Congratulations! You just got engaged! And you're not alone. Did you know that close to 30 percent of couples get engaged between the Thanksgiving and New Year's holidays?
So what do you do now? Here are my top 10 tips that will help you successfully navigate -- and truly enjoy -- this exciting time in your life. I also reached out to recent brides for their input.
- Don't post on social media first! Wait until you have personally told the people you care about most. Make those phone calls -- first to your parents, then to your siblings. Grandparents and best friends are next, and then other close friends and family. Only then should you show off your ring on Instagram.
- Q: When are you getting married? Have you set a date? You can say, "We're thinking of a spring wedding," or, "We've decided on a one-year engagement to give us time to plan all the details."
- Q: How did he propose? Develop your story. You'll be telling it over and over again.
- Q: Am I invited? Important tip: Don't commit to inviting someone that may not make the guest list. In the early stages of sharing your news, you haven't had time to determine whom you will and won't be able to include, so unless you're 100% sure someone makes the cut, don't commit. Be polite but vague, something like, "We haven't finalized our wedding plans, but I think we may be keeping it fairly small."
- Q: Am I in the wedding? Important tip: Don't ask someone to be in your wedding party until you know some of the details and associated costs. Wait until you have a good idea where your wedding will be and what costs your wedding party will be expected to pay. For example, do you want a destination wedding? This will likely add additional expenses for your wedding party. When inviting your attendants, discuss the costs up front before they commit. If they can't afford it, let them decline gracefully and tell them you understand.
Julie from Philadelphia suggests, "wait a month to begin planning the wedding so you have time to enjoy the engagement, once the planning starts, it's a nonstop roller coaster!"
Also, most brides warn that the guest list can be a major source of conflict, so be prepared to compromise.
- June
- September
- August
- May
- October
- July
If you're picking a popular time of year, you will want to plan well in advance to make sure you're able to secure your preferred venue. The best method is to pick a season, month or selection of possible dates; pick your venue; and book an available date at that venue.
Most of all, don't forget to have fun! It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. But keep in mind that this is a magical -- and finite -- time in your relationship. So take the time to pause and enjoy it, and don't sweat the small stuff.
If you have questions or comments about wedding or gift giving etiquette? Please email me at AskCheryl@RegistryFinder.com.
RegistryFinder.com is an online search engine that helps gift givers quickly and easily find online registries for weddings, baby showers, graduations and more.
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