My best friend just got engaged! What do I do next?
A few weeks ago my bestie got engaged to the best guy ever. Yay!
As someone who has been in my fair share of weddings, I’ve learned that getting engaged can be both super exciting and a bit stressful. Just days after saying yes to the most important question of your life, people already start asking about the wedding date, venue, dress, etc.
To take the stress off the bride-to-be, I have created a list of things you can do to show your bestie how excited you are for her and reassure her that you are there for her throughout the wedding planning process.
Congratulate the couple
If you found out your bestie was engaged via text or a social media post, immediately pick up the phone and facetime her. She is going to want to tell the story of how it happened and of course show off her new ring!
Send a thoughtful gift
There are plenty of opportunities to buy the couple something from their registry so this is your opportunity to get them something much more fun than a blender. Here are a few gift ideas:
Champagne - if the couple is on vacation during the engagement or headed to a celebratory dinner, call the hotel or restaurant and send them a congratulatory bottle of champagne. You can also have something delivered to them by Minibar
Flowers - call a local florist and have flowers delivered to their home. Every time they look at them they will be reminded of your love and support
A wedding book - your bestie is going to need some inspiration and guidance as she and her fiance embark on all things wedding planning. The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day by famous event planner Mindy Weiss is a great place to start
Subscription box - there are a lot of bridal subscription boxes, but my favorite is Tulle La La which is customized for your bestie and equipped with planning essentials and bridal products
Celebrate
Their families will likely throw them an engagement party but that could take months to plan. Get a small group of friends together sooner for celebratory drinks at a local champagne or wine bar to make sure the couple feels loved and supported.
Send recommendations
If you have friends or family members that had an amazing band, gorgeous venue or impeccable flowers, ask them for the details and pass the info along to your bestie. The couple is going to be overwhelmed with all the decisions they need to make and getting recommendations will help them navigate the forever growing list of wedding vendors.
Save your money
Weddings are expensive. If you are in the wedding make sure you start saving up for gifts, outfits and plane tickets - expect an engagement party, bridal shower and bachelorette party in addition to the big day.
Pro tip: use Rent the Runway to rent outfits and accessories. You can wear a designer dress but avoid the hefty retail price tags!
Check in
After the excitement of the engagement wears off, less people will reach out to the couple to check in and help out. Make sure you continuously offer to help - whether it’s adding to an inspiration pinterest board or helping schedule wedding day hair stylists for the bridal party, offering your skills will be appreciated throughout the entire wedding planning process.
Have fun
Weddings can be tough. Maybe you’re going through a breakup or you haven’t found your Mr. Right yet, but don’t let that get in the way of celebrating your bestie. Her wedding day and all the events leading up to it will be an important memory for both of you long after you’ve also found the man of your dreams!