What to Do as Soon as You Get Engaged: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Wedding

Congratulations on your engagement! The moment you say "yes" is full of joy, excitement, and love. It's a moment you’ll remember forever, but once the initial euphoria wears off, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. After all, planning a wedding is no small feat! So what should you do first?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get organized and make sure your wedding planning journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Celebrate and Soak in the Moment. Before you dive headfirst into wedding planning, take a moment to bask in the glow of your engagement. Enjoy the excitement with your partner—this moment is special and deserves to be celebrated! You’ve just taken a huge step in your relationship, and it’s important to take it all in.
Whether you have an engagement party with friends and family or simply go out for a quiet dinner together, this time is for you to reflect on what just happened. You’ll have plenty of time to plan, but for now, just enjoy being engaged!

2. Share the News with Close Family and Friends. After celebrating with your partner, it’s time to share the news with your closest family and friends. This is the perfect time for those personal phone calls to let people know the big news before you post it on social media. Consider calling or video chatting with immediate family, followed by sharing the announcement on social media (if you choose).
You can also plan a formal engagement announcement, or simply tell people casually as you see them. Make sure to tell your parents first, especially if you're going to have a larger ceremony. Their reaction is something you’ll want to cherish!

3. Admire and Take Care of Your Ring. Once you’ve been officially engaged, don’t forget about your beautiful new ring! Take some time to marvel at it, and make sure it’s sized correctly. If the ring feels a little loose or tight, get it resized right away. Also, be sure to have it cleaned and polished, especially if it’s been a while since it was purchased. Many jewelers offer this service for free or at a minimal cost, and it’s a great way to keep your ring looking its best.
You’ll also want to insure your engagement ring. Engagement rings can be expensive, and having insurance protects against any loss or damage. Speak with your jeweler or insurance company about how to best cover your ring.

4. Set a Budget. One of the first big steps in planning your wedding is deciding on your budget. While the excitement of the proposal might make you want to start planning every detail immediately, it’s important to have a realistic budget in place. Sit down with your partner and discuss how much you’re both willing to spend, and whether you will be financing the wedding on your own or with help from family members.
Think about all the key wedding costs, including:

• Venue rental
• Catering
• Wedding attire (dress, suit/tux, accessories)
• Flowers and décor
• Photographer and videographer
• Entertainment (DJ or band)
• Transportation

Having a clear budget will help guide your decisions and prevent you from overspending on anything that’s not a priority.

5. Start Thinking About a Wedding Date. Once your budget is set, it’s time to start thinking about a wedding date. It can be helpful to narrow down the season or month you want to get married in before you finalize the exact date. Some couples have a clear idea of when they want to tie the knot, but for others, it may be influenced by family schedules, availability of the venue, or even the time of year they prefer.
Keep in mind that popular wedding dates (e.g., fall Saturdays, holiday weekend Sundays, and and great numbers (like 10/10/25) can book up quickly, so it’s best to start looking at dates as early as possible.

6. Start Researching Venues.Your venue will likely be one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It’s essential to book a venue early, especially if you’re planning a wedding during peak season. The location and style of your venue will shape your entire wedding day, from the theme and décor to the number of guests you can invite.
Take some time to research venues that align with your style and budget. Whether you're envisioning an outdoor garden ceremony, a rustic barn wedding, or a sophisticated ballroom affair, make sure to book a venue that will support your wedding vision.
Be sure to visit a few venues in person, if possible, to get a true feel for the space. Once you’ve found your ideal location, confirm the date and sign the contract!

7. Build Your Wedding Planning Team. Now that you have your venue, it’s time to assemble your team. Start researching and reaching out to key wedding vendors, such as:

• Wedding planner (if you choose to hire one)
• Photographer/videographer
• Florist
• Caterer (if not provided by the venue)
• DJ or band for entertainment
• Officiant (if you don’t already have one in mind)
• Hair and makeup artists

These professionals are essential for making your dream wedding come true, so take the time to research, read reviews, and schedule consultations. Make sure you’re on the same page when it comes to style, timeline, and pricing.

8. Create a Wedding Website. A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed throughout the planning process. Many couples create a site to share important details like the venue, schedule of events, dress code, travel arrangements, and hotel accommodations.
Wedding websites also offer a convenient space for guests to RSVP and access other wedding-related information. 

9. Start Thinking About Your Wedding Party. Now that the logistics are in motion, it’s time to think about the people you want by your side on your big day. Start considering who will be in your wedding party, from bridesmaids and groomsmen to flower girls and ring bearers. These are the people who will support you emotionally (and practically) through the entire process, so choose people who will be enthusiastic, organized, and positive.
Once you've made your selections, consider sending out formal invitations to your wedding party to make them feel special and appreciated. Some couples also give gifts to their wedding party as a token of thanks.
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10. Relax and Enjoy the Journey. Wedding planning can get overwhelming, but try not to let the stress take away from the joy of the experience. It’s important to step back and enjoy the process with your partner. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your friends and family when needed, and take time to nurture your relationship during the planning period. After all, this is the first step toward a life together!
Planning a wedding is a marathon, not a sprint. By starting early, staying organized, and working together as a team, you’ll ensure your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of.

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting and life-changing moments, and while it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed, taking things one step at a time will help you stay focused and organized. Start by celebrating, setting a budget, and choosing a venue, then work on assembling your dream team of vendors. And most importantly, remember that this is your special time—enjoy the process, and make it as meaningful and memorable as the day itself!
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Special thanks for all the locally owned wedding and event venues across the country who inspire us daily:
Bell Tower Falls
The Burch on 27th
The Greenhouse at Arrows Farm
Hawthorn Hills Ranch
Harris Glen