Just Engaged…Now What?
CONGRATULATIONS!
You’re just engaged, and this is one of the most exciting times of your life. Whether your proposal was a complete surprise or something you’ve been dreaming of for years, take a moment to celebrate this huge milestone. Now that the question has been popped, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but taking a few simple steps will set you up for success and help make the process much more enjoyable.
1. SOAK IT ALL IN
You’re engaged—let it sink in! Take this time to celebrate your love and this new chapter of your relationship. Call your best friends, share the big news with family, and of course, snap all the ring selfies. Whether you throw a small engagement party or just have a quiet dinner to celebrate, savor this moment. You don’t need to rush into planning right away. The period after getting engaged is a time to bask in your happiness and dream about the life you’ll build together.
2. DISCUSS THE BIG LINES
Before diving headfirst into wedding planning, take a moment to align with your partner on the key elements of your big day. These conversations might not be glamorous, but they’ll set the foundation for everything to come. Start by discussing:
• Where? Decide on a general location. Do you want a destination wedding, a local celebration, or something in between?
• When? Think about your ideal season or specific date. Is there a time of year that holds special meaning for you?
• How Many People? Draft a rough guest list. Knowing whether you’re hosting 50 or 250 guests will guide your venue selection.
• What’s the Budget? Money matters. Talk about how much you’re comfortable spending and where your priorities lie.
Sorting out these details before contacting venues or vendors will make the process smoother and ensure you’re both on the same page.
3. HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
One of the best decisions you can make after getting engaged is hiring a wedding planner. Whether you need help with day-of coordination or a full-service planner to guide you through every detail, a professional can save you time, money, and stress.
A wedding planner brings expertise, vendor connections, and creative solutions to the table. They’ll help you find the perfect venue, build your dream vendor team, and manage all the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your engagement. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start, hiring a planner will help you take those first steps with confidence.
4. CELEBRATE YOUR ENGAGEMENT
Your engagement is more than just a step toward marriage—it’s a unique chapter worth celebrating. Consider hosting an engagement party to bring your loved ones together. This is the perfect opportunity to toast your future and enjoy being just engaged without the stress of wedding planning. Whether you keep it casual with a backyard BBQ or go formal with a chic soirée, an engagement party is a great way to kick off your journey to “I do.”
5. START DREAMING
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, spend time envisioning your dream wedding. What kind of vibe do you want? Is it a romantic garden wedding, a modern city celebration, or a cozy barn wedding in Upstate New York? Create a Pinterest board, scroll through Instagram, and gather inspiration. Dreaming about your ideal day will make the planning process feel exciting and personal.
Being just engaged is an unforgettable time in your life. By taking these steps—soaking in the joy, discussing the big picture, hiring a planner, celebrating your engagement, and dreaming about your day—you’ll set the stage for a smooth and enjoyable wedding planning journey. Remember, you don’t have to do everything at once. Take it step by step, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Ready to start planning your wedding? Contact us at The Main Event by Kelly to learn how we can help turn your dreams into reality!
