11 Things to Do First After Saying “Yes!” to the Proposal
Congratulations on your engagement! The excitement is real, the love is overflowing, and your mind is probably already spinning with ideas for your dream wedding. But before you dive headfirst into planning, take a deep breath and start with these 11 essential steps to set yourself up for success.
1. Celebrate Together
Before sharing the news with the world, take a moment to celebrate privately with your partner. This is one of the most meaningful moments in your love story, so enjoy it!
2. Share the News with Loved Ones
Your inner circle will want to hear the news directly from you. Call, video chat, or visit your closest family and friends before making a big social media announcement.
3. Get Your Ring Sized and Insured
Protect your precious symbol of love by getting it professionally sized and insured. This small step will give you peace of mind for years to come. If your ring is a little snug or loose, be sure to get it sized perfectly for your finger. Also, consider contacting insurance companies you already have a relationship with, such as homeowners, renters, or car insurance providers, to see if they can cover your new ring. This will ensure you’re protected in case it’s lost or damaged.
4. Set Up a Wedding Email Account
Create a separate email account dedicated solely to wedding communications. This will keep all your vendor conversations, newsletters, and planning details organized and separate from your personal or work email. With vendor replies, venue inquiries, and tips from sites like The Knot or WeddingWire flooding your inbox, you’ll be thankful for the streamlined approach!
5. Set a Tentative Budget
Discuss finances with your partner and any contributing family members to establish a realistic budget. Knowing your financial limits early on will help you prioritize what matters most. Keep in mind that online blogs often provide rough estimates of average wedding costs, but these can vary drastically based on city, venue type, time of year, number of guests, and other factors. As you meet with vendors and get quotes, update your budget to keep the numbers realistic and avoid the sticker shock of planning your dream wedding.
6. Start Dreaming About the Big Day
Picture your perfect day. Whether it’s a grand ballroom wedding, a cozy backyard ceremony, or a destination celebration, start brainstorming the overall vibe and feel you want for your wedding. Based on your dream wedding, make sure you and your partner define your priorities and must-haves. These will impact your budget and guide your decisions along the way. They’ll also help you stay focused when you’re tempted by something new and shiny but know it’s not a good fit. Conversely, when something aligns with your vision, you can say yes with confidence!
7. Pick a Target Date or Season
You don’t need an exact date just yet, but having a general time frame will guide your decisions for venues and vendors. Also, consider the day of the week and understand that availability for venues and vendors will vary based on popular wedding days and months of the year.
8. Create a Guest List Draft
Your guest count will play a huge role in shaping your wedding plans and budget. Drafting a preliminary list will help you understand venue capacities and your catering and bar budget.
9. Hire a Wedding Planner
Hiring a wedding planner early can save you stress and time by guiding your decisions or tying up loose ends after you’ve done the heavy lifting. A wedding planner is an investment that protects your wedding day. Weddings are expensive, and you’ll need someone to ensure your dream is solid throughout the planning process—and most importantly, on your big day. Don’t get to the finish line (your wedding day) only to have a lackluster experience because you skipped hiring a planner. Do yourself a favor: hire a planner so you can truly enjoy your day.
10. Research Venues and Vendors
Start looking into venues that align with your vision and budget. Popular venues book up quickly, so getting a head start here is key. Simultaneously, research must-have vendors like photographers, caterers, and DJs.
11. Take Engagement Photos
Celebrate this special chapter of your life with an engagement photo shoot. These photos can be used for your save-the-dates, wedding website, or simply as cherished keepsakes. Keep in mind that some photographers include an engagement session in their wedding photo packages.
Bonus Tip: Enjoy Being Engaged!
This season of your life is unique, so don’t rush through it. Take time to enjoy being engaged, make memories, and keep the focus on your love story.
By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams. Remember, this journey is as much about the love you share as it is about the event itself.
Feeling overwhelmed?
I’m here to help! Book a consultation, and let’s make wedding planning a joyful experience.
