10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged
It’s been a few weeks since Valentine’s Day, and if you’re reading this with a sparkling new ring on your finger, congratulations! Your engagement marks the beginning of an exciting journey, filled with love, celebration, and of course, planning… lots and lots of planning. While this may be a moment you’ve dreamed about for years, it’s completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Where do you begin? Who do you call first? When should you set your wedding date? What about engagement photos? Take a breath, we've got you covered.
There may not be a universal guidebook to follow, but we’ve curated a list of the first 10 things every newly engaged couple should do to kick-start their wedding planning journey with confidence and joy.
share the joy with your loved ones
Before announcing your engagement on social media, take the time to personally inform your closest family members and friends! Sharing this special news directly with your parents, grandparents, siblings, and best friends honors their significance in your life and allows them to share in your joy intimately.
get your ring sized and insured
If your ring fits perfectly, lucky you! If not, visit your jeweler to have it resized to ensure both comfort and security. While you're at it, look into insuring your ring to protect it from loss, theft, or damage. Many insurance providers offer policies specifically for engagement rings, giving you peace of mind.
pamper yourself with a manicure
Your hands will be in the spotlight for the next several months, so why not treat yourself to a fresh manicure? Whether you go for a classic neutral or a trendy seasonal shade, polished nails will make your ring shine even brighter. And besides, who doesn’t love an excuse to get your nails done?
start drafting your guest list
Before diving into venue hunting, it’s essential to get a rough idea of your guest count. The number of guests will impact your venue selection, budget, and overall planning decisions. Start with a preliminary list, knowing that you can refine it later.
establish a realistic budget
Setting a clear and realistic budget is one of the most crucial steps in wedding planning. Discuss with your partner (and any contributing family members, if they’re assisting with the costs) to determine your total budget and how you want to allocate it across different wedding expenses.
gather inspiration for your wedding vision
This is the fun part! Start collecting inspiration for your wedding theme, color palette, and overall vibe. Platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs can help you curate ideas that reflect your personal style and vision. Consider creating a vision board that encapsulates your vision; this visual guide will assist in communicating your vision to vendors and wedding planners. Need some quick, easy-to-find inspo? We have several galleries from our own weddings linked right here on our website, as well as on our Instagram and Pinterest accounts!
research venues before picking a date
Rather than locking in a date first, start by researching venues to find one that fits your vision and guest count. Many sought-after venues book up quickly, so being flexible with your date can help you secure your dream location. Need some extra advice in picking the right venue? Check out our blog, Wedding Planning 101: Venues, and get expertly picked Twin Cities venue recommendations from the Twin Cities Wedding Guide: Part 1!
start thinking about your wedding party
Chances are, you’ve already envisioned who will stand by your side on your big day. Take some time to discuss with your partner how many people you'd like in your wedding party and start thinking about how to ask them to be part of your special day.
capture the moment with engagement photos
Engagement photos are a wonderful way to celebrate this chapter of your love story. They can also serve as save-the-date images, wedding website photos, or even decor for your wedding day. Research photographers whose style aligns with your vision, ideally are available on your wedding date and within budget, and schedule a session.
take time to soak everything in
Amidst all the excitement and planning, don’t forget to simply enjoy being engaged. Plan a romantic date night, take a weekend getaway, or just spend quiet moments together savoring this special time. The wedding planning process can be overwhelming, but remembering why you're celebrating in the first place is key.
finally… consider hiring a wedding planner!
If you’re feeling like you need a little extra guidance, we’re here to help. From venue selection, to wedding design, to vendor coordination, our expert team can make your wedding planning journey seamless and stress-free. Let’s make your dream wedding a reality! Simply complete our contact form and let’s talk!