The DOs and DON’Ts Before You Say I DO
ENGAGEMENT DOs AND DON’T start almost the second you say yes. Your first task? Sharing the exciting news with the world. And how easy would it be to do so in 140 characters or fewer or with a quick status update? No matter how tempting, it’s a major engagement no-no to not pick up the phone and call your family members and friends. All of them. No one likes to be the last to know—and getting the news via mass e-mail, Twitter update or Facebook is especially rotten. So set aside a few hours and scroll through your phone book. Ask your mom, sisters, aunts or your closest friend for help.
Get Your Ring Sized
Your stunning sparkler is perfect in every way, except for the bothersome wiggle room or the irritating tightness that has begun to turn your fingertip a not-so-Tiffany-blue. Solution: Get it resized ASAP! After all, you’ll be showing it to everyone. The last thing you want is to lose your perfect wedding ring that you’ve been dreaming about your entire life, an hour after you have been proposed to. The process can take just a few hours or, at most, a few days so do not worry! You won’t be without it for too long.
Get Your Ring Insured
Nothing can replace the sentimental value of your ring, but if something happens to it, at least you can get your (or his) money back. If you have home owner’s or renter’s insurance, call to add the ring to your policy. You may need an official appraisal before you can officially add the ring, so call the insurance broker to see what paperwork is required. If you don’t already have renter’s insurance, it can be cheaper to buy it (you should have it anyway) and then add the ring. Your broker will be able to help you find the right option
Set a Date—Even If It’s Not the Date
After hearing “congratulations” and “let me see your ring,” the first thing people will ask is, “When’s the wedding?” It’ll save you lots of headaches if the two of you come up with a vague-yet-specific answer, like “We’re shooting for early 2017” or “We like the idea of next fall.” People appreciate feeling like they’re in the loop, and they’ll also put the event into their mental datebooks. Plus, it’ll give you and your future hubby a little direction as you start planning the big day.
Create a Wedding Blog
Now that you’ve told everyone the good news (refer to step No.1 if you have yet to pick up the phone), set up a wedding site or blog to keep everyone apprised of your nuptial news. Post photos, write the “how we met” story, have a guestbook—make it as personal and interactive as you want. Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook are great social media sites used to keep important information in the same place while also keeping family and friend updates on your big day. Here you can set up a simple outline for the event, then later on you can get fancy with wedding details, hotel advice, maps, quizzes, daily thoughts and whatever other wedding whimsies you want to share. Send it around to those who ask, but be prepared for the fact that your mom and your BFF may be the only ones who want to read it.
