You’re engaged… now what?

Let us start off by saying congratulations! The day you dreamed of has finally come! Now what?

Well, no worries because Aims has you covered with what is next! So, sit back, relax, and grab your favorite drink and snacks while we chat about our engagements.

So, what happens right after you become engaged? I compiled a list of 6 things that happen right after your engagement along with 6 things that you should be doing. Let us get straight into it.

1. Excitement

What happens after you’re engaged

To no surprise, a lot of people are excited about your engagement. Think about it like this, you know how your parents may have been asking when will it happen, or your friends constantly brought up how excited they will be when your partner finally pops the question? Well, it has finally come. The people that have anticipated this day just as much if not more than you have, finally get to celebrate it with you. You will feel a lot of love from everyone sharing their excitement for your big day.

Now, since this is the real world, I cannot leave you thinking the excitement around your engagement is 100% supported by everyone around you. Sadly, after your engagement, you start to realize that there are some people who will not be there for you like they may have said they would be, or you thought they would be. If no one has told you this before, I will tell you…… you truly find out who wants to see you happy and wants to tag along every step of the way when you are pregnant, when you get engaged, and when you are planning your wedding. (I will get into the latter of the two in the upcoming weeks). These are two of the most sought after events of our adult lives for many people. Unfortunately, because it is highly desired, some people may not be happy to see that you reached these milestones before them.

So, although your parents, friends, family, children, and others are excited for you, some people in the categories I listed may not be. It is okay!

What you should be doing

You should be enjoying your engagement. This is such a huge moment for you, your family (and/or future family), and friends that should be celebrated with nothing but love and positivity. Only focus on the positive things surrounding your engagement because you should be happy, you deserve that! Congratulations again!

2. When is the wedding?

What happens after you’re engaged

Since you are engaged now, everyone wants to know immediately when the wedding will be. This is a harmless question. People want to make sure they have enough time to plan around your wedding date with their personal life and work schedules. So, try not to be too annoyed when this question comes up lol. You will be asked thousands of times!

What you should be doing

For a lot of couples, wedding dates may have been discussed prior to the engagement. But, now that you are officially engaged, it is time to sit down and talk about the perfect timeline for your relationship. This step is important because due to COVID, many couples had longer engagements than expected. So, consider COVID restrictions, and make sure you are staying up to date on them for the safety of your family, friends, and loved ones.

3. Starting or expanding your family

What happens after you’re engaged

The next question after the engagement is when are you having a baby or more babies. In everyone’s mind, this is the next logical step after marriage. It is truly beautiful to watch a couple start or expand their family, so the excitement behind the question is understood. Expect to be asked this question forever, even after the wedding, and even after a child or 3 lol.

What you should be doing

As harmless as this question may be, it is completely okay for you to feel uncomfortable answering. Some simple ways of answering without giving details could be

1. We have not decided yet
2. We are still discussing this
3. We would like to get married before we start preparing for children
4. When we are ready, you will know

Or you can simply say “we are not comfortable answering this question yet.” Many women will understand or should understand why. This is such a sensitive and touchy subject that should only be discussed when the person you are asking is comfortable discussing it. So, please do not feel uncomfortable addressing people as you feel necessary for your protection. The guys and gals that get it, get it, and the ones that don’t, don’t!

4. How was the proposal?

What happens after you’re engaged

Everyone wants to know the details of your engagement, especially if it was private. Even if it was a public engagement, the people that were not there, want to know all the details. This is probably the most fun question because the proposal easily became one of your favorite days ever. So, why would you not want to relive it by telling everyone the details?

What you should be doing

Make telling the details of your engagement as fun and creative as you desire. Making a YouTube video, TikTok video, and Instagram Reel are modern ways to share your engagement. This is perfect for couples who may not want to repeat the story a million times, and would like everyone to be able to watch/ hear as many times as they please. Also, you will get some great comments and support from people that do not the both of you.

For the couples that are more private, you can share the story with only those invited to the wedding, in an email, on the wedding website, at the engagement party, at the rehearsal dinner, or at the wedding. Everyone that is not a part of your love story does not have to be included in it, if you do not want them to be.

Get creative with how you and your partner want to share your love story!

5. Bridesmaids? Groomsmen? MOH? Best Man?

What happens after you’re engaged

Now the fun begins!!!!!! All of you and your partner’s closest friends and family want to know if they are going to be in the wedding. Such an exciting moment to know that people would love to be a part of your big day.

What you should be doing

You do not have to answer yet! If you plan on having a cute bridesmaid’s proposal or groomprosal lol, then wait until then. Just tell everyone that you guys have not decided on that yet. So, when you both finally ask your friends and family, they are surprised, excited, and feel honored by your proposal. Everyone gets a cute proposal lol.

6. Wedding decor vision board

What happens after you’re engaged

Wedding decor is HUGE! This is literally how your wedding will look visually from the colors, to the lighting, to the flowers, and the decor. This may be fun or stressful, depending on who you ask. There are so many options that it can become overwhelming, unless you are the bride that has always known exactly how she wants her wedding to look.

What you should be doing

Pinterest will be your best friend! There is an abundance of wedding decor pictures on Pinterest. Make a wedding board (you can set to private), and start saving your favorite ideas. Once you get to the planning part of your wedding, this board will help you have a clear visual of what you are thinking of. Just be highly aware that a lot of decor on Pinterest costs way more than it looks. Do not be surprised if your dream picture is out of your budget. Always have multiple options, and start researching the price of the decor pieces you will need. If you are the DIY (do it yourself bride), this is the perfect opportunity to start considering the tools you will need to create your dream wedding decor.

Now that we have covered what happens after you’re engaged, and what you should be doing after your engagement, I hope you feel more at ease and prepared for what is to come. I will be posting more wedding content until my wedding date in Jan 2023. So, if you enjoy this type of content, be sure to follow my Instagram (@mommyexclusive), Pinterest (@mommyexclusive), and subscribe through the about page to be the first to know when I am posting.

See you soon!