Now What?
12 Things To Do After You Get Engaged
First Things First
Congratulations on Your Engagement!
You're probably feeling a mix of excitement, joy, and maybe even a little bit overwhelmed.
After all, getting engaged is a big deal, and there's a lot to think about and plan for. But before you get too caught up in the chaos of wedding planning, take a moment to enjoy this special time in your relationship.
If you're asking yourself "What to do after I get engaged?”- I’ve got you covered with these 12 things to help you celebrate and prepare for the next chapter in your love story.
12 Things To Do After You Get Engaged
Enjoy The Moment
Tell Your Friends & Family
Talk About Your Vision for the Wedding
Set a Budget
Start Thinking About the Guest List
Choose a Wedding Date
Start Venue Hunting
Start Looking for Vendors
Choose Your Wedding Party
Start Planning Your Honeymoon
Take Engagement Photos
Take Care of Your Mental Health
1. Enjoy the moment!
you just got engaged – congrats!
Now it's time to relax and enjoy the moment. I mean, you're getting married! This is a huge deal and it's important to appreciate it. But of course - go take that ring selfie!
Take a deep breath and relax
Don't worry about wedding planning or announcing your engagement just yet. Just be present in the moment and smile at the love you have for each other. This is a special time in your relationship and you don't want to let stress or pressure get in the way of enjoying it. So just before you announce your engagement or wedding planning – focus on enjoying your relationship and each other's company.
2. Tell your Friends and Family!
Now that you and your new fiancé have enjoyed the moment don't forget to tell your friends and family! How you want to break the news to them is up to you but there are a few ways you could do it.
Do you want to make a formal announcement, or do you want to tell people individually?
If you want to make a formal announcement, you could send out a group text or even post on social media. But don't let the parents find out on social media ;)
If you prefer a more personal approach, you could call or visit friends and family individually to share the news.
3. Talk About Your Vision for the Wedding
Before you start making any concrete plans, it's important to have a general idea of what you want your wedding to be like. Talk with your partner about your vision for the big day, and try to come up with a general concept that you're both happy with.
Think about the overall theme and atmosphere of the wedding.
Do you envision a formal, traditional event, destination wedding, or a more casual and laid-back celebration?
What kind of setting do you want for the ceremony and reception?
Do you want an indoor or outdoor event?
Are there any specific colors, decor, or styles that you want to incorporate?
If you find yourself forgetting ideas or you see something you like I recommend starting a Pinterest board to help collect inspiration for your wedding planning.
Add a Personal Touch
When you talk about your dream wedding don't forget about the personal touches and elements that are important to you and your partner. Do you want to include cultural or religious traditions in the ceremony? Do you want to include any special music or readings? Are there any special activities or entertainment that you want to include in the reception? These personal touches can help to make the wedding more meaningful and memorable for you and your guests
4. Set a Budget
Setting a wedding budget is an important step in the planning process, as it helps to ensure that you and your partner are on the same page financially and that you are able to allocate your resources effectively.
Make a list of all the potential wedding expenses
Expenses can include:
The Venue
Catering
Wedding Dress
A Tux
Decorations
Favors
And any other items or services that you will need to pay for.
It can also be helpful to research the average cost of these items in your area to get a sense of what you can expect to pay.
Don't forget to consider your overall financial situation. How much can you realistically afford to spend on the wedding? Be honest with yourselves and set a budget that you can stick to. It might be helpful to start with a rough estimate of how much you want to spend on each category of expenses, and then adjust as needed.
It's important to prioritize the things that are most important to you and to be willing to make sacrifices in other areas. It might also be helpful to enlist the help of a wedding planner or financial advisor to assist with budgeting and decision-making.
5. Start Thinking About Your Guest List
Do you want a small, intimate ceremony with just close family and friends, or a larger, more formal event with a longer guest list? The size of your venue and budget will also play a role in determining the size of your guest list.
Who are most important to you and your partner.
This can include immediate family members, close friends, and any others who have played a significant role in your lives. You will also need to consider any guests who are being invited by your parents or other family, and try to strike a balance between your own preferences and those of others.
It can be helpful to make a spreadsheet or list of the rough guest count, along with their relationship to you and any other relevant information. This can help you to stay organized and keep track of your progress as you work on finalizing your guest list.
6. Choose a Wedding Date
Choosing a wedding date can be a challenging task, as there are many factors to consider and multiple people who may have input or preferences.
Do you want to get married in the near future, or do you have the flexibility to plan for a date further in the future? Keep in mind that some venues and vendors may have limited availability, so it's important to consider these constraints as well.
Do you have a preferred season for your wedding, or do you have any specific weather considerations?
For example, if you want an outdoor ceremony, you will need to consider the likelihood of good weather on your chosen date.
Important dates or events that may conflict with your big day
Holidays
Vendors or Venue Booked
Family gatherings
Other commitments that you or your partner may have.
It's important to try to choose a date that works for everyone involved and avoids any potential conflicts.
7. Start Venue Hunting
Choosing a wedding venue is an important decision that can have a big impact on the overall feel and success of your wedding.
Size, Capacity, And Location
You will also want to consider the layout of the venue and whether it will work for the type of ceremony and reception that you envision.
How big is your bridal party?
How many guests do you plan to invite?
Does the wedding venue have enough space to accommodate them comfortably?
Is it easily accessible for your guests, and is it in a convenient location for you and your partner?
You may also want to think about the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the venue, and whether it fits with the theme and style of your wedding.
8. Start Looking for Vendors
Choosing wedding vendors can be an overwhelming task, as there are many different options to consider and it's important to find professionals who are reliable, experienced, and compatible with your vision and budget.
Think About the type of vendors you will need
This can include a venue, catering, floral design, photography, videography, music, and more. Make a list of the specific services that you will need and start researching your options.
Get recommendations and reviews from friends, family, and online
It can be helpful to read reviews and see examples of the work of different vendors to get a sense of their style and quality. You may also want to schedule consultations with vendors to get a better sense of their personality and approach to working with clients.
9. Choose Your Wedding Party
Choosing your wedding party can be a fun and meaningful process, as you get to choose the people who will stand by your side on your special day.
Do you want a large group of bridesmaids and groomsmen, or a smaller, more intimate group?
Keep in mind that the size of your wedding party and bridal party will depend on the size of your wedding, your budget, and the logistics of the event.
These may be close friends, siblings, or other family members who have played a significant role in your lives. It's important to choose people who you trust and who will support you during the planning process and on the big day.
10. Start Planning Your Honeymoon
Your honeymoon is a special and romantic trip that you'll remember for the rest of your life. It's an opportunity to celebrate your love and spend quality time together as newlyweds. Take some time to think about what you both want from your honeymoon. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a romantic European city, an adventure destination, or a cultural experience, there's a destination that's right for you.
don't be afraid to splurge
Consider your budget when planning your honeymoon, as well as any logistical factors such as travel time and convenience. Don't be afraid to splurge a little – after all, it's your honeymoon! – but also make sure to set realistic expectations and stick to a budget that works for both of you. It's also a good idea to start thinking about travel insurance and any necessary visas or documentation.
take a break and enjoy time together
Planning your honeymoon can be just as exciting as planning your wedding, and it's a great opportunity to take a break and enjoy some quality time together after the stress of the wedding planning process.
11. Take Engagement Photos
You just got engaged! It’s time to show off, announce, and celebrate the occasion and joy that comes with it! Having professional photos can provide a beautiful and lasting memory of this special time in your relationship.
Things to consider for your Engagement Photos:
Style of Photos (e.g. posed, candid, moody, bright and airy)
Photoshoot Location (e.g. outdoor, indoor, studio)
Time of Day (e.g. sunrise, sunset)
What to Wear (e.g. formal, casual, coordinating colors)
The Photographer's Portfolio and Style (e.g. do their photos match your vision?)
Use them on social media and to create wedding invitations
They can also be used as decorations for your wedding or as part of your personal photo collection. Whether you choose to take them yourselves or hire a professional photographer, they can be a great way to have some fun and be creative together. Don’t be afraid to choose a location that has special meaning to you as a couple, or that captures the aesthetic and atmosphere you want in your photos.
If it’s your first time being photographed - no worries!
This is a great way to get you comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. Many photographers, including myself, include an engagement session in their wedding photography package as a way to get to know the couple and their style. After all your engagement is a milestone that deserves to be captured with care and quality.
12. Take Care of Your Mental Health
It's easy to get caught up in the details and demands of the wedding planning journey, but it's important to carve out time for yourself to relax and recharge. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or even a date night.
Your Mental Health is Important
Don't be afraid to set boundaries and communicate your needs. It's okay to say no to requests or expectations that don't align with your values or priorities. It's also important to communicate openly and honestly with your partner to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
Whether it's enlisting the help of a wedding planner, seeking the support of loved ones or seeking professional help for any mental health concerns, it's okay to ask for help when you need it. It's important to take care of yourself and prioritize your well-being during this time.
Congrats again on your engagement!
I hope this answered all your ‘Now What’ questions!
I can't wait for your Wedding Day!
This is a special time in your relationship, and these 12 things to do after you get engaged will help you celebrate and prepare for the next chapter in your love story. Take the time to enjoy this moment and plan for the future, and remember to take care of yourself along the way. Here's to a happy and healthy engagement!
MEET THE AUTHOR
Benjamin is a couple and wedding photographer based in Oahu, Hawaii.
He has been capturing photos for 10 years, is a Leave No Trace Aware Photographer, and served as a Forward Observer in the US Army.
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