8 Things NOT to Do the Week After Getting Engaged
To help you navigate this amazing time, here are some etiquette tips about what NOT to do the week after you get engaged.
Photo: Tony Gambino Photography
Whether it was a total surprise or totally expected, getting engaged is one of the most exciting times of your life. While you’re probably on a bit of a post-engagement high, it’s totally normal to have mixed emotions during this time—and maybe even feel somewhat stressed about what’s to come.
Overshare
Yes, your family members and friends are super-excited for you. But that doesn’t mean you need to repeatedly update your social media feeds with every detail about your engagement. One social media post announcing your engagement is appropriate (don’t forget to start researching wedding hashtags, too!)—there’s plenty you’ll want to share as you move through the wedding planning process, so no need to overdo it now.Make a huge purchase
We all know that weddings are expensive—an average of $28,000 in the United States. Until you finalize your wedding budget, it’s best to hold off on making any major purchases (anything from a new car to that pricey new purse), if possible. It’s best to sit down with your future spouse and any parents or family members who may be contributing to the wedding and figure out how much you’ll actually be spending on your wedding. You may need to be a little tighter with your finances during your wedding planning process, so be mindful when eyeing any non-wedding-related splurges unless they’re absolutely necessary.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Wait to insure the engagement ring
An engagement ring is an extremely valuable piece of jewelry—both financially and sentimentally. Be sure to get it insured before wearing it around—this is not something to put off (yes, we know you’re busy). It’s easier than you think to lose or damage an engagement ring, so better to be safe than sorry. And while you’re at it, make sure that the ring is sized properly so it doesn’t slip off.Verbally invite people to your wedding
Sure, immediate family members and your best friends are definite invites to your wedding. However, there are probably lots of people who you’re pretty sure will be invited but it’s not definite. Avoid telling people that they’re invited to your wedding until you’ve booked your venue and created your guest list with your partner. You may end up falling in love with a venue that has a smaller capacity than you anticipated, or you may decide not to invite co-workers after a debate with your partner. You don’t want people to feel misled and disappointed—or even angry—at their lack of invitation to your big day.Start trouble with in-laws
Start off your relationship with your future in-laws on the right foot. Even if they’re not your favorite people, your future in-laws are family now, so avoid starting drama with them—particularly at this early point in your engagement. Even if, for example, your mother-in-law is stirring the pot by asking inappropriate questions about your wedding or trying to insert her opinion where it doesn’t belong (“Well, I have to invite my co-worker’s kids!” or “You must get married at our club!”), try to deflect her as much as possible. A simple and polite statement like “We’re just enjoying our engagement right now and aren’t really ready to start making wedding decisions” should hold her off—at least for a little while. Your partner should also be able to handle his or her own family and help keep the peace.
Photo: Blueflash Photography
