Just Said Yes? 5 Things to Do After Getting Engaged
Photo Courtesy of Fox + Ivory Photography
First of all, congratulations! This is such a joyful season, and it deserves to be celebrated fully before you dive into the planning details. Many couples feel pressure to immediately jump into booking venues and vendors, but taking a thoughtful first step sets you up for a smoother, more enjoyable journey.
Wondering what to do after getting engaged? Here are the five things I recommend doing first after you say “yes.”
1. Celebrate!
Pop the champagne, share the news with your loved ones, and soak up the joy. Whether you announce it on social media, host a small get-together, or keep it intimate with just the two of you, remember: this is your moment.
Tip: Take a photo of just the two of you that feels authentic—something you’ll love looking back on years from now.
2. Enjoy the Engagement Phase
It can be tempting to rush straight into planning, but don’t skip over this milestone. Go on a special date, plan a weekend trip, or simply enjoy the excitement of calling each other “fiancé.” This phase can be short—make it meaningful.
Think of this time as your chance to dream big together before decisions and logistics enter the picture.
3. Decide on a Wedding Timeframe
One of the first practical steps is figuring out whether you envision a shorter engagement or a longer one. Do you see yourselves getting married in the fall, next summer, or a couple of years from now?
You don’t need to lock in a date yet, but choosing a general timeframe (a season or even just a year) will help guide your planning pace and narrow down your options when you begin looking at venues.
4. Start Thinking About Your Guest List
Your guest count is the foundation of your wedding. It impacts your venue, your budget, and the overall vibe of the day. Begin by jotting down who comes to mind—family, close friends, non-negotiables.
From there, think about:
Do you want something intimate and cozy?
Or do you envision a big, celebratory atmosphere with everyone you know?
Having a ballpark number will make the rest of your planning much easier. Want a deeper dive into guest list strategy? I break down why it should be the very first step in wedding planning in this blog post.
5. Talk About a Budget
Money conversations may not feel romantic, but they’re essential. Sit down with your partner for an open, honest conversation about finances. Discuss contributions, priorities, and what feels realistic for you.
A clear budget from the start helps you make confident decisions, avoid stress, and focus on what matters most: creating a celebration that’s unique and meaningful to you.
Final Thoughts
Photo Courtesy of Albany Capture Photography
If you just got engaged, take a breath. Celebrate, dream, and talk about the big picture before diving into details. These five first steps create the foundation for a smooth and joyful planning process.
And remember—you don’t have to do it alone. As a wedding planner, my role is to guide couples through these big decisions with calm, clarity, and creativity so they can fully enjoy both the planning and the wedding day!
💌 Ready for expert guidance? Schedule a consultation or request my Pricing & Experience Guide to see what planning together could look like.
