If you’re on this website, you might be nearing a time when you will be getting engaged and chances are you have probably heard advice from friends and family members about how to go about it. Our advice is (and always will be): do what makes sense for you and your partner and no one else. That being said, we think our clients are pretty smart too, so we’re sharing some of their top tips for those entering the haze of wedding planning. Take notes as you see fit:
Sarah & Aaron (married 2010) :
Getting engaged and planning a wedding is so much fun, and I enjoyed that phase of our relationship. I would advise those thinking of getting engaged today to be intentional and thoughtful about the process, whether that's designing rings or planning the reception, budgeting, etc., and to meet the chaos with a little levity.
Lucy & Andrew (engaged 2023, wedding date 2024):
Though Lucy and I love making big plans, that isn't for everyone! Do what feels right in planning your engagement and make sure it centers around what is important to you. It doesn't have to be a grand or public gesture, and you don't have to make a big deal out of it either. It's just another exciting step in a journey, albeit a big one!
I will say that, for us, having a photographer to document the day was very meaningful (and saves the trouble of planning an engagement shoot later, if that's something you'll want to do). Though hiring a photographer isn't for everyone, I'd consider it.
Kara & Jim (married 1993):
Do what feels right for you. That alone will make it special. Jim didn’t get down on one knee and honestly, I love that. The balloons were special and fun and funny and perfect. There are so many ways to make the engagement special but the most special moments are those where you both get to be yourselves. Also, I love that my ring has evolved over time. The ring is a symbol of your love and our love has evolved too. We started a family, we moved houses, and we weathered illnesses and tough times and good times. Like the ring, we added stones, and the setting changed. But, the original stone is still in there.
Just the experience of re-designing mine felt personal and special. Going to Alexandria & Co. is a special experience and so much more personal than standing at a counter in a jewelry store. And my ring is unique and made just for me.
Alexandra & Cory (engaged 2022, wedding date 2024):
Do things your own way and communicate with each other about everything throughout the process.
Amanda & Ian (married 2022):
In terms of the ring, don't try to get something that you "think" will impress others. My engagement ring is moissanite, which was much more cost-effective for us, and I gave up nothing in terms of look or size, AND we were able to buy two cars and a house the same year without having to eat Ramen. My other tip was hard to learn... don't put your wedding date on ALL OF YOUR WEDDING DAY DECOR AND STATIONERY! Or be prepared to travel "back in time" to make it all make sense.
Donovan & Eric (married 2022):
Get engaged. Do it. It’s wonderful.
Jordan & Edmund (engaged 2022, wedding date 2024):
I initially had an elaborate plan involving all our friends and family. It was my brother who told me that was a horrible idea, and he was right. I went with a much more sentimental, personal proposal that was for us and meant more to her than any absurd idea that I had come up with.
