Young & newly engaged!

krstacrey

Hi everyone! Just got engaged yesterday (Cinco de Mayo!) and couldn't be any happier! I am very excited/nervous about everything related to weddings from planning to budgeting, and beyond.

I do ask for some tips from some veterans of TheKnot.com but here's a little info:

I'm 20 years old (21 in November, yay!) and my Fiance is 23. We want to get married after I'm done with my undergrad, roughly in 2014, and have a longer engagement. However, my parents got married young (Mom - 21, Dad - 25) and so what if we wanted to get married sooner? And possibly have a smaller, non-traditional wedding since we are still young?

Also, when we start registering, should we register for things we will need when we eventually get our own, semi-permanent place?

Ah! So many questions! But help is greatly appreciated!

PS - attached is a collage of my ring!

krstacrey

Thank you! And yes, it is both yellow and white!

Annas2013

Congratulations!  I'm a young bride too, (I'll be 21 when I get married).  Whether or not you get married sooner is up to you, although I, and most people, would recommend waiting until you finish undergrad.  I'm getting married two weeks after I graduate.  The fact that you want to wait shows maturity by the way.  If you choose to get married younger and your families are supportive, then go for it.  Only you two can make the decision as to whether or not it's right for you.  My FI's parents got married young, and his cousin just got married (he was 23, she was 19).  The wedding you decide to have is up to you, whether you want a traditional one or not.

JaniV123

congrats on your engagement and your ring is gorgeous!!

we are getting married in 2015 a year after I graduate from undergrad. 

so it is totally fine to wait. do not feel pressured just because your family got married young, do what is right for both of you. 

as for the registry it depends. my cousin just got married and since they will be moving soon they asked set up a starlight registry for money donations for various things. so figure out if you will be wanting deocrations, supplies, kitchen stuff, etc. you can also set up various registries with different kinds of things. 

hope this helps

snuff9861

Congratulations! Your ring is beautiful.

You can get married younger, the decision is ultimately yours and your FI's. If your families are supportive and you can financially take on the responsibility of an adult life (rent, groceries, bills etc) and plan a wedding then go for it. However, waiting is also a good idea. People change a lot in college and sometimes their SO does not change with them. Do what is right for you and your FI, and only the two of you can make that decision.

talisatims

I got engaged yesterday too! I'm also young (22) and I'm starting grad school this September, so I have a whole host of other complications in timing the wedding. We aren't sure whether we want to do it in late 2013 or in 2014... Congrats though!

Zimsgirl

Congrats! I'm getting married at 19 (next month!) and it is completely up to you when you want to get married. I would take into consideration budget mainly. We live in an apartment and registered for some items we'll use more in a house. We registered for china even though we won't use it right away. Again, I think either way you'll be fine

Britt1893

I'll be 19 in June and we will be married when I finish my undergrad as well. I'll be 22/23 when we get married. I am so excited!

peachykeen26

Beautiful and congrats. I am 20, got engaged at 19. He is 21. We are getting married in June.
It's hard especially financially. But, totally do-able.
I highly suggest doing pre-marital counseling. It was such a help to us. Because, you may think you know your FI, but there is a lot that you don't. And you want everything laid out in the open. You know?

If we were both in school and not working full time, I would say wait until you are done. It's already stressful enough.
There shouldn't be any rush if you are sure. Just enjoy your engagement..

I know that my post sounds like I have cold feet. Totally don't. Ready to be married and move on with life with my husband.
You have to do what is best for you.

runpipparun

Make sure that you can talk to you fiance about when YOU want to get married. If he wants to wait, and you want to get married sooner, that will obviously cause friction and is something you will have to work out. The type of ceremony should be up to the both of you. If you two agree that you want to have a non-traditional ceremony, you should bring that up to both sets of your parents. If they want a traditional ceremony, that will cause friction between you guys and your folks, and you will have to deal with that, as well. (I am going through this now, as I've told my mom and dad that my fiance and I will walk down the aisle together. We're entering the church freely as partners. I'm not a piece of property being handed off to him. I'm 29, and I don't still belong to my dad, yo.)

With regards to registering, that is the point, traditionally. It's for young couples to get things they need for a new place. For couples who already have been living together and have stuff, it's become a chance to upgrade, or something.

nkelliher

congrats!! i'm young as well, 21, and just got engaged on april 14th. we're about to make a big move from DC to south florida in a few months so we plan to have a pretty long engagement because we're anticipating a little stress with the move. there's nothing wrong with a veeeryy long or super short engagement as long as YOU'RE happy. best of luck to you, and the ring is gorgeous!!

spiment

Wow! Tha'ts such a unique ring! Congrats!!!

[Deleted User]

first of all, congratulations! i too am a young bride to be. in about a month i will be tuening 22 and my FI will be turning 23. i just graduated with my BSN but FI is behind in school so we are waiting until 2014 to get married.  i'm perfectly fine with it because i know the kind of wedding i want and how much it will cost so i'd rather wait then not have all the details i want.

whatever you and FI decide is your choice as long as you're happy

CowgirlUp515

Congrats on your engagement!
Im also young and a student, but Im getting married sooner rather than later!
Im 21 and my FI is 30. We are planning to get married this October. We are also trying to get pregnant so I will be a very busy new wife, step-mom, and mommy while still in school. I know I can do it and I will love every minute of it!
So it is possible for you to get married young and in school if thats what you want to do. But there isnt anything wrong with waiting either! Its all up to you and your FI!
And you can register for things you will use in your house when ya'll get a (semi)permanent place, but if you do decide to get married sooner you will have to have a place to store your gifts until you are ready to use them!

JessicaPop

I'm 20 my fiance is 30 and we're getting married in August! Do what you want and what feels right to you. If you want to get married young before graduating then do it, as long as you can afford it. I have 2 years left of school and I really couldn't imagine waiting until I graduate to get married. As for registering, yes, you can register for what you will need for your future home.