As you approach this face-to-face update, Cooper Hakim suggests keeping it brief, clear, and direct, along the lines of, “Guess what? I’m engaged!” This tactic appeals to the human side of your boss, who may or may not outwardly express their congratulations with genuine elation. After a slight lean into your personal life, Hakim says to turn the conversation back to work, as a way to reassure him or her of your continued dedication to your role. “An employer might worry about your level of concentration and focus while at work, especially if you have a number of items on your wedding planning to-do list. That is why a frank discussion is so important here,” Hakim explains.
Here is where you can express how much you treasure and value your job, and that you plan to stay as focused as you were before you became engaged. One example might be, “I want you to know that while I do have a lot of preparations to complete before my big day, when I am at work, my focus will be on my daily work tasks and deliverables,” Hakim says.
Also, if you have any information about the wedding date or your honeymoon plans, let him or her in on your bookings in real-time—and in writing. This will reiterate your commitment, while also giving you a paper trail if you ever need it.
Figure Out an Agreeable Wedding Date
Whether you’re planning a romantic elopement or an extravagant destination wedding, several factors go into deciding the date for your special day. That doesn’t mean you should revolve your arrangements around your and your partner’s work life, but it does play a role in figuring out the best time of year for your wedding ceremony. Perhaps you have a very important conference you bought passes for months prior, or maybe your partner has a particularly busy time of year in their field of work. Either way, it’s best to keep these details in mind while booking a wedding venue.
Before sending out those ‘save the dates,’ sit with your boss and discuss the approximate time of year you’re looking to get married. This will offer a chance for you to inquire about any essential future commitments, like a project or collaboration, you may not be aware of. Get a broad scope of what to expect in your work calendar for the following months so it doesn’t interfere with the chaos of your planning.
Be Upfront About the Flexibility You Might Need
If your company and your industry allow it, ask for a bit of leeway during wedding planning from the beginning. Hakim notes there are plenty of ways to phrase this approach without sounding like you’re taking a breather from your responsibilities. This might range from asking to sneak out a bit early to scheduling full days off when your meetings and deadlines are slower, allowing you to focus a full eight hours on wedding planning. Not only do these tactics help you effectively prioritize your obligations at work, but they’ll prevent you from being distracted throughout the day.