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Engagement season is in full mode, which means lucky ladies everywhere have a brand-new rock on their finger – and the daunting task of planning a wedding in front of them.
If your man is about to pop the question, congrats! You’re on the verge of a life-changing, whirlwind year. Before you change your relationship status on Facebook and start acting all Bridezilla, here’s what you must do. Find out the first most important 10 items to complete on your to-do list (plus, tips for getting them done!).
Engagement Checklist: 10 Things To Do As Soon As He Gives You A Ring
1. Get A Manicure: Your hand is about to be the subject of a lot of photos and constant attention (“Ooh, let me see that ring!”), so don’t embarrass yourself with some chipped, unpolished hot mess of a hand. Get a mani, professional or at-home, as soon as possible.
2. Insure Your Ring: If your fiance hasn’t done it already, you need to insure your engagement ring immediately. The jeweler where he purchased it should refer you to certified insurers. Don’t forget to ask the jeweler for an appraisal slip which will be used to determine its value.
3. Settle On A Budget: Whoever is bankrolling your wedding — whether it’s you, your fiance, his parents or yours — needs to sit down and have that uber-awkward, but essential conversation about the wedding budget, including a specific number. Keep all family relationships intact by minding this budget down to the last red cent.
4. Pick A Date: You’ll need to know the date – or at the very least the season/month – of your wedding before making many other important decisions (like picking your gown, theme, bridesmaid dresses, etc).
5. Choose A Diet Plan & Start It: If you plan to lose weight for your wedding, the worst thing you can do is wait until the last minute and crash diet (so unhealthy!). If you plan to lose more than 5 lb., you should give yourself 9-12 months to do it.
6. Sign Up For Pinterest: Holy motherload of inspiration — I honestly don’t know what brides did before Pinterest. It is hands-down the most intuitive and vast resource for inspiration; search and save photos of everything from your dream dress to DIY favors, mouth-watering cakes and more.
7. Pick A Location: The location — city and venue — is the most significant decision you’ll make for the wedding, so it’s better to get this discussion started as soon as possible. All parties involved, ie. his family and yours, will have an opinion about where you should be married, so hear all sides, consider the season, theme and budget, and settle on a venue that works best for you and your guests. Here are the 10 things you need to know before picking your wedding venue.
8. Adopt Better Beauty Habits: It’s time to quit smoking, start exercising, following a diligent skincare regime, and jettisoning any other bad beauty habits that will keep you from looking your best on the big day. Here is a list of 10 beauty habits to adopt as soon as you get engaged.
9. Hire A Planner: Girl, I don’t care how Type-A, organized, rockstar you are — you’re going to need a wedding planner. At the very, very least for the day-of, but I highly recommend hiring someone to help you for the long haul. Find out exactly what you can expect from a professional planner before signing that contract!
10. Sign Up For Sale Alerts: The gown will be your major purchase, and in my opinion is worth splurging on, but the accessories are not. Even designers like Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin go on sale, so set sale alerts on Shopstyle by designer name or specific product.
11. Have ‘The Money Talk’ With Your Fiance: Not only will you have to have that uncomfortable conversation about the wedding budget, but you’ll also need to suss out the logistics that come along with merging your bank accounts. “What’s yours is mine!” isn’t as simple as it sounds. 
12. Sign Up For Trunk Show Alerts: Follow your local bridal boutique on Facebook and refer to your regional bridal magazine for a list of designer trunk shows in your area. At these shows, you’ll be able to try on designer gowns — some straight off the runway.
Photos: Shutterstock
