10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged!
If you are reading this then I have to tell you right now CONGRATULATIONS! What a beautiful time in your life! Planning a wedding is no easy task but hopefully, with the help of this guide, you will be less stressed! In this blog you will find tips for 10 Things To Do After Getting Engaged. I am a Michigan + Destination Photographer so I help clients plan their dream wedding days through the lens of photography. Let’s get started!
1. Embrace the Present
Experiencing the joy of accepting a lifelong commitment from your best friend is unparalleled. Although the urge to share this momentous news with the world on social media may be strong, I implore you to pause and fully immerse yourself in the experience. The day of your engagement stands out as one of the most extraordinary in your entire life, and it deserves your undivided attention. Step away from your phone, revel in a celebratory dinner, or uncork a bottle of champagne. I assure you, there's nothing quite like the euphoria of that initial day of engagement.
2. Announce the Engagement
After sharing the exciting news with your family and closest friends, it's time to broadcast it to the world! Revel in the joy of the widespread love and support from those around you. Share that captivating ring selfie across social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and more! Declare to the world that you've said #IDo!
3. Organize a Celebration for Your Engagement
Before diving into the wedding planning journey, organize an engagement party to commemorate this special moment with your loved ones! Whether it's a surprise gathering or hosted by family and friends, it's an opportunity to receive congratulations and affection from your inner circle. The individuals invited to this celebration should also be included in your wedding guest list. It sets the ideal tone for the beginning of this remarkable chapter in your engaged life!
4. Begin Thinking About Your Wedding
You've likely envisioned your wedding day for years, and now is the moment to turn those dreams into plans! While you don't need to start contacting vendors just yet, it's a wise idea to initiate the process by creating mood boards. This is an opportune time to determine your color scheme, floral arrangements, dresses, decor, and more! Although it may feel a bit daunting, there's no need to stress. If you decide to enlist the services of a wedding planner, they can assist in bringing to life the wedding you've always imagined and even exceed your expectations!
5. Set Your Wedding Budget/Finances
Your wedding budget serves as the foundation for planning your special day, making it essential to establish early in the engagement phase. While discussing this topic with your parents or significant other when determining your budget may seem daunting, it's crucial to tackle it early on. I understand that unexpected costs may arise during the budgeting process, so be sure to allocate additional flexibility to accommodate any unforeseen expenses!
6. Compile Your Guest List
Following the establishment of your wedding budget, it's time to craft your guest list! You might be curious why this precedes selecting your ideal venue, but there's a thoughtful reason behind it. Creating your guest list prior to venue considerations allows you to determine which venue and budget align with the number of guests you plan to invite. Your guest list should include the individuals you both genuinely want to share your wedding day with—this decision is entirely yours. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, stay organized by utilizing wedding guest list tools like this one.
7. Select a Venue & Confirm a Date
Now comes the moment you've eagerly anticipated, and I completely understand the excitement! Embarking on the quest for your dream wedding venue is an exhilarating experience. With a plethora of options, ranging from traditional settings to elopements, and indoor to outdoor spaces, there are numerous decisions to consider. The key advice here is to prioritize what resonates with both of you. Remember, this is your wedding day, so celebrate it exactly as you've always envisioned!
During venue inquiries and tours, ensure that the chosen location can cater to all your specific needs for the big day. Here are some questions to pose when engaging with potential venues:
Is our preferred date available?
What is the guest capacity?
What is the cancellation policy?
Are there varying rates for different days of the week?
Do we have to have liability insurance?
What is the deposit and payment schedule?
Is there a curfew?
Is there a minimum requirement for food and beverages?
Is catering provided by the venue, or can we bring in our own caterer?
8. Book Your Engagement Session
With your date and venue firmly established, the next step is to embark on the delightful journey of taking your engagement photos! This is meant to be the enjoyable part, emphasizing the word "fun"! As a fellow wedding photographer, I understand the initial nervousness that may accompany stepping in front of the camera for the first time. When contacting photographers, many of them may include an engagement session as part of their wedding package, so keep an eye out for that. It's a wise idea to schedule professional photos early, allowing you to use them for sending out save-the-dates. Choose a location for your engagement session that holds sentimental value, perhaps where you first met or a park you frequented for walks. This period is exceptionally special, so take the time to savor these precious moments!
9. Secure Your Wedding Vendors
Building the ideal team of wedding vendors is a crucial step that shouldn't be delayed, considering that most vendors are booked six months to a year in advance. The preceding steps in this process have set the foundation, providing you with key details such as your budget, wedding date, and venue, which are vital in assembling your dream vendor team. It is highly advisable to schedule phone calls with potential vendors to ensure they align with your vision and are available on your chosen date.
Here's a list of common wedding vendors you should reach out to if you plan to include their services on your special day. If you've hired a wedding planner, they can assist you in connecting with reputable vendors (list in no particular order):
Photographer
Caterer
Florist
Cake Designer
Wedding Planner
Hair and Makeup Artist
Attire (Bridal and Groom)
DJ
Videographer
Officiant
Rental Services
Transportation Services (if needed)
Taking the time to carefully select each vendor ensures that they contribute to making your wedding day a seamless and unforgettable experience.
10. Say Yes To The Dress
Making an early commitment to your dream wedding dress is essential, given that the process can span anywhere from one month to nine months. It's not uncommon for brides to explore various wedding dress boutiques, and this may span multiple days. Keep in mind that dress shopping is meant to be an enjoyable experience! The moment you find "the one" will be unmistakable and filled with joy.
