1. START SPREADING THE NEWS

You may want to let people in on your engagement as soon as the ring is slipped on your finger. Or you might want to keep the moment private a bit longer. However you share the information, even if you veer from tradition, you should tell your parents first, then other family and friends. You’ll make phone calls, of course, but you can also send an email or a letter or use social media such as Facebook. You could even throw a party.

2. DISCUSS A DATE

Once the word is out, expect lots of questions, including “When are you getting married?” Reveal a date if you have one, or let curious friends know plans are in the works – as they should be, especially if you want to hold your wedding at a popular time of year. Locations, photographers, caterers, and other professionals book up early, sometimes a year in advance, which means you have to secure a date asap!

3. THINK ABOUT THE BIG PICTURE

Envision the type of wedding you both want – maybe it’s the event of childhood dreams or one that reflects your grown-up tastes. Even if you are set on a formal event in a ballroom, considering other possibilities, such as a seaside ceremony or a Sunday brunch, may change your mind or reinforce your choice. The same holds true for selecting the time of day and mood of the wedding.

4. SET A BUDGET

Prior to making any decisions about the style, location, etc., figure out what you have to spend and whether your families will contribute. Make sure you and your fiancé are in agreement about your priorities before talking to your parents about budget and logistics.

5. REGISTER FOR GIFTS / WISHING WELL

As soon as people find out about your impending nuptials, presents will likely start flowing in. It’s never too early to register, not only to help ensure you get something you like and need, but also to make it easier on friends and family who are pondering what to purchase. Even if you don’t select everything right away, at least go to one store and decide on some things for your list. Try to limit your registry to three places. This way, it’ll be easier to manage. And, in case you don’t get everything you put down, many stores will keep your registry active for as long as a few years. However, if you already have household items, then a Wishing Well may better suit the occasion.

6. WEDDING RINGS

Your wedding ring is something that you’ll want to wear for the rest of your life, so it’s got to be perfect! Whether you want a traditional band or something more unique, choosing the metal for your wedding ring is a good place to start. Wedding rings are designed from different properties and styles that make some more suitable than others. There are numerous metals available:

  • Yellow gold – a good choice for traditional brides and grooms-to-be
  • White gold – perfect compliment to a platinum engagement ring
  • Platinum – tough and stands up well to everyday wear and tear, these wedding rings are becoming increasingly popular with modern couples
  • Titanium – one of the more modern jewellery metals, It’s strikingly different in colour to platinum and palladium, scratch-resistant and feels light on the finger