To say that social media has changed the world would be a colossal understatement. It has changed how we connect with one another, how we learn about current events, and even how we celebrate major milestones in our lives. So when the love of your life finally pops the question, it feels only natural to want to head online and spread the word.
However, engagements and weddings are a very special time – for both the couple and their families. Because of this, there are a few guidelines you should follow to make sure your engagement includes everyone and still gets tons of “likes:”
Do:
Take a Moment to Be in the Moment. This is, without question, the most important thing to remember on the day you get engaged. Make sure you take some time to be really present: remember the setting, what you both were wearing, the way he or she popped the question, and how you felt when you said ‘YES’. After all, it is an important day – the day you’ll share with friends, family, and maybe even kids and grand-kids in retellings over the years.
Tell Family and Close Friends First. I know it may seem convenient to post an engagement selfie and let everyone you know find out about it when they check their feeds. But remember what we said earlier? Engagements are about your families, too. Before you make any announcement on social media, make sure that the most important people in your life (family or even close friends) hear it from you.
Post a Pic of You Both (and That Ring)! Once you’ve celebrated with your future spouse, met with or called all the important people in your lives, and had time to soak in all the love and excitement in the air, you’re ready to make your engagement announcement. Share a loving photo of you and your fiance or a gorgeous ring selfie that shows off your new jewelry – and get ready for all the likes!
Don’t:
Make it All About Your Ring. Your engagement ring may be the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen, but that doesn’t mean you need to flaunt it too much. Sharing information like the ring’s carat size or cost can come across as…well, tacky. Also, you may open the doors to comparison from your social media friends, and that can lead to dissatisfaction with your own ring, proposal, and even relationship. Best to steer clear of all that.
Share All The Wedding Planning Details. When you get engaged, it’s natural to let your excitement overflow into productivity. You’re ready for your dream wedding and you want to start planning now! But here’s the reality: the average length of an engagement is 14.5 months, and if you start sharing every detail now, your guests will be burnt out by your special day. Sure, you can share big moments, like the day you pick a date or find your perfect dress, but for the most part keep your plans off the Internet.
Let Social Media Overtake Your Engagement. The 14 months that you spend engaged are a unique time in a person’s life. You spend time planning – for a big party, yes, but also for a lifetime as part of a married couple. It is a special time, filled with love and advice and well-wishes from all kinds of people, both in person and online. It is easy to get swept up in it all, to browse Pinterest and read wedding blogs and thank every cousin that wishes congratulations.
But whatever you do, make sure you take time to unplug and spend a few “IRL” moments just being happy with the love of your life. At the end of your special day, the two of you are what it’s all about.
We met on plenty of fish. fell in love. and now engaged.