A Post-Proposal Checklist

Did you know that December is the most popular month for engagements? That’s right – it even beats out February, the month of Valentine’s Day! In fact, a full 19% of engaged couples get engaged during December. The most popular date? You guessed it – December 25^th.

Those couples planning an engagement for this month might be wondering what to do once the ring is actually on and the big “yes” has officially been said.  With that in mind, we’ve created the handy checklist below to help you and your betrothed get all of the essentials done during this very exciting and romantic time.

1. Get Your Ring Insured

We know, we know – this isn’t very romantic, but it IS important. Since your engagement ring is new, you may not be used to it yet. During this time, it’s easier for your ring to get lost or misplaced. Plus, your engagement ring is precious, both financially and emotionally. You simply don’t want to take the risk of leaving it unprotected. Check out TheKnot.com’s Engagement Ring Insurance 101 list for tips on insuring your ring.

2. Share the News!

Let your VIPS, like both of your parents and siblings, know first. Do this BEFORE posting it to social media – your mom wouldn’t want to find out you’re engaged from your newsfeed! One benefit of getting engaged during the holiday season is that you can let family members know in person at get-togethers and parties. Once everyone who needs to be told in person or via phone has gotten the news, feel free to share your engagement online.

3. Set a (Tentative) Date

Seriously, everyone will ask you when you’re getting married, even from the moment you get engaged. It’s best to come up with an answer, although it may not end up being “the” date. You can even keep things vague, and respond with an answer like “next June” or even “next summer.”

4. Get a Manicure

EVERYONE is going to want to see that sparkler on your finger! Why not give your ring a bit of an extra pop with a flattering manicure? Choose colors that will compliment both your skin tone and the colors in your ring, such as gold or silver. A mani will also make your hand look great in photos. Speaking of which, you’ll need to…

5. Take the Perfect Ring Selfie

This will be the pic you share on social media and via text with out-of-town friends or relatives, so you want it to be amazing. You can find tons of tips on taking a great ring selfie online, but some of our favorites are: use natural lighting, select a visually interesting background, don’t use zoom, and clean your ring beforehand.

A lovely ring selfie shared with us by Tasha in Ruston, Louisiana

6. Get Your Ring Sized (If Need Be)

If your ring is too small, it may cut into your finger which can make your ring uncomfortable to wear. If it’s too large, it can come off without your knowing and be lost forever. It can also get caught on clothing or other objects, which can be annoying or even cause irreparable damage. If your ring doesn’t fit correctly, have a jeweler re-size it as soon as possible.

7. Invest in a Ring Holder

Even though engagement rings are designed for daily wear, there are still some times when you should take them off, such as when doing heavy manual labor or going swimming. You also might want to take your ring off when performing everyday tasks such as doing the dishes, showering, or cooking to keep it from getting dirty. By placing your ring in a ring holder every time you remove it, you’ll be much less likely to forget where you put it!

8. Enjoy the Moment!

Now that you’re engaged, you’ll have a lot to do in the coming months, from finding a venue to hiring a caterer to picking the perfect dress. For now, enjoy the feeling of being engaged. This is a special event in your life, and we vote for taking a moment to savor it!

Love is in the air! A beautiful engagement photo shared with us by Shannon in North Carolina

What did you do right after getting engaged? Let us know in the comments section.