First things first: Congratulations! You’re officially a fiancé(e)! Whether it happened under the glow of Christmas lights, over a festive dinner, or in your pyjamas surrounded by wrapping paper, you’ve just said “yes” to forever. Now that you’ve celebrated with a glass of bubbly (or two), you might be wondering… now what?!
Don’t worry; The Celebrant in the Room is here to help you navigate the post-proposal whirlwind with a mix of practical advice, cheeky humour, and a dash of common sense. Let’s dive in…
Announce Your Engagement in Style
Once you’ve stopped staring at your shiny new ring, it’s time to spread the news. But before you shout it from the rooftops (or Instagram), pause and think about who needs to hear it first. Your parents? Grandparents? Best friends? Let’s not have Great Aunt Mabel finding out through a Facebook post, shall we?
Fun ways to announce your engagement:
- Private and Personal: Host a small family dinner or send out handwritten notes to your nearest and dearest.
- Social Media Statement: Post a cute picture with a caption like “He/She put a ring on it!” or “I said yes! Finally!” Just make sure you’ve told the important people first.
- The Creative Route: Commission a bespoke illustration of your proposal moment, bake a cake with “We’re engaged!” icing, or (if you’re brave) let your pet wear a sign that says, “My humans are getting married!”
Whatever you choose, make it personal and reflect your style as a couple.
Savour the Moment
The days and weeks after your engagement are special—don’t rush into planning mode straight away. Enjoy this time of being in love, slightly smug, and the centre of attention. (We’re all guilty of flashing the ring at least once for the sheer drama of it!)
Take a moment to sit down together and talk about how you feel. What are you most excited about? Nervous about? Getting married is a journey, so start it on the right foot by enjoying these little moments.
Start Dreaming
Now that you’ve soaked up the excitement, it’s time to get a bit practical. Before you dive into Pinterest boards, here are a few questions to ponder:
When do you want to get married? Are you dreaming of a summer wedding, a cosy winter ceremony, or a specific anniversary date?
What’s your vibe? Big and glamorous? Intimate and quirky?
What’s your budget? The B-word isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. Having a ballpark figure early on can save you heartache later.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers yet. This stage is about dreaming, not committing.
Download the “Now What?!” Document
Here’s where I come in. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the questions and possibilities, my handy “Now What?!” document is exactly what you need.
Packed with:
- A checklist for the first few weeks of engagement
- Fun ideas for celebrating your engagement
- Tips on how to start wedding planning without losing your mind (or your fiancé(e))
- Insider advice from The Celebrant in the Room 😉
To get your hands on it, just slide into my DM’s.
Start Thinking About Your Ceremony
I know what you’re thinking: “Debs, it’s too early to think about the ceremony!” But hear me out. Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. It’s where you’ll declare your love and commitment, share your story, and maybe shed a tear (or ten).
Start chatting about what you’d like. Formal or informal? Traditional or modern? Do you want to include personal vows, cultural traditions, or even your pet as the ring bearer? (Yes, that’s a thing, and yes, it’s adorable.)
Book Key Vendors
Some wedding suppliers—venues, photographers, and yes, celebrants—get booked up faster than Glasto tickets. If you’ve got your heart set on someone, reach out sooner rather than later.
If you’re looking for a celebrant who’ll keep your ceremony personal, meaningful, and full of warmth, you’re already in the right place. The Celebrant in the Room (a.k.a. me) is ready to help make your big day unforgettable.
Celebrate Your Engagement
Before you get too deep into planning, take some time to celebrate this milestone. Whether it’s a formal engagement party, a casual pub night, or a cosy evening at home with takeaway and champagne, mark the moment. You deserve it.
Don’t Stress (Seriously)
Weddings are meant to be joyful, but it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to make everything perfect. Spoiler alert: perfection doesn’t exist, and the best weddings are the ones where the couple is relaxed, happy, and completely themselves.
When things get overwhelming, take a step back. Remember why you’re doing this: you’ve found your person, and you’re celebrating your love. That’s all that really matters.
Enjoy the Ride
Your engagement is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the planning process, laugh at the mishaps, and cherish the excitement of this new chapter. Before you know it, you’ll be walking down the aisle, wondering where the time went.
So, to all the newly engaged couples out there: welcome to the adventure. I’m here for you every step of the way—whether you need advice, a friendly ear, or someone to officiate the most important “I do” of your life.
Now go, enjoy your moment, and don’t forget to grab your “Now What?!” document. Let’s make this journey one to remember.
With love and a wink,
Dx
The Celebrant in the Room