This time of year is a popular time for proposals, and the beginning of the wedding planning process. So in honor of engagement season here are a few tips and resources for the newly engaged!
Is that left hand heavier? First and foremost, try to resist the urge to admire your new bling while driving and focus on keeping your eyes on the road! After you have settled down from the excitement you might be wondering what to do next, and what the etiquette is for this time in your life. You can read our post on announcing your engagement for some of the various ways to spread the news (without shouting from the rooftops.) Did we mention you get an excuse throw an awesome party? While not required, an engagement party is a great way to introduce and start merging your closest friends and family with his. Read here about the Etiquette of Engagement Parties from Martha Stewart Weddings.
Now that you are engaged, you might be inspired to pick up a wedding magazine while checking out in the grocery line or maybe even DVR Say Yes to The Dress or Platinum Weddings on TLC. Take our advice and give yourself time to let it sink in and don't overwhelm yourself with wedding madness. Just enjoy this exciting time and take it step by step while communicating with your fiance about what you both want for the wedding. Here are some of wedding buzzwords that you might not already know:
BM: Best man, or bridesmaid BP: Bridal party DH: Dear husband DOP: Day of Planner DW: Destination wedding, or dear wife E-ring: Engagement ring E-party: Engagement party E-pic/E-Session: Engagement pictures (usually taken outside in a variety of poses, outfits, locations) FFIL: Future father-in-law FG: Flower girl FH: Future husband FI: Fiancee FILs: Father-in-laws FMIL: Future mother-in-law FOB: Father of the bride FOG: Father of the groom FSIL: Future sister-in-law GM: Groomsmen GP: Grandparent HM: Honeymoon JP: Justice of the Peace LTBM: Living together before marriage MIL: Mother-in-law MOB: Mother of the bride MOG: Mother of the groom MOH: Maid of honor OOTG: Out-of-town guests RB: Ring bearer RD: Rehearsal dinner STDs: Save the Dates TY: Thank you For more check out http://www.yourwedding101.com/wedding-basics/wedding-glossary.aspx
No proposal yet? Dropping the hint: If your significant other has expressed their intention of proposing or taking things to the next level but you aren't sure if they know your ring style, you can start by checking out the website of your favorite jeweler. Most large jewelers will have a page or link on their website for "dropping a hint" this can either send an email link with the style number, size etc via email or you may have the option to print it out and leave out in plain sight. If you want it to be a surprise, then give your significant other the confidence to choose out the ring style on their own, by letting them know you will love whatever they pick out. As a fail safe, some jewelers will have the customer pick out the diamond to their specifications and propose with a basic setting until the couple can come in together and select the style. For a helpful glossary on wedding jewelry click here.
Check back for more engagement related posts, and enjoy your holiday season!