You're Engaged! Now What? The First 5 Things You Need to do Next...

If the festive season brought you an extra sparkly present under the tree well Congratulations! This is one of the most exciting times in your life and you’ll want to soak up every minute of it! But now you have the ring, what’s next? Venue viewings, dress shopping, finding the perfect date? Stop! Take it all in and really enjoy your engagement, below are 5 tips on what you should do now your engaged!

1. Shout it from the rooftops!

If your family and friends weren't there at your engagement, make sure you tell them! Call, text, face time them if you wish just make sure your nearest and dearest know the exciting news so they can share in your happiness. Then once you have shared your news with family and friends then is the time if you wish to take to social media to post your 'ring selfie'

2. Enjoy this period.

Don't feel like you need to rush into the planning of your dream day, spend some time together during your engagement, take a date night with your now Fiancée and make it special, go on a weekend away just the two of you or just spend the night in whatever takes your fancy!

3. Maintenance

This is a vital step in the engagement period. If your ring doesn't already fit perfectly get it sized. You do not want to be losing your ring by it falling off!!! Get insurance on your ring, this is a must and it is much better to be safe then sorry. Don’t forget to also treat yourself to some maintenance and get a manicure, your hands and nails are going to be centre of attention over the next couple of weeks nobody wants to see a beautiful ring next to chipped nails!

4. Gather inspiration.

There is no harm browsing the bridal magazines, Pinterest and Instagram for some wedding inspiration. In fact its much better for wedding suppliers to know exactly what you are looking for instead of a rough idea so they know that they can meet and exceed your expectations rather than wishing you had gone for another option. Spend some time putting together moodboard and ideas and take these along with you when you go to supplier appointments, then everyone will be on the same page to make sure they deliver the wedding of your dreams.

5. Ask for help.

When you are ready to start planning your wedding don't be afraid to ask for help. Speak to close family and friends who are married as they may be able to shed some light on how their days went and if there are things they would do differently. Or speak to a wedding planner, here at One Oake I offer a range of different packages to help you with your planning and I am armed with lists of recommended suppliers and venues to help make your perfect day.

Most importantly take time to enjoy your engagement, whether its 5 months or 5 years it does not matter! :)

Congratulations!