So you just got engaged... congratulations! This is one of the most fun, exciting and loved-up times ever (we're a little jealous!). Lots of people will start giving you advice from the moment you get engaged, some of it really helpful, some of it, not so much. We're here to tell you why you need to stop, do nothing and avoid falling into any wedding planning holes before you've even had time to post a ring selfie on Instagram. We've been there, we've done that and these are the things we wish we knew not to do when you get engaged!

Things Not to do When You Get Engaged

1. Tell Your Instagram Followers Before Your Granny

You'd be surprised how often this happens, but so many couples put their good news up on social media before they've even told their friends and family. And while it's up to you who you tell and how you do it - and you understandably might want to shout it from the rooftops! - you probably don't want your mum to hear you're engaged from the neighbour who saw it on Facebook.

Try your best to hold out and tell as many people in person as you can, although we know how difficult that can be at the moment. Then call any other key friends and family, before you stick it up online.

2. Don't Over-Promise (But Do Set Expectations!)

Don't say yes to anything and everything now, and think you can sort it out later. Your dad wants to invite his golf pals. Your granny thinks you should get married in a church. And your mother-in-law wants to start sewing bunting for a summer wedding in her back garden.

Try not to commit to a single thing in the first few weeks of being engaged. The best piece of advice we have is to have a vague one-liner prepared as soon as you get engaged, so when everyone (inevitably) asks if you've made plans or thought about such and such, you have an answer ready to go. Try this: "We haven't booked anything yet, but we know we want something small and casual". Something like that will be enough to set expectations and give a little info, without making any solid commitments.

3. Don't Take All Advice Offered (But Do Be Polite)

You'll learn pretty quickly that you need to take unsolicited advice and suggestions diplomatically when you get engaged, so it's a good skill to adopt early on. Do listen to what people have to say (there's likely some gems of advice in there!) but don't feel like you need to agree to take it all on. Simply say, "Thanks, I'll definitely keep that in mind", and move on.

4. Don't Choose Your Wedding Party

You might already be 100% on who you want for your bridesmaids or groomsmen, but hold off a little while before you ask them. Depending on the length of your engagement, the kind of wedding you end up having, or how your budget works out, you may need to make changes to the wedding party line up you currently have in mind. It's easier to do that before you've told them, to save any hurt feelings.

You'd be amazed how much a friendship can change over the course of an engagement, too. So many brides and grooms feel a different friend or sibling would have made a more fitting best man or maid of honour by the time the wedding rolls around, so it's wise to proceed with caution.

5. Don't Wear a Ring That Doesn't Fit

So many brides-to-be are so excited to rock their rock that they overlook the fact that it might not fit. But this is definitely one of the top things not to do when you get engaged. If your engagement ring is too big or too small, make sure you get it resized immediately, before you start wearing it. Otherwise, you could end up losing or damaging it, or badly hurting your finger. It only takes a day or two to have a ring resized, and then you'll have it safely back on your hand forever!

6. Don't Book Anything

It's only natural that you'll start looking around at venues and suppliers shortly after you get engaged, it's all part of the fun. But don't make any bookings until you've got a clear picture of what you want for your day. The moment you start locking things in is the moment you need to think about practicalities, and your infinite possibilities start to narrow. Sit with being engaged for a while before you make any decisions. It's pretty great to dream big for a few weeks (or months), so indulge in it.

7. Don't Buy a Dress

Believe it or not we know of brides who bought a wedding dress before they were even engaged! It's so tempting to book a bridal boutique appointment the moment you get engaged and start trying on dresses straight away. But, as with the suppliers, it's important to stop for a moment, think about what you want, and what you can afford, before you fall in love with any gorgeous gowns. Likewise, having a dress too early in your engagement means you might tire of it, or see 10 more gowns you'd have preferred over the course of wedding planning.

8. Don't Start Stressing About Planning

It's easy to get overwhelmed at the prospect of planning a wedding, whether you've been planning it in your head (and on your secret Pinterest board) for years or it's come as a total surprise. Try not to let it stress you out or let worrying about money cause you sleepless nights. It's just a big party after all, you can make it as elaborate, or as simple, as you want to. And if not, you can always elope! We have a whole post here on how to reduce your planning anxiety.

9. Don't Go on a Diet

Getting married does not mean you need to go on a diet. Or get a boob job. Or have your teeth done. Or any other dramatic makeovers you might be considering. Of course, brides and grooms want to look and feel their best on their big day, but that doesn't mean you have to stop eating pasta for 18 months beforehand (the horror!), in order to drop a few dress sizes. You're getting married because your other half loves you just the way you are right now. So don't feel pressure to change, you hear? We've got a great podcast episode on this topic, so be sure you give it a listen!

10. Don't Invite Any Guests

Everyone gets caught up in the excitement of an engagement, and some people might inadvertently invite themselves along to the wedding. Similarly, you might find yourself getting hyped from the well wishes and inviting people along without thinking. As with the bridal party, try to keep things vague, and avoid making any commitments, especially around people like work colleagues, extended family or old school friends who might not make the cut when the time comes to create your guest list.

11. Don't Forget to Say Thank You

Chances are, lots of people will send you cards and presents after you get engaged. How kind people are can be pretty overwhelming. Keep a list of everyone who sends a gift and send them a thank you card or message within about six or eight weeks. Not only is it polite, but it will get you into a good habit for all the lovely gifts likely coming your way around your wedding.

12. Don't Forget to Celebrate

Being engaged is just the best feeling ever! You're in a loved-up bubble with your other half, everyone around you is rooting for you, and it all just feels like a happy, hazy time. So milk it! Have a celebratory get-together, go away for a weekend, open lots of bottles of bubbly. Take a few weeks to just enjoy being engaged before you get knee-deep into all the fun of budget spreadsheets, venue visits, and cake tastings!

Don't Forget to Ask for Help

If you need financial help bringing your dream wedding to life, AIB is always here to help. AIB have personal loans from €1,000 - €30,000; you can apply online and in app. You can use AIB's online loan calculator to see how much you could borrow and even set your own repayment schedule - weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. If you're getting married and need some support, don't hesitate to get in touch with the loans team. For more information, check out AIB online to calculate how much you could borrow.

You can apply for an AIB personal loan today and make your dreams become a reality. Head to the AIB App or check out the online loan calculator on the AIB website for more details.

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland