Getting engaged is awesome. And not just because you get to plan a wedding.
Claire here – hello! – and I love nothing more than advocating to anyone who'll listen, the wonderfu experience that is, getting engaged.
I got engaged over a year ago, and while we're now in the throws of planning, those early months of our engagement were some of the most lovely in our lives.
Photo by Olive Photography via Bridal Musings
It's not just about being extra loved-up with your other half, (though that's rather nice!) it's about being a little bit loved-up with your life, and all the people in it, too.
So whether you got engaged over the holidays (congratulations!), are planning to pop the question on Valentine's Day (check out our ultimate guide to proposing), or perhaps thinking about bucking tradition with a role reversal leap year proposal, read on to see why we're big champions of not just getting engaged, but of making the very most of it too.
Our guide to ten reasons why being newly engaged rocks!
1. Saying Yes!
Photo by Anna Grace Photography via Bridal Musings
As much as you've talked about it, thought about it, and seen it in the movies, nothing quite prepares you for the feeling of either asking someone to marry you, or being on the side to say, ‘Yes!'.
There's no adrenaline rush quite like it.
Whether it's a surprise proposal, or something that's been a long time coming, it's nerve-wracking, it's exciting, and it's entirely thrilling. We'd highly recommend it!
2. The Ring (Obviously!)
Photo by Jose Villa Photography for The Mrs Box via Bridal Musings
Okay, okay, so getting engaged is about so much more than jewellery. It's about love, commitment, sharing, family and so much more. But let's face it, it's also about the ring!
Whether it's small and dainty, big and sparkling or something in between, there's just something so special about having a new rock on your (or your partner's) hand, that makes you smile every time you see it.
Plus, having the ability to make your friends squeal at the mere sight of your hand, is pretty freakin' cool.
3. The First Phonecalls
Photo by The Melideos via Ruffled
Different couples will have a different ways of telling their friends and family they're engaged. Some will do phonecalls, others will do it in person, and for some couples, all their friends and family are waiting in the wings to celebrate as soon as there's a ‘Yes'.
Whatever way you do it, telling the first few, most important people, is perhaps the best part of getting engaged. Doing it in person is amazing if you can, though of course, if you're on holiday, or live far away from your family, that's not always possible (do try to Skype or Facetime though!).
4. Everyone Being Happy for You
Photo by NavyBlur
When my fiance and I got engaged, nothing quite prepared us for the onslaught of loveliness! And it wasn't necessarily from the people you'd expect.
Of course our families and close friends were excited for us (that's their job!), but even people we didn't know that well were going out of their way to congratulate us too. Even friends who had seemed indifferent about marriage were genuinely chuffed for us.
If you ever want to feel a whole lot of love, all you've got to do is get engaged. Simple!
5. Endless Bubbly
Photo by Francesco De Tito via Bridal Musings
Anyone feel like Champagne, Prosecco and Cava are suddenly EVERYWHERE when you get engaged? Everyone loves an excuse to celebrate, and when you're newly engaged, you're it!
From drinks with your friends, dinner with your parents, and engagement gifts from your work colleagues, you'll be up to your elbows in sparkling wine.
It doesn't last forever though, so be sure to drink it up!
6. Feeling Legit
Photo by Kasia Bacq Photography via Bridal Musings
It seems a bit silly, but there's something about getting engaged that makes your relationship feel so much more legitimate. People start to take you more seriously.
When you've been with someone for a few years, saying ‘boyfriend' or ‘girlfriend' can sound so trivial, but when you can say you're getting married, everyone knows you're in it for the long haul.
You and your partner might have always known you were going to be together forever, but there's something really wonderful about the whole world knowing it too.
7. Proposing to your Bridal Party
Photo by Jack & Hannah Film & Photography via Bridal Musings
While we don't advise you pick your entire bridal party as soon as you get engaged (click here to read why!), chances are if you are having a best man/woman, or maid of honour, it's a no-brainer who it will be.
Make the most of it and think up a creative way to ask them, or even just take them out for lunch and make a day of it.
Your bestie/brother/sister will be so honoured, elated, and excited that you've asked them, and that's another big perk of being a newly engaged bride or groom.
8. Knowing Anything is Possible
Photo by CJ Williams Photography via Bridal Musings
Being newly engaged, before you start planning your wedding, is a pretty great bubble to be in – so don't pop it too fast!
The minute you start working out budgets, choosing dates, and viewing venues, you'll realise you probably can't have it all. You'll still have your best day ever, but chances are, you'll make a few compromises along the way.
Before you get into the nitty gritty and the practicalities, just enjoy conjuring up visions of your warm NYC day in December, wearing Louboutins on a working farm, or marrying your one and only under the stars on the beach (without having to think about the tides!).
9. Pinning Wedding Things (And Not Having To Keep it Secret!)
Photo by Cat Mayer Studio via Bridal Musings
Hands up who started pinning wedding stuff loooooong before that got engaged? Yep, we're all pretty guilty of it, and really there's no shame in being prepared!
One very nice thing about getting engaged means that you can follow wedding blogs on Instagram, like bridal salons on Facebook, and pin wedding pictures to your hearts content, without looking over your shoulder, or feeling silly!
10. Planning an Epic Engagement Party
Photo by Claire Eliza Photography via Bridal Musings
The very best thing about getting engaged is getting to celebrate it. Don't even think about planning your wedding until you've absolutely milked being engaged first!
Whether it's a low key gathering with family or a big bash with all your friends, getting engaged is a huge deal, so make sure you mark it with an engagement party. (See point 5, if you're not sure what to order at the bar!)
Photo by CJ Williams Photography via Bridal Musings
So many great things about being newly engaged! It kind of makes me miss that time now, but I'm guessing the last few months before our wedding will be pretty fun too!
The most important thing to remember though is, whatever stage you're at, don't rush it, just soak it all up, and enjoy!
