What You Should Take Care of Right After Getting Engaged
He asked, you said “yes” (or vice versa), the champagne corks are still popping in your ears, and your hand feels somehow heavier with this sparkling new accessory. Congratulations, you’re engaged! While you’re still floating on cloud nine, life already has the next challenges ready for you. Before you get lost in Pinterest boards and throw yourself into a tornado of tulle, place cards, and cake flavors, there are a few things you should take care of first as a newly engaged couple.
First things first: Take a breath – really!
Yes, this is actually the first point. Before diving into planning madness, take time to enjoy the moment. An engagement is like a little taste of marital bliss – without the stress of wedding planning. So enjoy this state of suspension! Plan a date night weekend, toast with friends, reminisce about how you met. Do something just for the two of you.
This phase is magical and passes faster than you think. As soon as the first wedding magazines land on your table, you’re in planning mode – and that has a completely different vibe than the fresh, carefree engagement time.
Insure the ring – sounds boring, but it’s important
We know this sounds terribly unromantic. But that sparkling rock on your finger isn’t just emotional value; it’s also a financial investment. Most home insurance policies allow you to add extra coverage for jewelry items, and it’s worth it. This way, you don’t have to worry about what happens if the ring breaks, gets stolen, or you lose it. Take a photo beforehand and keep the purchase receipt if you have it.
And while we’re on the subject of rings: Make sure to have it adjusted if it doesn’t fit perfectly. An engagement ring that’s too loose is like a bra that’s too big – not only does it look strange, but it can also get lost. (Okay, the bra less so – but you know what we mean.)
Announce the good news – but strategically
Of course, you want to shout it from the rooftops. But before you post that Instagram photo of your ring with 27 hashtags, think about who should hear the news first and also how you want to tell them. The classic sequence: parents, siblings, close friends, extended relatives, colleagues, social media.
There’s nothing worse than your Aunt Gerda finding out about your engagement through a Facebook post. Trust us, she’ll never forgive you (and will mention it at every family gathering for the rest of her life).
Talk about your vision
Before diving into details, talk about the big picture. Dream wedding in Mallorca or a cozy celebration in your hometown? 200 guests or 20? Church ceremony or civil wedding only? Vintage style or modern minimalist?
You don’t need to have all the answers right away, but it helps to establish a common direction early on. And yes, both partners should have a say – even if one might be less interested in the color palette of the table decorations.
Clarify the budget – the elephant in the room
Nothing leads to stress faster than unclear finances. Sit down together and talk openly about how much you want (and can) spend. Who pays for what? Are parents contributing? Do you want to save or take out a loan?
It’s not the most romantic conversation, but one of the most important. Realistic budget planning early in your engagement can save many tears and arguments later.
Consider a rough timeframe
The question “When is it happening?” will follow you from now on. Even if you can’t or don’t want to set an exact date yet, it makes sense to at least roughly target a season or a year. Do you want a long or short engagement? Are you planning to save for the wedding, or do you want to get married as soon as possible?
A tip: Popular venues are often booked 1-2 years in advance, especially for Saturdays in summer. If you have a dream location, it’s worth inquiring early.
Set priorities – what’s really important to you?
Every couple has different priorities. For some, the venue is the be-all and end-all; for others, it’s the photography, the music, or the food. Consider together where you’re willing to dig deeper into your pockets and where you can make compromises.
This priority list will help you with all upcoming decisions and ensure that you use your budget wisely.
Learn about legal aspects
Depending on the country and region, there are different requirements for getting married. Find out early which documents you need (birth certificates, registration certificates, etc.) and what deadlines apply.
Especially if one of you is not from your country or if you want to get married abroad, the bureaucracy can get complicated. But don’t panic – with enough lead time, everything is doable.
Enjoy your engagement
The time between the proposal and the wedding is special – enjoy it! Of course, it’s important to be organized and tackle the big things early. But don’t forget why you want to get married in the first place.
Make time for regular date nights without wedding planning. Reflect on how far you’ve come as a couple. And look forward to everything that’s to come – not just the one big day, but your life together.
