5 things to do right after you get engaged

Jun 17 2016, 9:03 am

Your partner asked. You said yes. Now you’re engaged, and you’re thinking… So now what?

You might not be in any major rush to choose your wedding party and start pinning inspiration on Pinterest, but there are a few things you should do once you’re engaged!

Tell your family and closest friends

It’s very important that you personally tell the most important people in your life that you’re engaged first.

You may not want to make a big fuss about it but let’s be real, these people will not be happy if they hear about your engagement through the grapevine or heaven forbid find out via your latest Facebook status update. No bueno!

Set a date and lock in a venue

If you’re currently engaged and reading this, you’ve probably already experienced at least five people daily ask you if you’ve set a date yet. Start by choosing a month, season, or heck at least the year that you plan to tie the knot.

From there you can start researching venues and set up viewings to look at different options. News flash, if you’re planning to get married the following year, you need to book your venue at least a year prior. If you’re interested in a venue, always ask whether you can place a hold or refundable deposit in order for you to get first right of refusal should anyone else inquire for your desired date.

Insure your engagement ring

You should always secure your assets and your new piece of bling is no exception!

Your ring should come with an appraisal unless of course it was passed down as a family heirloom. In that case, take it to a local jeweler to get an appraisal. From there you can talk to your home insurance provider about adding your ring to your policy; it’s a cinch.

Align on a realistic budget

With the average in Canada costing over $31,000, weddings are an expensive affair.

Ensure that you and your fiancé are on the same page when it comes to your overall wedding budget and how you plan to prioritize it. Drinks and a DJ may be more important to your fiancé where as you may view your gown and the wedding decor as top priority. Marriage is all about compromise, so get ready to start!

Book your core vendors

Executing a wedding truly takes a village!

If you have your heart set on a specific photographer/videographer, caterer, officiant, or wedding planner, lock them in early. You can always figure out logistics in the near future.

Perks to booking sooner rather than later? If you’re booking a year out, you can often take advantage of the previous year’s cheaper pricing. Booking early also gives you an opportunity to shop around. Look out for larger packages that include several items you need anyway. Typically there is cost savings if you book a bigger package.

For example, photography and videography services are often bundled together and sometimes even include a free engagement shoot or wedding album. Similarly, wedding planners often include decorating services as part of a larger planning package.

Happy wedding planning!


Content published by Dene McKay and Chelsey Perrella, co-founders and party rockers of Best Day Ever Creative Events; a Vancouver based boutique wedding and event planning company with a focus on doing things a little differently.

Email: [email protected]

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