Deciding on how to announce your engagement can be tricky. Whether you just got engaged (Congrats!) or think it’s about to happen (great if you’re reading this first!) there are a few things you should keep in mind about your initial steps once you’ve said “Yes.” Keep in mind these dos and don’ts after you’re engaged to make wedding planning fun and celebratory rather than stressful.
DO KNOW YOUR FIANCE-TO-BE
This is for all those men and women out there yet to propose — know your audience. Is your fiancé-to-be an introvert? Maybe creating a romantic atmosphere at home is the way to pop the question. Think rose petals, and music, there are plenty of ways to set a romantic tone while proposing in the privacy of your home.
Alternatively, does your beau love a lot of attention and creating a stir? Then maybe a public place, say, a restaurant or park is the best locale for your proposal. When he or she says yes, it’s important to know your audience in order to truly make them comfortable and excited about the big moment to come.
DO GIVE YOU AND YOUR BEAU SOME DOWNTIME
Share some special alone time 1st…don’t make the mistake of getting right on the phone with loved ones to announce your engagement as exciting as it all is. Because once you do, your phone won’t stop ringing with congratulations from other people who mean well. (Of course, you might want to share right away, but keep in mind those people will be excited to share the news too, so before you know it you’ll be hearing from others you haven’t even told yet.) This is lovely, but it also causes zero downtime for you and your newly betrothed to stop and smell the roses, and really savor the moment.
Give yourselves time to share a toast, and a moment to reflect because before long you might just be exhausted from explaining the proposal story over and over (and over….)
DO PRIORITIZE YOUR CALL LIST
Might sound silly, but make sure to hit up the ‘rents, sibs, and besties (and make sure the order makes sense). It’s ok if you’re closer to a friend than a sibling to call them first, but then inform your parents to hold off on calling Aunt Sally. You don’t want to offend anyone who hears secondhand that feels they should have heard directly from you. So as not to be overwhelmed, just explain to Mom or Dad to hold off on certain people, and you’ll get to them shortly.
DO SCHEDULE YOUR SOCIAL POSTS
Sure, today you may announce your engagement with a ring selfie, but just make sure you make the post after reaching grandma. As you know, once it’s out on social, there’s no telling who will know, so set it proudly, excitedly, but make sure it says what you want it to say, and when you want it said. Remember, you are in control of how you’re portrayed on the web, and your excitement should come through, but only when and how you want it to.
DON’T OVERSHARE
Be particularly sensitive to friends or family that haven’t gotten engaged yet. Sure, they are happy for you, but if you sense any jealousy, keep details to a minimum (unless they ask for them).
DON’T JUMP THE GUN
We get it, you are so psyched — you’re engaged to the person you love! But don’t let that excitement cause you to make decisions before you’ve thought them out, it will only lead to awkward moments later. You’d be surprised but being “in the moment” might lead you to making offers you could regret later. When you announce your engagement, make sure you don’t inadvertently start asking people to be in your wedding party. Instead, keep the convo about the engagement, and be vague about the details of the wedding. “We haven’t thought about that yet” or “We’re just savoring this moment for now” are totally acceptable responses if people ask for more.
WEDDING GUYS WISDOM: ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT IN A PHOTO
Once you have spread the good word to everyone close to you, you may want to have professional engagement photos done. We chatted with a few local photography pros who have some great tips on where to start.
