First Things to Do After Getting Engaged: A Guide to Enjoying Your Engagement and Starting Wedding Planning

First off, congratulations! You’ve just entered one of the most exciting times of your life. But before you dive into the whirlwind of wedding planning, take a moment to savor this special time with your partner. The engagement period is a chance to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and truly celebrate your love. Once you’re ready to begin planning, we’ve got you covered with some key steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. Here’s what to focus on first to make sure you’re starting on the right foot before you get into the details of the big day.

1. Enjoy the Moment: Celebrate Your Engagement!

The first thing to do? Absolutely nothing. Well, not nothing, but take some time to soak in the excitement of being engaged. Spend time with your partner, bask in the joy of your engagement, and enjoy the happiness that comes with this new chapter. If you can, consider taking a short engagement moon or a relaxing getaway to celebrate—this will help you both reconnect before the busy planning phase begins. There’s no rush—remember, you’re just starting your journey together!

2. Communicate and Prioritize Together

Before diving into the wedding details, talk with your partner about the most important elements for your big day. What are your top priorities? Whether it’s the venue, your guest list, or a specific style or theme you have in mind, make sure you both are on the same page about what truly matters to you. Agree on your “must-haves” and let those guide the rest of the process. Don’t let the pressure of wedding planning cause you to lose sight of what’s most important: your relationship!

3. Guest List—Start Early!

The guest list is often one of the trickiest and most time-consuming parts of wedding planning. Start working on it early and keep track of everyone you’d like to invite. Organize your list into A, B, and C categories to help determine who absolutely must be there versus those who may be less of a priority. Consider creating a shared Google Doc or spreadsheet so you can easily collaborate and keep everything organized. And, while you’re at it, start collecting addresses—it’s never too soon to begin!

4. Set Your Budget—Realistically

Setting a budget is crucial, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Start by determining the maximum amount you’re comfortable spending, along with assessing your future goals and how much you hope to have saved in the bank after the big day. From there, break down your budget into categories (venue, catering, attire, etc.) and start researching average costs for each. Share this budget with your vendors early on so they can tailor their recommendations to fit your price range. Don’t be afraid to adjust your budget as you go, but remember, if something is a non-negotiable (like a dream photographer or venue), you may need to trim expenses elsewhere.

5. Pick Your Venue and Date

The venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and venues often book up a year or more in advance—so start early! Narrow down your top choices based on your preferences for style, location, and budget. Once you’ve got a shortlist, select a few potential dates and check venue availability. Having a couple of options in mind can increase your chances of securing the venue that best fits your vision. And remember: flexibility is key—dates and availability can sometimes be tricky.

6. Start Thinking About Your Honeymoon!

Don’t forget about the honeymoon! Planning your honeymoon early can take some of the pressure off later in the process. Consider setting up a Honeyfund honeymoon registry to help fund your dream vacation. This will allow your guests to contribute to experiences that are meaningful to you both, like excursions, spa treatments, or romantic dinners, making your honeymoon even more special.

Enjoy the Process!

Wedding planning is a journey, not a race. Take it one step at a time, and remember to keep your priorities in check. Enjoy the engagement period, communicate openly with your partner, and stay focused on what matters most to you. With a little patience and flexibility, the planning process can be a fun and fulfilling part of your wedding journey.

Happy planning!

This post was co-authored by ChatGPT.