Getting engaged around Christmas: here’s what you should both do next

Whether you’re newly engaged, about to pop the question, or think your other half might; here’s how to feel more protected and informed when planning your big day.

It’s already the last month of the year — and you could be finding yourself a very special Christmas present under the tree: an engagement ring! With a Global Wedding Report revealing that December is the most popular month for couples around the world to get engaged, wedding experts at Wedissimo — a platform that helps one in every 200 couples getting married in the UK — have shared the essential steps to protect your finances and plan ahead after getting engaged.

Insure the ring

Your engagement ring should be insured as soon as it’s purchased because it’s valuable, sentimental, and worth protecting. Check if it’s covered under your home contents policy or opt for standalone jewellery insurance. It’s also important to understand exactly what’s covered, from loss and theft to accidental damage or loose stones, so you are prepared for any scenario.

Research the wedding market

Begin researching the wedding industry to understand typical costs because knowing average prices, even geographically, such as per-guest catering, floral arrangements or hiring a DJ, helps you and your partner make informed choices before allocating your money, instead of blowing the budget on a single supplier.

Establish a realistic budget

The thrill of getting engaged can sometimes lead you to overspend. Establishing a sensible budget from the start helps guide every decision, from choosing a venue to hiring suppliers, which reduces the risk of financial stress later. Consider budgeting in at least 10 to 15% extra to cover unforeseen costs like service charges, too.

Have a serious conversation about finances

Before making major decisions, have an open discussion about income, savings, debts, and assets to ensure you’re on the same page. These conversations not only prevent misunderstandings but also make it easier to set a realistic timeline for bookings and payments.

Create a blueprint before booking

Once the budget and financial discussions are clear, have a wedding blueprint session to prioritise what matters most before booking anything. With so many decisions, from rings and venues to catering, décor, and entertainment, planning helps identify where to invest, where to save, and what to exclude.

Use credit cards and get wedding insurance

Paying deposits with a credit card offers extra protection, as Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may cover the full amount if a supplier fails. However, this doesn’t always cover everything, which is where insurance comes in, from supplier failure, venue problems, illness, accidents, and other disruptions. Just remember to always read the terms carefully before booking.

Ask suppliers what isn’t included

In the excitement of booking suppliers, you may often assume the price covers everything, but that’s rarely the case. Hidden extras, such as delivery fees, overtime, setup costs, photographer travel or accommodation, venue charges like corkage, and items like glassware or furniture hire, can quickly push your budget far beyond what you expected — so do your research.

Consider booking through a supplier platform

It’s also worth discussing the benefits of using trusted wedding platforms when making bookings, which offer extra protection if a supplier cancels, stepping in to find a replacement or refund the money. They also keep all bookings, contracts and payments in one place, making it far easier to sort if anything goes wrong.