Congrats on your engagement! We are absolutely thrilled for you! There are so many exciting steps to take after you pop the question (or say yes!). Here’s a list of 10 things to do after you get engaged:

1. Celebrate Together

After you get engaged, it's SO important to take a step back and simply enjoy the moment. You've most likely been waiting for this for quite some time, so you should embrace the beauty of this new journey! Whether it's an intimate celebration for just the two of you or a small gathering with friends and family, this is the time to reflect on your relationship and celebrate the commitment you've made. Here are some ideas:

• Engagement party: If you're into socializing, you could throw an engagement party. Some people opt for a casual BBQ or dinner, while others might want a more formal event with all the bells and whistles.

• Special dinner: Consider having a fancy dinner at a restaurant you both love or a new place you've been wanting to try. Use it as a time to reflect on how far you’ve come and where you want to go.
  

2. Announce the News

Once the initial excitement settles, it’s time to share the news! This is a personal choice—some people enjoy making a big social media announcement, while others might want to keep things private for a while.

• Personal calls: Start by sharing the news with immediate family and close friends. Give them a personal call, FaceTime, or even a handwritten note. It's a nice touch to show them how much you value their relationship.

• Social media announcement: If you plan to post on social media, think about how you want to share the story. You can share a cute picture with a caption or maybe even a little video announcing the big news. Remember to respect the preferences of close family members who may not want to be tagged or publicly announced yet.
  

3. Set a Date

The wedding date is one of the first major decisions you'll make, and it’ll influence nearly every other decision.

• Consider the season: Do you want a summer wedding with a beautiful outdoor backdrop? Or do you lean toward a winter wonderland wedding? Seasonal weather and availability will affect the cost, too.

• Availability of important guests: Think about any holidays or special dates that may work best for family and friends. For example, certain people might have vacations planned, so try to avoid those times.

• Timeline for planning: Some couples want a quick engagement, while others take their time. It can help to plan out how long you'd like the engagement period to last so you can pace the planning accordingly.
  

4. Create a Wedding Budget

Setting a realistic budget is critical to your wedding planning process. It can help prevent you from overspending and allow you to prioritize what's most important to you.

• Discuss priorities: Talk with your partner about what matters most to you for the big day. Is it a grand venue, the food, or the photography? Once you know your priorities, you can allocate funds accordingly.

• Account for all expenses: Don’t just think about the obvious things like venue and food. Also consider smaller costs like invites, transportation, wedding favors, and tip money for vendors.

• Be flexible: Sometimes things come up, and your budget may need adjusting. Leave a little wiggle room if possible to avoid stress later.
  

5. Start Thinking About Your Wedding Style

The style of your wedding will influence nearly every other choice you make, from the venue to the décor. Begin thinking about what vibe you want to create.

• Themes and inspiration: Start gathering inspiration. Pinterest, wedding magazines, and wedding blogs are great for collecting ideas. Maybe you’re drawn to a boho-chic look, or perhaps you're more into a formal black-tie affair.

• Venue fits the theme: Once you have an idea of the style you're going for, find venues that match that vibe. Some venues are more versatile, but others might only work for specific wedding styles.

• Colors and décor: You can also start thinking about your color palette, floral arrangements, and overall aesthetics—this will inform many of your decisions down the line.
  

6. Find a Venue

Wedding venues tend to book up quickly, so it’s best to start searching early. Consider the following factors:

• Location: Do you want a local wedding, a destination wedding, or something in between? If you’re planning a destination wedding, ensure you take guests' travel preferences into account.

• Size and capacity: Estimate how many guests you'll be inviting. Venues come in all sizes, so you'll want to make sure the venue fits comfortably with your guest list.

• Style and amenities: Think about whether the venue has the style you want and the services you need, such as an in-house catering team, parking, or accommodations for out-of-town guests.
  

7. Choose Your Wedding Party

Selecting your wedding party is one of the most exciting parts of the planning process. The people you choose will stand beside you on the big day, so it’s important to pick those who truly support you.

• Bridesmaids and groomsmen: These are the people who’ll help with the planning, give emotional support, and stand with you during the ceremony. Choose friends and family members who make you feel happy and supported.

• Other roles: Don't forget about flower girls, ring bearers, and readers for the ceremony. You may also want to have someone help coordinate logistics for the day-of (sometimes called a “wedding coordinator” or “day-of coordinator”).
  

8. Get Your Ring Sized & Insured

After the proposal, it’s important to get your engagement ring sized to ensure it fits perfectly. Sometimes resizing is necessary, and you don’t want it to be too loose or tight.

• Ring insurance: Consider getting your engagement ring insured in case it’s lost, stolen, or damaged. Many jewelers offer insurance, or you can get it through your homeowner’s insurance.
  

9. Begin Wedding Planning

Now comes the fun part! With your budget and style in mind, start researching and booking vendors. Some key vendors to consider:

• Wedding Planner: We would be honored to help you in your wedding planning journey! We offer 3 packages: Month Of/ Day Of Coordination, Partial Planning and Full Planning! Schedule a FREE 30 minute consultation today! ( SCHEDULE FREE PLANNING CONSULTATION HERE )

• Photographer/videographer: These vendors are essential to capturing the memories. Look at their portfolios and meet with them to see if you’re a good fit.

• Caterer: Food is a major component of most weddings, so take time to choose a caterer that fits your taste and budget. You may also need to think about dietary restrictions or preferences.

• Florist: Find someone who can bring your floral vision to life. They’ll help with bouquets, centerpieces, and arrangements for the ceremony. We would love to help! All couples who book their wedding planning services through us receive 10% OFF ALL their wedding day florals!

  ( SCHEDULE A FREE FLORAL CONSULTATION HERE )

• Entertainment: Whether you want a live band, DJ, or other form of entertainment, start researching early to find someone who matches your vibe.

  
  

10. Enjoy the Moment

With all the planning and organizing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Remember that this is a special time in your life. Take breaks from wedding planning and enjoy the journey.

• Date nights: Keep going on dates and doing the things that made you fall in love in the first place. It can be easy to get lost in the chaos of planning, but quality time together is what matters most.

• Celebrate milestones: Celebrate the little moments along the way—finding your dress, booking a venue, picking out invitations—and enjoy the excitement that builds as the wedding day approaches.

Wedding planning can be both thrilling and overwhelming, but by taking things step-by-step, you’ll ensure that you’re creating a day that’s true to both you and your partner. How are you feeling about the planning process so far?