Back in the day, newly-engaged couples let everyone know their big news with an engagement announcement in the paper. Nowadays, like it or loathe it, it's all about shouting it from the rooftops on social media. And while, for some, a relationship status change or one liner on WhatsApp will suffice, many excited brides-to-be will want to share an engagement ring selfie - and we bet all your adoring pals on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok will be eager to see your sparkler too!
Now if you've ever tried to take a picture of your left hand (like when you get a manicure!) you'll know that it's not the most photogenic body part, it has a habit of looking awkward, stumpy, spindly, and often in winter, dry and blotchy. So if you're newly engaged - congratulations by the way! - we've put together a few tips and ideas for nailing (pun totally intended) your all-important engagement ring selfie!
9 Tips for Taking a Good Engagement Ring Selfie
1. Treat Yourself to a Manicure
First up, every newly-engaged lady should treat herself to a mani. Not because your hand needs to look perfect, but because pampering yourself is fun - and you're a bride-to-be after all! Whether you go for classic red polish, a nude hue, or add a little sparkle to your ring finger, a fresh mani will add instant style and polish to your engagement ring selfie.
2. Grab a Prop
If you don't like the look of your hand in the pictures, why not pick up a prop so it looks more natural? Coffee cups, mugs of tea, a bunch of flowers, or glasses of bubbly all make handy things to hold in a picture.
3. Accessorise Your Hand
If you normally wear lots of rings or bracelets, you don't need to suddenly get precious about your left hand now that you're engaged. Add some stacking rings or bring in some bangles so your hand reflects your own signature style. A long sleeve pulled over your hand can also make it look a little more photogenic (especially for a cosy winter pic!)
4. Relax Your Hand
A stiff hand will look weird and unflattering in pictures. Hand models know just how to keep their hand loose in pictures, so if you can, try to relax your hand so your shot looks a little more natural.
5. Get Some Help
So we know we're talking selfies, but if you're having a really hard time (or feeling silly!) about taking your own picture, why not rope in your other half to help - it might end up as an even sweeter shot.
6. Catch the Sparkle
If you've bagged yourself a sparkly engagement ring, you'll probably want to show it off. Catch the sparkle in your diamond by standing close to the window and let natural light work its magic.
7. Find a Pretty Background
Whether it's an epic sunset, a pretty flower bed, or some luxe floor tiles, pose your hand against a nice backdrop - especially if you say 'yes' somewhere unique or exotic - it will add a little more colour and context to your photo.
8. Keep it Candid
It might look cool, but friends will spot a super-posey or gimmicky 'stolen from Pinterest' pic a mile off. So rather than copying something you've seen online, stay in the moment, and grab a photo of you, your other half, and your brand new ring. Everyone's going to be so excited for you, and an impromptu snap will be a lot more authentic than taking 100 pictures of your hand to get just the right shot.
9. Keep Them Guessing
Want to announce your news with a picture but don't feel comfortable about rocking your rock online? Why not keep them guessing with an alternative shot instead. It could be a giddy shot of you and your other half right after the proposal, a chic engagement shoot image (these are really popular in the US, and getting a bit more common in Ireland and the UK), or maybe just a snap of your ring box instead. Whatever you do, keep it fun and don't feel pressured to post your ring if you don't want to.
Still looking for the perfect engagement ring? Check out our guides to all things proposals and check out Ireland's Best Jewellers.
