So you’ve just got engaged! What happens next?

Wedding Planning - 03.03.20

A wedding proposal is one of the most exciting parts of a relationship, but what happens after the “big question” has been “popped”?

Congratulations, you’re engaged!

A wedding proposal is an exciting occasion for any couple, particularly if the whole thing was an unexpected surprise. Valentines Day is one the most popular time of year for couples to get engaged, and we predict that this year has be no different.

After becoming newly engaged, it’s completely natural to want to shout the news from the rooftops, but, before you do, don’t forget the all-important engagement etiquette – to inform both sets of parents before anyone else. After the parental announcement, be sure to share the good news with other immediate relatives, and friends, before making the news completely public on social media etc.

Once you’ve made the announcements, it’s time to start celebrating! Here are six ways to make the most of your engagement.

Public announcement

Traditional families may wish to announce the engagement in the local newspaper, typically the wording of this news will come from the bride’s family, but you can always take things into your own hands if you prefer. Nowadays, it is much more common for the newly engaged couple to announce their news with wider circles across their social media profiles by updating their Facebook relationship status, or sharing a dazzling photo of the shiny new ring.

Engagement party

Now for the really fun part – the engagement party! This is a great excuse to get everyone together, to make formal introductions and have a good old knees-up while you’re at it. Of course, the style and size of your engagement party depends on personal budgets and taste, you may prefer an intimate engagement dinner, an extravagant ball with formal invites, or a simple and casual gathering.

Engagement photoshoot

With most engagements lasting 18-24 months before the big day, many couples opt to have an engagement photoshoot in this time, usually with a photographer that they’d like to book for their actual wedding day. An engagement photoshoot is a wonderful opportunity to practice romantic poses with one another, as well as getting some experience of being photographed. You could even use the finished photographs as part of your save the date or wedding invitation designs.

Start planning

Even if you’ve been dreaming about your perfect wedding day since you were a child, and you know exactly how you want your big day to be, getting engaged is where the planning can officially begin to turn those dreams into reality. Grab a couple of bridal magazines, set up some Pinterest boards, make lists, and talk through ideas with your fiancé.

Visit a venue

Once you’ve decided on a budget and have a rough idea of guest numbers, you can start looking for a potential wedding venue. Booking a venue showround can be a magical day out as a newly engaged couple, as it is often the moment where the engagement really starts to feel real.

Get away together

Engagements can be an overwhelming time, especially if lots of people want to get involved and share the moment with you. Be sure to make some time just for the two of you, to really let the wonderful romantic news sink in, and start to gather ideas about what both of you want for the future. Why not book a weekend away together at a spa? Have a romantic meal together? Or head to the location of your first ever date and reminisce about where it all began.

For visual inspiration check out our Pinterest board or if you’re ready to start visiting venues, why not book a visit to come and see Braxted Park?

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