There’s something about the festive period that seems to get people in love wanting to show their affection. So, if you are one of the lucky ones given a ring for Christmas, then you’ll probably be eager to know what comes next – once you’ve come back down from cloud nine, that is!

1. Make an announcement

While your marriage may still be in its infancy after just twelve months, the first anniversary is arguably the most important! With all those memories from your special day still fresh in your mind, it’s natural to want to express your love with something special.

Paper may not sound very exciting but there are so many ways that you can incorporate paper into a thoughtful present, like a personalised notebook, a special framed print (we offer our couples a print of Parklands for their anniversary, call for option), a fun card game, or a book (The idea behind this tradition is your love being an open book with many blank pages yet to fill). Those wanting to spend a little more could buy a ‘paperclip chain’ bracelet or necklace and those wanting to keep it simple can opt for a card with their own special message inside

One of the first (and possibly most exciting) things to do when you’ve just got engaged is to tell your loved ones. But first, consider giving yourself a day or two to take it in before you go shouting from the rooftops.

Not only is the anticipation of telling your loved ones something to really cherish, but so is the time to reflect on your engagement just the two of you! Maybe you’ll want to share your news with your parents first? A sibling or best friend even? But planning how to “officially” announce your engagement is something you can and should probably take your time with. Will you change your Facebook status, upload a picture of your ring on Instagram or organise a party of sorts for the big reveal?

2. Soak it all up

 

Leather gifts don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, but a flash new handbag or wallet will certainly get you in the good books! More ideas include a leather-bound journal, a leather frame, a leather bracelet, a pair of leather shoes or something to spice up the bedroom…

3. Set a date

 

Now is time to start getting down to the details – when’s the big day??

Most people will spend around a year to eighteen months planning their wedding, but that doesn’t mean to say you can’t get your event organised in just a few weeks if you wish. A lot of brides and grooms are defined by the seasons, for instance, do you want to get married in summer and possibly have your ceremony outside or do you fancy a winter wedding so as to celebrate the time of year when you got engaged?

Dates are also dependant on when venues have availability, so it’s the right time to weigh up what’s ultimately most important to you – the date or the place.

4. Consider a theme

Okay, so there’s no need to worry yourself about the finer details just yet but there’s also no harm in looking at boards on Pinterest to get an idea of colours that you like or themes that you potentially want to recreate.

Having a theme, no matter how simple or elaborate it may be can really help you to move forward with the next stages as it will be the thing that ties everything together.

You might choose dusky pink as your overriding theme, or something more ‘out there’ like a festival-themed wedding.

This is when the fun really starts!

5. Choose your wedding party

Of course, you can’t pick your palettes or props without the help of your wedding party, so now is as good a time as any to pull your besties to one side and have ‘the chat’, if you haven’t already.

One maid of honour, two best men, a whole football team of bridesmaids… there really are no rules when it comes to choosing your wedding party! Just be sure to pick the people in your life you like the most (and who are the hardest grafters – just saying!) as you will be spending lots of time talking to one another for the foreseeable future.

There you have it – you can now celebrate ticking the first five things off your list! Now that you are a fully-fledged fiancé or fiancée, you can begin to look at the nitty-gritty like budget, guest lists, wedding favours and so on, but if there’s one thing to remain focused on throughout this whole process then it’s the reason you are doing all of this – LOVE!

Congratulations, and we wish you all the best in your exciting wedding planning journey.