long or short engagement. Then, select a theme for your wedding and create a budget to guide your choices. You should also choose a venue and a date, set up a wedding website, and finalise your guest list.

Remember to take some time to relax and enjoy being engaged – planning a wedding can be stressful, so it's important to take a break and reconnect with your partner.

Announce your engagement to close friends and family

Now that you've said yes, it's time to share the news with your loved ones! Here are some tips to help you announce your engagement to your close friends and family:

• Make personal phone calls or visits to your closest family and friends – Sharing the news directly with your inner circle is an important first step. It adds a personal touch and shows them how much they mean to you. Be sure to reach out to your family members first, and then prioritise your closest friends.
• Get a manicure – Chances are, everyone will want to see your ring, so get a manicure to ensure your hands and nails look their best when you're showing off your new bling.
• Take photos – Capture the moment with some photos or even a professional engagement shoot. You can share these photos on social media or with those who couldn't be there in person.
• Share the news on social media – Once your inner circle knows, it's time to make it "Facebook official"! Share a ring selfie or a sweet couple's photo, and don't forget to include some details about how the question was popped.
• Plan an engagement party – Celebrate your engagement with a party! It can be as fancy or low-key as you like – from a large table at your favourite restaurant to a backyard barbecue with friends. It's a great way to bring everyone together and savour the joy of this special time.

Remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so take the time to savour it and enjoy being engaged before diving into full-on wedding planning mode.

Get your ring resized and insured

Getting engaged is an exciting time, but it's important to take a step back and get a few things in order before diving into wedding planning. One of the first things you should do is get your ring resized and insured. This will give you peace of mind and ensure your ring is protected.

First, let's talk about resizing. You want your ring to fit snugly, but not too tight, as you don't want to risk it falling off. A jeweler will be able to evaluate the fit and make any necessary adjustments. The cost of resizing will depend on a few factors, such as the type of metal, the number and location of stones, and how much bigger or smaller the ring needs to be. For example, resizing a ring with a European shank will be more expensive due to the extra metal weight in the corners. It's also important to note that some metals, like rose gold, are more temperamental and can crack during resizing.

Now, let's discuss insurance. Your engagement ring is likely one of the most prized and pricey pieces of jewelry you own, so it's important to insure it against loss, theft, or damage. Most jewelers offer insurance for repairs or if you lose a gem. Additionally, if you have homeowner's or renter's insurance, you can add the ring to your policy. However, keep in mind that adding it to your existing policy may not provide adequate coverage, as there are usually limits to the coverage amount. Instead, consider getting specialized jewelry insurance, which offers more comprehensive protection. This type of insurance can cover a range of risks, including accidental damage, theft, loss, and even natural disasters. It's recommended to insure your ring as soon as possible, and you'll need an appraisal or receipt to get started.

By taking these steps to resize and insure your ring, you can rest assured that your valuable jewelry is protected and enjoy this exciting time of your engagement.

Plan an engagement party

Planning an engagement party is an exciting task, but it can be a little overwhelming. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan the perfect celebration.

Determine the Host and Budget

First, decide who will be hosting the party. Traditionally, it was the bride's family, but nowadays, anyone close to the couple can throw the event, even the couple themselves. It is also becoming more common for both parents to contribute financially.

Next, set a budget. This will help you to plan the rest of the party and ensure you don't overspend. The budget should include expenses such as the venue, food, drinks, decorations, and any vendors you may wish to hire.

Choose a Date and Venue

It is recommended to host the party within a few months of the proposal to maintain excitement. However, you should also consider the availability of key guests, especially those who may need to travel, and try to avoid busy holiday periods.

When choosing a venue, consider the number of guests and the atmosphere you wish to create. For a more formal party, you may wish to hire a private room in a restaurant, while a casual gathering could be held at someone's home or a local pub.

Create a Guest List

It is considered good etiquette to only invite people to the engagement party if they will also be invited to the wedding. This is particularly important if the engagement party is hosted by the bride's parents.

Choose a Theme and Plan the Details

To make your planning easier, choose a theme that reflects your interests as a couple. This could be based on your favourite travel destination, a shared hobby, or a season. The theme will help guide your decisions on food, drinks, decorations, and entertainment.

Send Invitations

Get your invitations out early, at least one month in advance, to give your guests plenty of notice, especially if they need to travel. It is also a good idea to include an RSVP date so that you can get an idea of numbers for planning purposes.

Plan Food and Drinks

Engagement parties are usually cocktail-style, but it is important to serve some food, even if it is just finger foods or a buffet. Consider your guests' dietary restrictions and allergies, and specify the type of menu on the invitations so guests know what to expect.

Plan Entertainment and Activities

Engagement parties often include toasts and speeches, but you may also wish to organise some games or hire a professional entertainer to keep your guests engaged.

Plan Outfits

As the couple, you will want to shine and complement the party vibes, but also ensure your outfits don't outshine your future wedding attire!

Choose a wedding theme

Now that you've enjoyed the excitement of the proposal, it's time to start planning your dream wedding! One of the first things you'll want to do is choose a wedding theme. This will be the "big picture" that sets the tone and mood of your special day and guides your decisions on everything from the design of your invitations to the flowers and souvenirs. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding theme:

• Understand the purpose of a wedding theme: A wedding theme reflects your personalities as a couple and sets the overall aesthetic for your celebration. It will help you stick to a cohesive look and feel, from the colour palette to the venue and decorations.
• Consider your interests and passions: Think about what you and your partner love to do and what represents your relationship. Do you have any shared hobbies or favourite foods? You can incorporate these into your wedding theme. For example, if you both love the beach, a beach wedding theme could be perfect. Or if you're avid music lovers, you could have a music festival-themed wedding.
• Look for inspiration: There are endless options for wedding themes, so it's a good idea to browse for inspiration. Check out wedding websites, magazines, and social media platforms for ideas. You can also look back at old photos of you and your partner to identify what you've enjoyed doing together in the past.
• Choose a theme that suits your venue: The venue can make a big difference when choosing a wedding theme. For example, if you want an outdoor, nature-themed wedding, you'll need to find a venue that accommodates that. Consider the aesthetic and amenities of potential venues and how they can work with your desired theme.
• Think about the season: The season of your wedding will also influence your theme. For example, you might opt for a rustic, outdoor wedding in the summer or a cosy, indoor celebration in the winter.
• Set a budget: Different themes can have different price tags, so it's important to be mindful of your budget. Some themes, like rustic, outdoor, or vintage weddings, can be more budget-friendly, while others, like a classic or glam wedding, may require a bigger investment.
• Discuss with your partner: Remember, the most important factor in choosing a wedding theme is that it represents both of you as a couple. Talk to your partner about your shared interests, favourite colours, and what type of atmosphere you want to create.
• Beach
• Music Festival
• Classic/Formal
• Carnival
• Rustic
• Bohemian
• Tropical
• Casual Garden Party
• Modern/Sleek
• Romantic
• Vintage
• Celestial
• Art Deco
• Nautical
• Travel
• Whimsical
• Natural
• Country
• Dark/Gothic
• Forest
• Fairytale
• Glam

Make a game plan, including budget and venue

So, you've said yes and now it's time to start planning. But where do you even begin? Well, first things first: budget. This is one of the most important parts of the wedding planning process and will determine a lot of your other decisions, like the venue and the number of guests. So, grab your partner, a bottle of wine, and maybe a spreadsheet, and get to work!

How to set your wedding budget

First, you need to figure out who will be contributing to the wedding financially. Traditionally, the bride's parents paid for the whole wedding, but nowadays, both families often chip in, and the couple themselves may contribute, too. It's important to have honest conversations about what each party can afford and what they're willing to spend. Be realistic and don't be afraid to compromise—you might have to cut back on flowers if you want a bigger catering budget, for example.

How to allocate your wedding budget

Once you have a final number, you can start allocating funds to the various parts of your wedding. There are no hard and fast rules about how to do this, but here's a suggested breakdown to get you started:

• Venue and catering: 40%
• Photography and/or videography: 12%
• Music and entertainment: 10%
• Flowers and decor: 10%
• Wedding attire and beauty: 9%
• Ceremony: 3%
• Stationery: 2%
• Favors and gifts: 2%
• Transportation services: 2%
• Emergency/miscellaneous fund: 5%

How to save money on your wedding

If your dream venue or band is out of your budget, don't despair! There are lots of ways to save money on your wedding:

• Opt for digital invitations and save-the-dates instead of printed ones.
• Address your invitations yourself instead of paying for calligraphy.
• Choose a venue that can host both the ceremony and reception to cut down on transportation costs.
• Be flexible with your wedding date—weekday weddings are usually cheaper than weekends.
• Be wary of hidden costs like beauty treatments, vendor meals, and overtime fees.
• Negotiate with vendors—many will be willing to work with you to create a package that suits your budget.
• Use a rewards credit card to pay for your wedding expenses and take advantage of the cashback or mileage benefits.

Frequently asked questions