It's official—you're engaged! Congratulations! We know how exciting it is to be newly engaged, but it can also be overwhelming with what to do next. Now that you've said yes, it's time to tackle all the things that come with getting married—from picking out your wedding bands to deciding on a honeymoon spot. Don't stress; we're here to help! Here are some steps to take after you get engaged.
1. Take Time to Enjoy Each Other and Celebrate this Next Step
We are so hyper-connected these days with social media that we often feel the need to share what's happening in our lives instead of being present in the moment and enjoying it. Getting engaged is one moment you can never reproduce, so after you say yes, take a moment, or however long you need, to be in the here and now. This is the time for you and your partner to celebrate the moment and your next big step in life together.
2. Announce the Engagement
It's time to let the world know your big news! When you're ready to share, you should tell some people first before posting on social media. As soon as you're prepared to tell anyone, family comes first. If they aren't present for the event, call them or plan a trip to visit them and announce it in person. Your announcement should be followed by extended family and then your friends. Now that you have shared your news with your nearest and dearest, it's time to post it on social media!
3. Celebrate the Engagement
Now that the news is out and it’s time to celebrate with an engagement party! After you announce the engagement, tons of people will want to celebrate with you. Big or small, an engagement party is a great way to raise a glass and celebrate with everyone together.
4. Figure out the Budget
Weddings are one of the most expensive events you will host, so determining your wedding budget first and foremost will help you decide your options. It can be helpful to lay out all your assumed wedding expenses and how much you think they will cost in a spreadsheet. Items you will need to factor in include venue, catering and beverages, band or DJ, rings, photography and videography, wedding attire, flowers, lighting & décor, transportation, invitations, wedding planner, and any other miscellaneous items.
5. Get Organized and Start Planning the Big Day
Get ready to start preparing and planning the big day! There are many tools out there, but one of our favorites is The Knot, an app entirely made for helping you plan your wedding. The Knot can help you find local wedding professionals and offers personalized wedding websites, planning tools, invitations, registry services, and more! With the less-glamorous planning details taken care of, you can focus on more important things like your vision, an official date, venue, caterer, photographer, and more.
6. Decide on your Wedding Theme
Whether rustic, romantic, elegant, or traditional, picking a theme that suits you and your partner is very helpful in wedding planning. With your theme in mind, you can start thinking about types of venues, ceremony decorations and flowers, wedding party attire, reception decorations, wedding cake, dress, stationary, and more! From there, you can begin researching vendors that can help you create this theme.
7. Start Booking
With your theme taken care of and research started on potential vendors, it’s time to go all in and start booking. The first thing you want to book is your venue to ensure you have an actual location for your wedding. Next, figure out what else you want at your wedding that requires booking, including
Photography
Videography
Wedding Planner
Officiant
Caterer
8. Let the Fun Begin
It’s time to have some fun! Start working with your wedding party to plan your bachelor and bachelorette parties and bridal shower, book those engagement photos, plan and book your honeymoon, and say Yes to the dress! Make sure to have fun and enjoy these moments leading up to your big day, as they can help ease the stress of planning your wedding.