First of all — CONGRATULATIONS!
If you’re reading this, you’re probably still staring at your ring every five minutes, replaying the proposal in your head, and smiling like you’ve just discovered a new secret. It’s an exciting, emotional, beautifully overwhelming time… but it also comes with the big question:

“Okay… we’re engaged. Now what?”

Don’t worry — we’re breaking it down step-by-step so you can enjoy the magic and feel confident about what comes next.

1. Soak It In

Before you start Googling venues or diving into checklists, take time to enjoy being engaged.
Celebrate with your partner. Call the people who matter most. Take pictures. Plan a small dinner or a cozy night in. This is a moment you’ll never get back — savor it.

2. Talk About Your Vision

You don’t need to plan your whole wedding today, but a simple, honest conversation about what each of you imagines is incredibly helpful.
Consider:

Indoor or outdoor?
Large celebration or intimate gathering?
Local or destination?
Formal, casual, or somewhere in between?

This helps set the tone for everything that follows.

**3. Discuss a Realistic Budget**

Budget comes before booking anything.
Even a general range will help narrow your options. Talk about:

Who is contributing
What your top priorities are
What you don’t care about as much

A wedding planner can also help you build a budget that aligns with your vision (and keeps surprises away).

4. Create a Guest Count Estimate

You don’t need a final list yet, but a rough number (50? 150? 300?) will determine:

Venue size
Catering quotes
Overall budget direction

Guest count influences almost every decision — starting here saves a lot of time later.

5. Start Venue Hunting

Your venue is the foundation of your wedding. It sets the vibe, locks in your date, and helps confirm your next steps.
When comparing venues, consider:

Date availability
Included amenities (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)
Guest capacity
Weather plans
Photo opportunities
Travel convenience

Once your venue is booked, the fun truly begins!

6. Hire Key Vendors Early

The best vendors book up 12–18 months in advance, especially on Saturdays.
Think about securing:

Planner or coordinator
Photographer
Videographer
Caterer
Florist
DJ or live music

Booking early = less stress later.

7. Celebrate Again (Seriously!)

Engagement party? Engagement photos? A cute weekend getaway?
Whatever fits your style — this milestone deserves a moment.

8. Start a Wedding Planning System

Whether it’s a binder, Google Drive folder, Pinterest boards, or a planning service, organizing your ideas early helps keep you sane down the road.

9. Remember: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Wedding planning can feel like a full-time job, and that’s where professional support makes all the difference. A planner can help you:

Build a timeline
Manage vendors
Keep things on budget
Bring your vision to life
Handle the logistics so you can enjoy the process

Your wedding should feel joyful — not stressful.

Final Thoughts

Being engaged is one of the most exciting seasons of your life. Try not to rush past it. Take a breath, enjoy each step, and know that it’s completely normal to feel a mix of giddy, overwhelmed, emotional, and unsure — everyone does!

And if you ever need guidance, recommendations, or full-service planning, we’re here to help make the journey as magical as the day itself. 💍✨

Just Engaged? Now What!