Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Planning & Advice
  4. Wedding Checklists & Timeline
  5. The First 10 Things You Need to Do Right After You Get Engaged
Martha Stewart Weddings

The First 10 Things You Need to Do Right After You Get Engaged

Skip gallery slides
Pin
proposals-almost-gone-wrong-katie-john-ring-0815.jpg

You're engaged! Here's what to do first.

Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
proposals-almost-gone-wrong-katie-john-ring-0815.jpg
Enter to Win Our Dream Wedding $25,000 Sweepstakes!

You said "yes!"—and now it's time to Instagram a ring selfie to let all of your friends (er, followers) know you're officially engaged, right? Not so fast! Before you start spreading the news over social media or freaking out over wedding-planning checklists, here's what you need to do first.

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Celebrate!

proposals-almost-gone-wrong-cristina-jason-new-ring-closeup-0825.jpg
Credit: Fiona Conrad

Before you tell your family and friends, take a moment with your newly minted fiancé! Head to your favorite bar for a glass of Champagne, or if your partner thought ahead, pop that bottle of bubbly he brought along in anticipation of a "yes!" You'll get caught up in wedding planning soon, so savor this time before you let everyone else in on your good news.

2 of 11

3 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Share the News

lea-joseph-proposal-phone-1067-s112360-0915.jpg
Credit: Lauren Koplowitz
How to Announce Your Engagement

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 (preferably in person, if not a phone call works—but no text messages!) then other family and friends. If you're overseas on vacation when you get engaged and want to share the news before you get home, try to find Wi-Fi so you can Facetime to share the news. Only after you've told everyone closest to you is it okay to post that ring selfie on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and every other social media platform that may exist. #ISaidYes

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Throw a Party

alison-markus-real-wedding-elizabeth-messina-040-ds111251.jpg
Credit: Elizabeth Messina Photography
Get Engagement Party Etiquette Tips

Before you jump into wedding planning, throw  a surprise engagement party if you prefer to announce your news to friends and family all at once. Or, if the news has already been announced, many times a couple's parents or close friends will host the event. If throwing an engagement party in disguise, think of a convincing cover-up, such as a Christmas or Super Bowl gathering, or a casual dinner party. And keep in mind: Everyone who is invited to your engagement party should also be invited to the wedding, so plan this first guest list wisely.

4 of 11

5 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Insure Your Ring

brittany-andrew-wedding-rings-088-s112067-0715.jpg
Credit: Katie Stoops Photography

Make sure you talk to an insurance agent about coverage in case your ring or its stones ever need to be repaired or replaced. First, get an appraisal by a certified independent gemologist; most jewelers will provide this service upon purchase and make sure you understand all the terms of the policy. Find out whether you are covered if the ring is lost, stolen, or damaged, what stipulations there are, if any, and how long the claims process takes. You might be able to add a jewelry rider to your existing homeowner's or renter's policy; if not, set up a separate policy.

5 of 11

6 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Set a Budget

receipts-master-039-d111798.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
More on Wedding Budgets

Prior to making any wedding decisions, you need to 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.

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Draft the Guest List

jessica-graham-wedding-guests-0094-s112171-0915.jpg
Credit: Austin Gros
Wedding Guest List Tips

Once the budget is set, figure out who you're going to invite to your wedding. If deciding who's coming (and who isn't) threatens to either bankrupt you or start a war with your families, scale back. If you're on the fence about someone, consider whether or not you'd invite him or her over to your house for dinner. If you wouldn't, don't invite him or her.

7 of 11

8 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Think About the Big Picture

edyta-jared-wedding-599-d110939.jpg
Credit: Belathée Photography

Envision the type of wedding you both want—maybe it's the event of your childhood dreams or one that reflects your current 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. Don't know where to start? Sit down with your fiancé and ask each other these 20 questions to get inspired.

8 of 11

9 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pick Your Venue

front-of-house-1-mwd110629.jpg
Credit: Abby Jiu Photography
Tips for Finding Your Venue

Now that you have your budget and guest list settled, it's time to pick your wedding venue. Where you wed can dictate a lot about the wedding—from the date to the dress code. The key is to look far and wide, and to follow the advice that's typically given for the wedding-dress hunt: "Try on" different options, not only the one you think you want. You never know what you'll end up liking the most.

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Discuss a Date

classic-save-the-date-10.jpg
Credit: Courtesy of Delphine Press
Get Our Wedding Planning Timeline

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, such as June or over a holiday. Locations, photographers, caterers, and other professionals book up early, sometimes a year in advance.

10 of 11

11 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Register for Gifts

prep-supplies-120-exp2-d111983-comp.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
The Best Places to Register

As soon as people find out about your big day, 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 trying to figure out what to buy you. Even if you don't register for everything right away, at least go to one store and decide on a few things for your list. Try to limit your registry to three places (ideally, at two national stores and one local). 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.

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 11
    2 of 11 Celebrate!
    3 of 11 Share the News
    4 of 11 Throw a Party
    5 of 11 Insure Your Ring
    6 of 11 Set a Budget
    7 of 11 Draft the Guest List
    8 of 11 Think About the Big Picture
    9 of 11 Pick Your Venue
    10 of 11 Discuss a Date
    11 of 11 Register for Gifts

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The First 10 Things You Need to Do Right After You Get Engaged
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.