One minute you're just going about your life and the next your boyfriend is kneeling in front of you flashing a gorgeous ring. You're engaged and your life is about to change in a huge way! Your mind is probably going a million miles an hour and it can be hard to know what to do first (other than slip that stunning ring on your finger!). But don't worry, we've got you covered. Keep reading to find out the 8 things you must do first when your partner pops the question. 

8 Things To Do First Now That You're Engaged


Related Content:

Jonathan Ivy Photography

1. Tell Your Closest Friends and Family

Of course, the first thing you're going to want to do is share the special news. Try and tell the important people in your life in person if possible. If your family members live far away, make sure you call them on the phone. You'll probably be dying to share the ring on Instagram, but try and hold off for a little bit. This is a huge moment and you deserve to be able to share this news personally with the people who are most important to you both. Besides, the looks on their faces when you tell them will be too good to miss!

Dawn Elizabeth Studios

2. Share the News on Social Media

Once you've informed the appropriate people personally, then it's time to make the all-important social media post! There are so many creative ways to share the news, from cute signs and props to customizable t-shirts! Then there's also the classic ring shot that everyone is dying to see. It's a good idea to paint on a fresh coat of polish in a complementary color, since your hands are likely going to be shown off quite a bit in the near future! 

Pink diamond engagement ring

Twenty-Three Photography

3. Take a Moment to Relax and Celebrate

Before you're thrown into the whirlwind of wedding planning, take a moment to celebrate and enjoy this moment with your new fiance. Go out for a celebratory drink with friends or a romantic dinner for two. Even if you're not throwing an all-out engagement party, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this event that will be memorable to look back on. This exciting time in your life will pass so quickly, and it's important to take it all in before your world is filled with nothing but wedding planning.

CivicPhotos

4. Decide on Wedding Basics

Eventually, once the initial shock has worn off, you'll have to start the wedding planning process. While you don't have to begin booking vendors right away, you should have a serious talk with your fiance and parents about the basic logistics of your wedding: location, size, budget and date. It's okay if these are rough estimates at this point. These details will help set the pace of your wedding plans and will determine if you and your fiance are generally on the same page. 

Kimberly Chau - Photographer

5. Curate Your Pinterest Board

Like many other brides to be, you probably have a Pinterest board full of dream wedding ideas you've been pinning for years, but now it's time to get serious about the vision for your wedding. Create a new board to start fresh and be selective about what you add to it. Try not to add too many ideas that are unrealistic or that don't fit your central theme. It's also helpful to use the description section of each pin to remind yourself what exactly you like about it. The idea is to create a cohesive board that you can show to potential vendors so they can easily understand the type of wedding you want. 

CivicPhotos

6. Focus on Your Relationship

It's so easy to get caught up in wedding planning and forget about the real reason you got engaged. Try to keep the focus on your relationship throughout the entire process. To do this you might decide to participate in premarital counseling, whether it's with a therapist or a religious leader. Counseling can be a great reminder that you're building a marriage, not just a wedding. Other ways to keep the focus on your relationship include planning regular date nights or making time to participate in your favorite hobbies together. 

Tracy Autem & Lightly Photography

7. Discuss Your Finances

Being married starts the process of you and your partner becoming one family. As this transition happens, dealing with bills and money issues turns into a team effort.  It's not the most fun topic, but tackling your finances now will only set you up for success after you've wed. Sit down with your fiance and take a look at your combined income, living expenses and any debt you'll be bringing into the union. If you're trying to save up for wedding costs, analyze your recurring monthly expenses and see if there are any places you can save money. Could you benefit from refinancing your student debt to get a lower monthly payment? Joining finances with another person and preparing for upcoming life milestones may help you realize it's time to get serious about tackling your student loan debt and make a plan for paying it off.

Pharris Photos

8. Pick Your Wedding Party

As wedding planning commences you'll want to make sure you have your most trusted friends by your side. Keep in mind that this is a big decision so give it some real thought before you ask someone to be in your wedding. Don't feel obligated to include someone because they included you and remember that more isn't always merrier when it comes to wedding parties. At the end of the day you'll know who your core group of friends and family are; the ones who will be there for you through all of the ups and downs of wedding planning. Plan a special way to ask them (these cards are perfect) and they'll be overjoyed at the honor! 

Nate Messarra Photography


Sign-Up