You know that limbo phase? The one where you’re 99% sure a proposal is coming but your partner is still playing it cool, and your mom keeps casually dropping hints like, “Oh, wouldn’t it be nice if you had a ring before Thanksgiving dinner?” Meanwhile, your Pinterest wedding board is more developed than your actual relationship, and you’ve already pre-written your Instagram engagement caption (“So I said yes… to my best friend, my rock, my forever”).
Welcome to pre-engagement purgatory, my friend. It’s a weird, exciting, slightly stressful time where you’re dodging family questions like a pro while also sneakily getting that ring finger photo-ready (because let’s be honest, that engagement ring selfie needs to slap).
But instead of just waiting (and subtly side-eyeing your partner every time they reach into their pocket), why not start some sweet traditions that’ll make this time fun, memorable, and totally worth the inevitable “So when’s the wedding?” interrogation? Here are 11 traditions to kick off now, so you have something to focus on besides your future fiancé’s suspiciously long weekend plans.
1. The Pinterest Purge
Girl, you have 47 wedding boards, and half of them contradict each other. Rustic barn wedding or black-tie city soirée? Time to clean it up and get serious. Bonus points if you make it a game, every time you delete an old, irrelevant pin, treat yourself to a cookie. Wedding planning and snacks? A win-win.
2. Pre-Engagement Bucket List
Think of this as your last hurrah before wedding planning takes over your life. Road trip? Dance class? A “let’s do something mildly irresponsible” weekend? This is the time. Soon, you’ll be arguing over floral arrangements and chair covers, live a little while you can.
3. The “Are You Actually Listening?” Challenge
This one’s fun. Casually drop very specific wedding details in conversation and see if your partner remembers. “I was thinking peonies over roses because they symbolize prosperity.” If they later say, “Didn’t you want those prosperity flowers?” they pass. If they say, “Wait, we’re having flowers?”, yikes.
4. Brunch and Bling
Start a monthly tradition where you and your besties go to brunch, sip mimosas, and discuss engagement ring styles as if you’re just casually talking about the weather. It’s called subtle manifestation.
5. Test Drive the Wedding Hashtags
Before you commit to #HappilyEverHenderson, make sure it’s not taken by a couple who had an unfortunate “surprise” wedding drama. Try them out on your Instagram story with zero context and see what vibes right.
6. Create a Secret “Proposal Outfit”
You know it’s coming, so why risk being proposed to in your college sweatshirt with yesterday’s dry shampoo situation? Have a just-in-case outfit ready that says, I totally didn’t expect this but wow, I look amazing.
7. Strategic Manicure Maintenance
The one time you don’t have your nails done is the one time your partner decides to pop the question. Keep those nails looking fresh, but in a low-key way. You’re not desperate, you just “happen” to always have the perfect French tips, okay?
8. Engagement Reaction Training
Practice your genuine surprised face in the mirror. No one wants an engagement video where you look like you just saw a ghost. Also, test your “Oh my gosh, no way!” tone, it needs to be believable but not too Oscar-worthy.
9. The Fake-Out Proposal Bet
Create a betting pool with your friends on false alarms. Will your partner reach into their pocket for gum and give you a heart attack? Will they plan a “special dinner” that turns out to be about their new promotion? Whoever guesses the most fake-outs wins a coffee date (or therapy session).
10. The Future Last Name Trial Run
Write it in cursive, say it out loud, sign it on a pretend Starbucks cup. If it sounds too weird, maybe a hyphenation is in your future. (Or you just keep your last name because hello, feminism.)
11. The Proposal Debrief Pact
Make a deal with your best friend that the second you get engaged, you’ll FaceTime, scream, and break down every single detail before you even text your mom. This is a sacred bond and must not be broken.
Final Thoughts (Before You Check Your Ring Finger Again)
Pre-engagement doesn’t have to be just waiting. Make it fun, make it memorable, and make sure you don’t get caught practicing your “Yes!” face in the mirror.
Now tell me, what pre-engagement traditions have you started? Or, if you’re already engaged, what’s something you wish you had done beforehand? Spill the tea in the comments!