12 Things You Need to Do Right After Getting Engaged

Part 1/2: Announcements and The Ring

It finally happened! The person of your dreams finally popped the big question, and you said YES! And you are engaged! But…now what? There are a million things to think about and decisions to make when you’re planning a wedding, but do you have to start all of that now? What are the actual important things you need to do right after getting engaged?

If you’re in this position, first of all: CONGRATULATIONS! Second of all, we got you. We’ve put together a 2-part guide of things to do as soon as you get engaged to get the ball rolling, but also not overwhelm you with full-on wedding planning…yet. 

Here is the first half of our guide of 12 things you need to do right after getting engaged that focuses on the ring and announcements:

1. Take time to celebrate together
2. Announce to family, then friends, then everyone else
3. Get a manicure
4. Take a ring selfie
5. Find a wedding photographer and take engagement photos
6. Get ring sized and insured

1. Take time to celebrate together

There will be plenty of things you need to do right after getting engaged, and even way more once the official wedding planning starts. So the most important thing to do first is…nothing.

You two have just agreed that you’ve found in each other the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. That’s a big deal! You’ve both likely been hoping for this moment for some time. So before you bring everyone else into the joy of the news, take time for just the two of you to enjoy and savor this moment. 

Pop some champagne and celebrate together first. Talk about your new life together and all the things you’re excited about and all the reasons you’re thankful you found each other. You’ll be glad you did as you start getting busy with all the planning and everyone claiming your attention. 

2. Announce to family, then friends, then everyone else

After you’ve taken time to celebrate together, now it’s time to start telling people! One of the first things you need to do right after getting engaged is to tell your family first.

We know you’re super excited and just want to shout it to the world right away that you’re engaged! But the last thing you want is for your mom or best friend to have to find out the big news from social media at the same time your random coworkers do. 

If your fiance is old-fashioned, it’s likely your parents (and probably your siblings) already know or have an idea and are excitedly anticipating your call. So you should definitely call all of your close family members first thing. And make sure you call instead of text this time.

After you’ve called your family, then it’s time to call your close friends. You don’t have to hit up your entire address book. But do call the friends that are most important to you, especially those you are considering as bridal party members. They will be as excited for you as if they are family.

And then once you’ve personally called your family and friends, now it’s time to shout, post, and tweet it from the rooftops of social media and announce it to the world. Revel in all the ‘likes’ and congratulations as you change that status. These days, that makes it all almost as official as the ring itself does.

3. Get a manicure

One of the things you need to do right after getting engaged that you might not think of is to get a manicure.

For the next few weeks (and months), all eyes will be on your hands as you show off that new ring. So don’t let bad cuticles, chipped nails, and dry skin be a distraction.

Even if you prefer a more natural look and approach to your nails, at least get them neatly manicured and buffed. With your hands being featured in tons of photos and closely inspected regularly, you’ll be glad you did. And it’s just a nice treat anyway.  

4. Take a ring selfie

It’s important to get that manicure first because one of the next things you need to do right after getting engaged is to take and post a ring selfie!

Everyone’s dying to see the ring, and you’re dying to show it off. But it’s not likely you’ll get to see all of your friends right away especially if they aren’t local. So take a cute selfie with your fiance with the ring as the feature, and share away. And soak up all those “oooohs” and “awwws”.

5. Find a wedding photographer and take engagement photos

One of the optional things you need to do right after getting engaged is to find a wedding photographer and take engagement photos. 

If photoshoots aren’t your thing and having a bunch of engagement photos isn’t important to you, no worries. But there are a few reasons why an engagement photoshoot is a good idea. 

Most of the time all the good photographers book up far in advance. So if you can nail yours down early, that’s a plus. An engagement shoot will also give the two of you some practice hamming it up professionally for when the big day comes. It’s also nice to have this moment in time documented with you two in a more natural state apart from all the fancy wedding photos. 

And many photographers will add an engagement photoshoot in their packages for free. So, why not!?

6. Get ring sized and insured

One of the most important things you need to do right after getting engaged is to size the ring and then get it insured. 

Unless your ring already fits perfectly right away (which would be super impressive, and kudos to your fiance), you’re going to need to get it re-sized. The jeweler the ring was purchased from should be able to size the ring to your finger at no charge. You just might have to be without it for a week or so. But being without it for this short time is well worth it considering the alternative if it falls off and you lose it forever. 

Speaking of losing your ring, you need to get that bling insured ASAP. This is one of the most sentimental items of jewelry you will ever own. You don’t want to risk being left with nothing if it gets lost, damaged, or stolen, or if you leave it at the gym.

It doesn’t have to cost much to get your ring insured. And your peace of mind (and the ring!) is definitely worth it. 

We hope you found the first part of our guide of 12 things you need to do right after getting engaged helpful! Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2 where we discuss some wedding pre-planning things you need to consider.

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