You Just Got Engaged, Now What?

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!

This is a momentous time and so exciting. It is likely that many others will be very excited for you and may be incredibly enthusiastic about your engagement!

Gentle reminder, this is YOUR TIME. Announce and celebrate your engagement exactly how the two of you would like. If you want to announce it online right away, go for it! If you would rather keep the news quiet for a bit until you sort out more details, also great! 

Keep in mind during this entire process that this is about the two of you and your love. Stick to what feels best to you both. 

Here’s five tips for what to do after getting engaged from a wedding planner.

1. Don’t feel pressured! 

Get comfortable with setting some boundaries straight away. 

“When’s the date?” “Which venue will you book?” “Will it be an open bar??” 

Be prepared to be asked lots of questions you don’t know the answers to yet. Don’t let this fluster you. Take all the time you need to get the planning started. 

An easy response could go like this; “Wow, thank you so much for your kind words. We are taking our time with the planning. We will be sure to keep you updated!”

2. Consider the big details, but stay flexible

Remaining flexible during the initial planning stage is crucial. This allows you to have the most options possible.

The big things to nail down with your fiance (and maybe family depending on who is contributing financially) are: 

• What time of year would you like to get married

• How long of an engagement would you like to have

• General guest count

• Location of wedding

• “Style” of wedding (formal, rustic, industrial)

• Ceremony on-site or off-site

• Overall Budget

3. Do your research first

Believe me, I know how tempting it is to book a ton of venue site tours asap. And I’m pretty sure I was in a  wedding dress boutique about 15 seconds after the ring landed on my finger! But take my advice, do some research. 

• Have a good estimate on budget and a plan for the “big details”

• Consider venue searching first. You can’t do much planning until you have a date and location!

• So do some online research. Look up these venues fully before scheduling a tour. And be sure all “decision makers” are available for your venue tour. 

4. Consider hiring a planner

This may not even be on your radar yet, but it should be! Seriously, wedding planners come in all shapes and sizes and budgets. They can help you plan, find venues, keep you to your budget, and make your life infinitely easier. They also book up quickly, so if you really like someone, don't hesitate to book their services.

5. Book an engagement photoshoot

Seriously, do this!! I highly recommend finding a great photographer and getting some beautiful engagement photos taken. These are great for save-the-dates, wedding websites, invitations, thank you notes, etc. You will cherish them forever!

And above all, you’ve got this!

I always tell my clients, the beginning is the hardest part, seriously! You can totally do this, and I promise it will be well worth it. 

If you haven’t already, submit your info via my contact form, and I will email over a free “Venue Tour Checklist” which you can print and take with you on your venue tours. 

xoxo,

Kristen