We’re engaged!

WeddingWire trend expert, Anne Chertoff, has these tips for anyone who just said “yes”

1 Before you do anything, call your parents and other close loved ones to tell them the news. They shouldn’t find out from someone else that you’re engaged, and that includes getting your relationship status update on Facebook. 2 Call your insurance salesman. Make sure that your engagement ring is insured, either under your homeowner’s policy or buy a separate plan.

3 Enjoy being engaged! As long as you’re not in a rush to get down the aisle, take some time to just enjoy being engaged. Browse the internet for inspiration and set up a Pinterest board to pin all of your favorite ideas.

4 Talk about the budget. Don’t meet with vendors until you have a firm understanding of how much you can afford, and that includes contributions from others, such as parents and grandparents.

5 Think about the type of wedding you want so you can narrow down your search. Do you see yourselves standing on the shore with an intimate group of friends and family? Or do you see hundreds of people in a glamorous ballroom?

6 Pick a few dates to work with. Unless you have your heart set on one specific date, be flexible. Many venues book up months, and in some cases over a year, in advance.

7Your venue should be one of the

first vendors you hire. This will dictate the overall style and look and feel of your wedding. Don’t do anything before this is confirmed, and that includes buying the wedding dress. 8Check the venue rules. Some supply a vendor list that you have to choose from — you don’t want to hire a DJ and then find out he or she can’t work the venue you booked.