I Just Got Engaged—What Should I Do First?

Congratulations on your engagement! You’ve just said “yes” to spending forever with the love of your life, and now you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement, joy, and maybe even a little bit of overwhelm. But don’t worry—you’re not alone! There’s a lot to think about when you first get engaged, and it can be hard to know where to start.

To help you navigate the whirlwind of emotions and tasks ahead, here’s a guide to the first few things you should do after getting engaged.

1. Celebrate the Moment

First things first: take a moment to soak it all in! Enjoy the excitement of being newly engaged. Whether it’s popping a bottle of champagne, having an intimate dinner, or celebrating with friends and family, make sure to take time to enjoy this special moment. This is the beginning of a beautiful journey, and you deserve to savor it.

 

2. Share the News

Once you've had some time to enjoy the moment, it’s time to tell your closest loved ones. You’ll likely want to share the news with your family and friends, so consider calling or FaceTiming them before you post on social media. Share your excitement with those who matter most, and let them join in on your joy.

 

3. Take a Deep Breath (and Enjoy the Engagement Period)

Now is the time to enjoy being engaged. You’ve just made a huge commitment, and the world is buzzing with excitement. Don’t feel the need to dive into wedding planning immediately. Take a few days or weeks to just enjoy the fact that you’re engaged and living in this beautiful, happy moment.

 

4. Talk About Overall Wedding Thoughts

Before diving into the wedding planning, take a moment to discuss your timeline with your fiancé. Are you eager to get married soon, or do you want to take your time? There’s no rush—some couples plan quickly, while others enjoy a longer engagement. Talk about whether you want a big celebration or something more intimate and start discussing potential wedding dates.

 

5. Create a Budget

It’s never too early to start thinking about your wedding budget. Discuss with your partner how much you want to spend, whether you’ll have a big wedding or a smaller, more intimate one. Being on the same page financially will help make planning easier in the long run.

 

6. Research your Most Important Vendors 

Now is the time to research what types of venues you like and begin setting up tours. Once you pick a venue, use their information as much as possible! They have recommendations for catering (if they don't include it) and other major vendors such as photo, video, floral and decor, coordination, etc. This is also a great time to consider what types of photo styles you want.

 

7. Enjoy the Engagement Period

Finally, remember that the engagement period is about more than just wedding planning—it’s a time to deepen your connection with your partner. Take this opportunity to enjoy being engaged, go on dates, travel, or work on strengthening your relationship before the wedding whirlwind begins.