Becoming engaged is a major life event, and one that will make you giddy with happiness. However, you have to be somewhat practical as well. There are some things you will need to ensure you do or have during this exciting time.
Of course, the first thing you will need is a ring. There is no need to spend a fortune on a?diamond engagement ring. You can easily find engagement rings at bargain prices, with varying sizes of diamonds. You should be able to find one that fits within your budget easily. Of course, if the man has 
done his job, he?ll have saved up for the ring well before he decides to pop the question.
The next thing you will need to do is announce your engagement. This can be done in a number of ways, and you can choose more than one method. Most couples do not place announcements in the paper anymore, because so few people read print copies of the paper. However, you could announce your engagement at a dinner or party to which you invite all of your closest friends and family.
Another option is to announce your engagement on Facebook or Twitter. Not only can you post it to your wall for all of your friends to see, but you can also create a page for your engagement that others can share with their friends, spreading the word about your happy news. Once you have set a date for the wedding, you can post that information on the page as well so that everyone who has liked the page stays informed.
During your engagement is also the time to focus on the important things that you will need once you are married. You want to ensure you are in good financial standing. You should begin to have discussions about shared bank accounts, if you have not already. If you are financially solid now, then when you do get married you will not only be able to afford the wedding, but you will also be able to afford to live out on your own in a new home or apartment.
Eventually you will need to set a date for your wedding. However, do not feel rushed to make that decision. Your engagement can last as long as you want to ensure that everything is perfect for your wedding and your marriage. In fact, the longer the engagement the more success you will likely have in the future. Take your time in setting the date, and don?t worry about setting the date in the near future.
On average, it is recommended that you take at least one year to plan a wedding. You may need an additional year to save up for the wedding and the financial obligations you will have once you are married. However, even with quick weddings, there are things to consider to ensure your future is a happy one. Don?t skip too many steps, and be thankful for any support you receive during this time.
