10 Things to Do After the Proposal

Isabel and Adam’s first look from their wedding day was originally featured in Rocky Mountain Bride V2 pg. 220-221. To view the magazine spread, visit us on Issuu.

You’ve said yes to the proposal. 

What now?

Once the excitement of the moment has settled down a bit, you might be wondering what to do next. It would be easy to overwhelm yourself right from the start if you’re not careful so that’s why we’ve teamed up with Sandals Resorts to share the first things you should do after you’ve accepted a marriage proposal, not necessarily in order–except for the first one.

One: Call Your Parents

Actually, this to-do includes more than your parents, but that’s where you should start. Consider any of the people in your lives that shouldn’t find out about your engagement via your social media posts as being on your call list. This might include siblings, grandparents, best friends, children, and even former spouses.

Two: Set a Date

Or not. You should decide soon the date you want to get married or that you intend to have a long engagement and will set the date later on. Whatever you choose, making the decision early on will save you possible disappointment later on, especially if you have your heart set on a wedding at a particular location or destination.

Three: Get a Manicure

Chances are good there will be a lot of people wanting to see your ring. That means they’re also going to be taking a look at your hands. Getting a manicure will ensure your nails and fingers are looking their absolute best as you show off your new engagement ring.

Four: Insure Your Ring

Surveys show the average American couple expects to spend somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000 on an engagement ring.  According to Business Insider, the average actual expenditure on a ring tops $6,000. Check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. What you may find is limited coverage for jewelry, so it makes sense to take out additional insurance to specifically cover the loss or theft of your ring.

Five: Post a Ring Selfie

Here’s another place where getting that manicure will help. Now is your chance to show off your engagement ring via social media. You can post a selfie, or if you’re really on the ball, you might already have that engagement photo ready to go.

Six: Wedding Size

Will your wedding be small and intimate, or are you planning to fill a football stadium with friends and family? Whatever the answer is, this is something you and your fiancé should discuss and reach an agreement with which you both can be happy.

Seven: Budget

In tandem with the size of your wedding, you also need to discuss a budget. Talking about money can be awkward, but it has to be done. If you are well established in your career, this might be a wedding you and your fiancé are funding. Maybe your parents are helping out or footing the bill. Whatever the situation, everyone needs to have clear expectations of how much money is available to fund everything from the dress to the reception.

Eight: Celebrate

Getting engaged is a big event. While the initial proposal may be more intimate, chances are good you will want to celebrate in some way with your friends and family. You could plan a night on the town, a dinner at a favorite restaurant, or even a backyard barbecue.

Nine: Relax

Maybe one of the best engagement ideas is taking some time to relax. You might want to plan a weekend getaway or a more extended vacation…even just an afternoon doing something you both enjoy such as going to a basketball game or taking in a movie.  Planning a wedding is stressful. It may well be the most significant event you ever coordinate, so taking time to relax and remember just why you got engaged in the first place is essential.

Ten: Wedding Party

Before you start discussing your wedding party with friends and family, you should talk to your other half. You both need to agree on the number of attendants you will have. Do you want the same number or are you okay with odd numbers? These people are your support leading up to and during your wedding ceremony. The tradition of women with the bride and men with the groom is no longer a hard and fast rule. Choose the people who will best support you.

Remember, the average engagement lasts a year to a year and a half. While there is a lot to do, you don’t have to get everything done in the first month of your engagement. Take your time and make decisions carefully. The key is to communicate, and it starts with letting your family and friends know your plans.

Now that you’ve got a ring to show off, book a local wedding photographer for your engagement session through our Vendor Collective page.

Or, if you just can’t wait, start browsing for the perfect honeymoon desitnation at Sandals.com.

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