12 things to do when you get engaged
Getting engaged is, no doubt, one of the most exciting moments in your life. It’s an unforgettable, intimate occasion between you and your loved one, when your visions of your future together finally become real.
The days and weeks after can often be a blur, but you’ll want to do what you can to remember them, as it’s a time you’ll reflect back on in years to come. This means it’s worth making sure you do it right.
Needless to say, though, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate an engagement; but keeping a few things in mind will help to ensure you really make the most of it.
So, what should you think about doing after getting engaged?
1. Share the exciting news with family and friends first
In today’s world, it can be all too tempting to share exciting news with your friends on social media. And whilst we’d always recommend doing so, there are a few important people you should really get in touch with first before letting the proverbial cat out of the bag.
Your parents and/or grandparents should take first place when it comes to sharing the news; they wouldn’t likely want to find out by scrolling through their Instagram feed. Worse, they wouldn’t want to see someone else’s post sharing the news! So, be sure to give them a call first, and then share a picture of your dazzling engagement ring for your friends second.
2. Treat yourself to a manicure
By all means a non-essential step, but consider getting your nails professionally tidied and/or painted after the proposal. It’s likely that more people than you may initially expect will want to see your ring - and when you do so, you’ll have freshly manicured nails to accompany the sparkle.
At Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, we love making our guests feel special when it matters the most. To find out more about our beauty treatments, please click here.
3. Don’t forget to insure the ring
Not always an obvious step, but nevertheless important, is remembering to insure your ring. Protecting the value of the ring isn’t something you may initially think about, particularly as you get caught up in the excitement of the engagement. And whilst no-one wants to think about anything going wrong, it’s important to be prepared just in case.
A point to bear in mind is that sizing can sometimes be an issue initially, with partners hazarding a guess at the right one. Of course, this can lead to a loose ring on a finger if sizing is slightly off...meaning the potential for losing it is magnified!
4. Celebrate with your loved ones
Many people often make the mistake of jumping straight into wedding planning after the engagement. However, it’s important to remember that whilst the date of the big day can be booked whenever you like, you won’t get this precious time back.
So, take the opportunity to make the most of your engagement whilst you can. Celebrate with your loved ones, enjoy sharing the news and savouring your family and friends’ reactions. The planning can come later.
5. Think about your budget
The very first step in your wedding planning should revolve around deciding on your budget. It’s really important that you do this before anything else; ideally, before you start looking for inspiration. This way, you’ll know the figures you’re working with, and avoid any disappointment further down the line.
6. Do a bit of venue research
When you’re ready to start thinking about your venue, consider qualities that you like and dislike. Initially, you don’t need to make any drastic decisions; simply take a look on inspiration websites (such as Pinterest), as well as catalogues and wedding websites. Once you’ve found what you like, you’ll likely find it easier to make decisions later on.
7. Consider hiring the help of a Weddings team
Often, enlisting the help of a professional Weddings team will give you the serenity you need to truly enjoy the wedding planning process. It should never be too stressful, and with the help of a Weddings team, you can rest in the knowledge that you’re left with the fun decisions - like the colours of your flowers and the flavour of your wedding cake.
At Cotswold House, we’re passionate about helping our couples have the wedding day of their dreams. To find out more about our wedding offerings, please click here.
8. Start a wedding fund
As soon as you (or your loved one!) has popped the question, start up a wedding fund straight away. You might already have money saved for your big day, but it’s always a good idea to start collecting loose change when it all starts getting real. However much you can save will help you in the run up towards your day, whatever you decide to put it towards.
You could even decide to host a few gatherings to celebrate, and place your ‘wedding fund’ in a place where guests will see. At best, you may have a few extra pennies to work with!
9. Take lots of photos & enjoy spending time together as a couple
Whilst you’re enjoying the engagement, don’t forget to fill your photo album with memories. It’s a time you’ll remember forever, of course, but there’s nothing like visual memories to bring it all back again. Take plenty of snaps with your loved one and your friends; and if you want to get really creative, you could print them and surprise your guests with a personalised wedding invitation.
10. Consider guest numbers
Before you decide on your venue, think about how many guests you’d like to invite. It’s a good idea to book a venue that offers a variety of function rooms, small and large, to suit.
At Cotswold House, our Montrose Suite and Fig restaurants can cater for a variety of guest numbers - with the suite holding up to 90 day guests, and 120 evening guests. For smaller, more intimate celebrations, brides and grooms may prefer the use of our Fig restaurant. Here, we cater for up to 50 guests for the ceremony, and 30 for the wedding breakfast.
11. Throw an engagement party
Whilst you’re revelling in the festivities, why not get your party hat on and throw an engagement celebration? You could even set up a photo station to encourage guests to take photos to display at your wedding reception, or use it as an opportunity to surprise your bridesmaids/groomsmen-to-be. However you decide to celebrate, make sure you focus on spending quality time with your family and friends.
12. Relax!
Above all else, don’t forget to relax and enjoy the moment. It’s a good time to embark on a romantic weekend away, so you can really take the time to celebrate together.
If there’s anywhere worth venturing for a peaceful break, it’s the Cotswolds. Surrounded by peaceful landscape and scenery, you can truly relax in anticipation of your wedding planning.
At Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, we’d love to welcome you for a weekend break, or for a spot of lunch. To find out more about us, please click here.
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