Just Engaged? Here Are the First 5 Things to Do (Before You Dive Into Planning)

Because wedding planning should feel exciting — not overwhelming.

You said yes! The ring is on, your cheeks hurt from smiling, and you’ve probably already retold your proposal story at least a dozen times. 💍✨

So… what now?

Before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and cake tastings, take a breath. The beginning of your engagement is such a sweet, meaningful season — one that deserves just as much intention as the big day itself.

Here are the first five things to do after getting engaged that will help you build a wedding day (and planning process) that actually feels like you.

1. Celebrate — Without a Checklist

Before anything else: take a minute to just be engaged. Soak it in. Go out to dinner, tell your families, FaceTime your best friends, and maybe even plan a cozy night in to relive the moment together. You don’t have to start planning right away. This is a once-in-a-lifetime season, and it deserves more than a checklist.

2. Talk About What You Both Want

Before booking anything, sit down and talk through what matters most to each of you. Big or small? Local or destination? Religious ceremony or something totally untraditional? Your wedding should reflect your relationship — not just tradition or other people’s expectations. Getting on the same page now will save you so much stress later.

3. Set a Budget (and Figure Out Who’s Contributing)

Money talk? Not the most romantic — but it’s necessary. Decide early what your budget is and who (if anyone) is contributing financially. This one step will guide every other decision and help narrow down venues, guest lists, and vendors without surprises down the line.

Pro tip: Save room in your budget for what you’ll actually remember — like your photos, your video, and the experience of the day itself.

4. Start Your Guest List (Even Roughly)

You don’t need an exact headcount yet, but knowing whether you’re imagining 40 guests or 140 will make choosing a venue way easier. Start with your must-haves — your immediate family and closest friends — and build from there.

5. Book the Venue + Photographer First

These two are the foundation of your wedding day. Your venue sets the tone and determines your date — and your photographer is the one preserving it all. (I may be biased, but this is one vendor you don’t want to book last-minute.)

Look for a photographer whose style you love and who you feel a connection with. You’ll be spending a lot of time together on your wedding day — it matters that you trust them with your story.

Final Thought:

Your engagement isn’t just a waiting period before the wedding — it’s part of your story too. Savor it, protect your peace, and build a wedding day that feels like you two from start to finish.

And if you’re ready to chat about photography (or just want someone to gush over your ring with)? I’d love to hear from you.