Getting Engaged? Here’s how to do it right.
Are you ready to pop the question? Planning your engagement ought to be one of the happiest and most exciting times in your life. With so much at stake, you want to make sure your engagement is both memorable and meaningful. The problem is, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and plan an overly extravagant engagement, which can be both stressful and unnecessarily expensive.
We’ve put together a few tips to help you keep your pocketbook in check and enjoy the moment.
Buy the engagement ring first
Before you do anything, pick and purchase an engagement ring! The last thing you want to do is buy a ring in a hurry or under pressure, which in most cases means you’ll end up spending more than you should on something that might not be exactly what you want. A great place to seek incredible values on certified diamond engagement rings is on a live auction website such as Auction King. Live auctions put you the buyer in control and offer not only the chance to bid on one-of-kind jewelry, but also gives buyers a tremendous opportunity to save money. Plus, it’s a fun and exciting way to buy jewelry.
Engagement parties are meant to be informal get-togethers
Save the fancy dinnerware and tuxedos for the wedding. An engagement party can happen anywhere, and doesn’t need to be over a meal—it can even be days later after you get engaged if that’s easier and helps you save money. Keep things casual, and save the formalities for the big day. It’s also common to get the bride’s parents involved to help offset some of the party costs.
If you’re hiring a photographer or videographer…
Hiring a photographer and/or videographer to capture the moment you get engaged is a popular trend, but it’s easy to go overboard and pay too much. Instead, ask the photographer or videographer for an hourly rate and have them present for the engagement only, not the party afterwards. You’ll save money and trust us, your friends and family will take plenty of pictures.
Be selective on the guest list and keep it small
What could be more personal than an engagement? Stick with your closest friends and family (be sure and invite both sides) for the engagement party and again, save the bigger celebration for the wedding.
Don’t choose your wedding party right away
Even if you already have your groomsmen and bridesmaids in mind, save the selection for later. You have plenty of things that are more important to consider, such as a time and place for the wedding. And they honeymoon, too!
Lastly, savor the moment!
You’re newly engaged! Congratulations! Live in the moment and don’t let anything regarding the follow up party, photos or anything like that get in the way of what should be one of the most memorable (if not the most!) times in your life. This is a monumental point in the lives of a couple—be sure to savor it!
Do you have tips for getting engaged?
Leave your ideas, lessons learned, or plans in the comments below!
