Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas engagements, from choosing the ring to throwing an engagement party, and even how to arrange a free photo shoot.
Your Engagement Ring
If he got down on one knee to propose with a ring that you love, that actually fits your ring finger then you are a very lucky girl indeed! If, however, he proposed knowing you would rather choose your own engagement ring then he knows you very well and you’ll have the fun of going ring shopping together!
Throw an Engagement Party
While it’s not for everyone, the engagement party is a wonderful way to tell all your friends and family that you are engaged. And just as when it comes to planning the wedding, you can make it as formal or informal as you like. In many ways a large engagement party is a good practice for your wedding planning as it will involve drawing up a guest list of joint friends and family, sending out invitations, deciding on a suitable venue, and providing catering, a cake and bar. You may also need to send out thank you cards to anyone who brings you gifts.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on an engagement party, as you could either hold it at home or book an upstairs function room at a local pub or hotel, which are often free if you use their bar. If you make it clear on the invitations there is a pay bar, your guests will come prepared, and you could even ask to plug in your iPod to the bar’s sound system and play your own choice of music all night. Decorate the place with some old photos of you and your new fiance and some venue decor, such as bunting or lanterns, order a pre-iced cake from Marks and Spencer’s and decorate it yourself with some pretty cake decorations to make it unique. Lay on a few canopies or party platters from your local supermarket (or M&S again), have some Champagne flutes at the ready and you’ve got yourself an engagement party!
A Festive Photo Shoot
Did you know that many professional wedding photographers offer a complimentary engagement photo shoot if you book them for your wedding? It’s a great opportunity to get some gorgeous lasting images of you and your fiance at the time of your engagement and practice your posing for the big day. I recommend going to see two or three local photographers before you decide to book anyone, to get an idea of their style, see entire albums of the same shoot and to ensure you feel comfortable around them. Ask if their engagement shoot is included in the price of the wedding photography and then book a date and smile!
Congratulations on your Christmas engagement. And don’t worry, Confetti.co.uk is full of advice and inspiration for your wedding planning journey ahead.
