Just Engaged? Here Are the First Steps to Take After Saying Yes
Pop the champagne—you’re engaged! Cue the happy tears, the giddy smiles, and maybe a little bit of frantic internal screaming. It’s an amazing moment, right? You’ve found your person, and now you get to plan a party to celebrate! But after the initial excitement, a wave of “Now what?” can definitely wash over you. Don’t worry, friend! You’re not alone. That sparkly new ring on your finger comes with a whole new adventure, and we’re here to guide you through the first few joyful (and yes, slightly overwhelming) steps. Think of this as your friendly, not-at-all-scary guide to what to do after engagement. We’ll cover everything from basking in the post-proposal glow to tackling the nitty-gritty of budgeting and beyond. Get ready to bookmark this page, because we’re about to dive into your wedding planning checklist and make sure those initial steps after getting engaged are smooth sailing. So, take a deep breath, maybe grab another glass of bubbly, and let’s get started!
1. Celebrate the Moment
You just said YES! This is HUGE! Before you even think about seating charts or floral arrangements, take a beat (or several) to simply enjoy this incredible milestone with your partner. Put down your phones, turn off the TV, and just bask in the “we’re engaged!” glow. Seriously, savor this time. Plan a special dinner, a cozy night in, or even a spontaneous weekend getaway. Do something that feels authentically you as a couple.
Pro Tip: Grab a journal and jot down your feelings, the details of the proposal, and how you’re both feeling right now. These are memories you’ll cherish forever!
2. Share the News Strategically
Okay, the secret’s out (or maybe it’s still your little bubble). Now comes the fun part – telling the world! But before you blast it all over social media, there’s a bit of etiquette to consider.
Immediate Circle First
Think of your closest family and friends – parents, siblings, besties. They deserve to hear the exciting news directly from you, not via an Instagram post. A phone call, a video chat, or even an in-person visit is the most personal and thoughtful way to share your joy. Trust us, their excited reactions will be worth it!
Creative Social Media Ideas
Once your inner circle knows, it’s time to share the love with your wider network! Get creative with your engagement announcement on social media. Think beyond just a photo of the ring (though that’s definitely a classic for a reason!). Consider a cute photo carousel showcasing your relationship, a short and sweet video sharing the news, or a playful caption that reflects your personalities.
Handle Expectations
Prepare yourself for the inevitable barrage of questions: “When’s the wedding?” “Have you set a date?” “What’s your budget?” It’s okay not to have all the answers right away! A simple, “We’re still enjoying being engaged and figuring things out!” is perfectly acceptable.
For some seriously swoon-worthy engagement photo inspiration, check out this Pinterest Board.
3. Insure Your Ring
Alright, let’s talk about the bling. That gorgeous ring on your finger is not only a symbol of your love but also a valuable piece of jewelry. Accidents happen, and losing or damaging your ring would be a major bummer. That’s where insurance comes in!
Steps:
- Get a Professional Appraisal: Have your ring appraised by a certified gemologist. This will determine its current value for insurance purposes.
- Add a Rider or Get Specialty Insurance: You have a couple of options here. You can often add a “rider” or extension to your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to cover the ring. Alternatively, consider a specialty jewelry insurer like Jewelers Mutual, which focuses specifically on protecting precious jewelry.
Fun Stat: Did you know that a whopping 61% of engagement rings are insured? Smart move! (Source: Jewelers Mutual)
4. Set a Preliminary Budget
Okay, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous but super important part: the budget. Having a realistic idea of how much you’re willing and able to spend on your wedding will save you a lot of stress and potential arguments down the line.
Discuss Priorities
Sit down with your partner and have an honest conversation about your wedding priorities. What aspects are most important to you both? Is it the venue? The photography? The food and drinks? Allocate a larger portion of your budget to the things that matter most to you.
Use Tools
Don’t try to figure this out in your head! There are tons of helpful budget templates available online.
Average Costs
While every wedding is unique, it’s helpful to have a general idea of average costs. According to The Knot’s 2023 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. was around $30,000. Keep in mind that this can vary significantly depending on your location, guest count, and style.
Want some tips on staying within your budget once you’ve set it? Check out our blog post: The Ultimate Wedding Budget Checklist.
5. Brainstorm a Wedding Vision
Now for the fun part again! Start dreaming about what your ideal wedding day looks like. This doesn’t mean you need to have every single detail nailed down, but it’s a good time to start thinking about the overall vibe.
Season & Venue
Do you envision a romantic spring garden wedding? A cozy autumn celebration with rustic charm? Or a glamorous winter wonderland? Think about the time of year you’d prefer and if there are any meaningful dates you’d like to consider. This will also help narrow down potential venue options.
Theme Inspiration
Are you drawn to a classic and elegant theme? Perhaps something more bohemian and relaxed? Or maybe a modern and minimalist aesthetic? Start gathering inspiration!
Share mood board tools: Canva and Pinterest are your best friends for creating visual mood boards.
Guest List Rough Draft
While you don’t need to finalize your guest list just yet, it’s a good idea to create a rough estimate of how many people you’d like to invite. This will significantly impact your venue options and overall budget.
6. Research and Book Key Vendors
Once you have a general vision and budget in mind, it’s time to start researching and booking some of your key vendors. These are the professionals who will bring your wedding dreams to life!
Priority Vendors
The most popular vendors, especially venues, photographers, caterers, and wedding planners, tend to book up quickly.
Booking Timeline
For highly sought-after venues, you might be looking at booking 12–18 months in advance (or even longer in some cases!).
Pro Advice
Don’t just book the first vendor you find. Read online reviews, ask for referrals from friends or other vendors, and schedule consultations to make sure you find the right fit for your style and personality.
Check out vendor directories on websites like WeddingWire or The Knot to start your search.
7. Schedule Engagement Photos
Engagement photos are a fantastic way to celebrate your engagement and get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. Plus, you’ll have some beautiful photos to use for your save-the-dates, wedding website, or even just to frame and cherish!
Tips:
- Save-the-Dates & Websites: Plan your engagement shoot early enough to use the photos for these purposes.
- Reflect Your Personality: Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable and that reflect your personal style as a couple.
- Fun Idea: Consider incorporating the location where you got engaged for a sentimental touch!
8. Prioritize Self-Care
Wedding planning can be exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also be a little stressful. It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being throughout the process.
Tips:
- Date Nights (No Wedding Talk!): Schedule regular date nights with your partner where wedding planning is strictly off-limits. Remember why you’re doing this in the first place!
- Delegate Tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your family, friends, or bridal party. Delegate tasks whenever possible to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Quote: “Enjoy being engaged—it’s a season you’ll never get back!” — Wedding Planner Maria Johnson.
9. Handle Legal Logistics
While it might not be the most romantic part of wedding planning, there are a few legal things you’ll need to consider.
Checklist:
- Marriage License: Research the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the state or country where you plan to get married. These requirements can vary, so it’s best to look into this early.
- Name Change: If either of you plans to change your name after the wedding, start thinking about the process. This can impact things like stationery and RSVPs.
For information on marriage license requirements in the U.S., check out USA.gov’s guide: How to get a copy of a marriage certificate or license
10. Launch a Wedding Website
A wedding website is a fantastic way to keep your guests informed about all the important details of your big day. You can include information about the date, time, location, accommodations, registry, and even collect RSVPs online.
Recommendations:
Consider user-friendly website builders like Zola, The Knot, or Minted for their easy-to-use templates and helpful features.
Conclusion
Congratulations again on your engagement! Remember, the first few steps after saying “yes” are all about celebrating your love, sharing your joy, and laying the groundwork for a smooth and (mostly!) stress-free wedding planning journey. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to breathe! From celebrating the moment to setting a budget and brainstorming your vision, you’ve got this!
FAQ Section
Q: How soon should I start wedding planning?
A: While you don't need to rush, it's generally a good idea to begin within 1–2 months of getting engaged to secure top vendors and have ample time for planning.
Q: Do I need a wedding planner?
A: For larger or more complex events, a full-service wedding planner can be a lifesaver. However, even a partial planner can provide valuable assistance with specific aspects of the planning process.
Q: What is the very first thing to do after getting engaged?
A: After celebrating the initial excitement, the very first practical step is often to insure your engagement ring to protect your valuable new treasure.
Q: How long should an engagement typically last?
A: There's no set timeline! Engagements can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the couple's preferences, financial situation, and desired wedding date availability.
Q: Who traditionally pays for the wedding expenses?
A: While traditional etiquette often had the bride's family covering most costs, modern weddings see a variety of financial arrangements, including the couple paying themselves, both families contributing, or a combination of sources.
Q: What are some essential things to do right after getting engaged besides celebrating?
A: Besides celebrating, some essential first steps include sharing the news with close family and friends, getting your ring insured, and starting to think about a preliminary budget for your wedding.