Congratulations, you’ve got a ring on your finger! As the butterflies of the proposal start to die down, you might wonder what to do after getting engaged.
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming. Your big day is an exciting prospect, but there’s so much to get done before it arrives. But don’t worry, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you know what to do after your engagement.
1. Celebrate The Moment
Don’t feel like you have to jump into planning right away. Take some time to relish this new stage in your relationship with your partner and celebrate how far you’ve come together. Enjoy a romantic date night, pop a bottle of champagne, or spend a quiet weekend just soaking in the excitement. You might even want to recreate your first date or take a spontaneous getaway to mark the occasion.
This is your time to simply be engaged; to dream, smile, and enjoy the feeling of saying “yes!” Before diving into guest lists or venues, give yourselves a chance to savor the magic of this milestone. It’s the beautiful beginning of your wedding journey, and there’s no need to rush to the next step.
2. Share The News
Before sharing your engagement online, tell your closest friends and family in person or through a heartfelt call. It makes the moment more personal and meaningful. Once your inner circle knows, consider creative ways to announce your engagement, like a playful photoshoot, custom announcement cards, or a cozy get-together with loved ones.
3. Secure and Protect Your Engagement Ring
You or your partner chose the engagement ring with a lot of thought and care. Of course, that doesn’t mean they got the size right the first time! If it’s not quite right, visit a local jeweler to get your ring resized. You may also want to ask about insurance, which will protect you if it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
4. Discuss Wedding Dreams and Priorities
You’ve probably imagined what your dream wedding would look like at least once, if not for your whole life. Now is the time to talk to your partner and compare expectations. Do the two of you want a big party? A cozy celebration with your closest friends?
Talk about the things that you each consider non-negotiable. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of getting married in the church where your parents said their vows. Maybe you want to incorporate a special tradition or add a bit of adventure to your wedding in a far-off locale. Share your thoughts with your fiancé and listen to theirs. The two of you will start to see your shared vision fall into place!
Another important part of this conversation is where you want to get married. In your current city? In your hometown? Or somewhere completely new, like a destination wedding?
5. Choose a Wedding Date
Next, it’s time to settle on a date. Although peak season for weddings is May through September, there’s no “right” answer for this! Couples can and do get married at any time of the year.
Of course, there are things to consider here. Summer is a popular time because it promises good weather and gorgeous flowers. But if you’re considering a destination wedding, you might want to look at different times of the year. Most popular wedding destinations will have a peak season that often differs from the traditional wedding season. You may be able to find availability more easily — and cheaply — in the off-season.
6. Start Planning a Destination Wedding
If you’re interested in a destination wedding, it’s time to get researching! There are countless options, from sunny beaches to lush, tropical getaways. Review locations, venues, and packages to help shape your vision.
Not sure where to start? Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists can help you plan your day with zero stress.
7. Draft a Budget and Explore Funding Options
It’s no secret that weddings are pricey. Sit down to discuss your budget with your partner and anyone else contributing financially.
You may think destination weddings are a more expensive option. But believe it or not, they are often more affordable than getting married at home! According to a recent study by The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $35,000!
A destination wedding can vary significantly in cost; however, the average Destination Weddings’ couple spends around $10,000 on their big day. This figure depends on factors like location, season, and the packages your venues offer.
8. Create a Wedding Checklist
Once you’ve gotten your footing, it’s time to put together a checklist. These days, many couples create a wedding website. It’s easy to make a personalized site to share updates and details about the celebration with your guests.
RELATED: Your Destination Wedding Checklist
9. Put Together Your Guest List & Wedding Party
Start putting together your guest list. Whether you’re going big or small, you’ll need to know who’s coming to plan for accommodations, food, and other details.
Of course, you’ll also need to choose your wedding party! Some couples have huge parties with many friends and family members. Others choose a few close loved ones to attend them on their big day. Keep in mind that if you’re planning on having a destination wedding, depending on the package you choose, your guest list might be limited, so you’ll want to narrow down your list accordingly.
10. Gather Inspiration
Now that you’ve celebrated, it’s time to start gathering inspiration…with intention! Instead of endless scrolling, create a purposeful mood board or digital folder where you can collect visuals that truly speak to you. Explore Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs for ideas on décor, color palettes, attire, and venues.
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, start saving inspiration that fits your ideal setting, whether that’s a beachfront ceremony or a garden celebration in a tropical destination.
11. Look for Vendors
This is the stage to start researching key vendors like photographers, florists, and officiants—especially if your celebration will be local. For destination weddings, most everything you’ll need is included in your all-inclusive wedding package; however, if there’s a chance you’ll want to use outside vendors, review the resort’s preferred vendor list or speak with your on-site wedding coordinator. These professionals know the area and can simplify your planning process, ensuring every detail is handled seamlessly.
12. Hire a Planner
Consider working with one of our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists early on. A professional planner can manage logistics, vendor communication, and travel arrangements so you can focus on enjoying the process. Because they have established relationships with top resorts, they can often negotiate exclusive perks, upgrades, or package enhancements. Working with an expert not only saves time but also ensures your wedding vision comes to life with ease.
13. Plan an Engagement Party
Before you find yourself walking down the aisle, don’t forget to take the time to celebrate your engagement! Engagement parties can be big or small, with extended guest lists or a few close friends. For a destination wedding, an engagement party on location can be the perfect preview for the big day.
14. Capture the Moment
This is the time to take engagement photos! These commemorate this big step in your relationship and can be used for your wedding website or save-the-dates. For a destination wedding, consider finding a backdrop that fits your location’s theme. Whatever you choose as your background, make sure it’s just as stunning as you are!
15. Finalize Major Details and Secure Services
When you have done your research and made your decisions, it’s time to book your vendors. Finalizing all those details can happen months before the wedding so that your plan is in place.
When you choose a destination wedding with us, our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists are here to help make this process smooth and stress-free by taking care of all these details so you don’t have to.
16. Enjoy the Journey
Wedding planning might take up a lot of your attention, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Enjoy your time together as an engaged couple and take breaks when you need it. Where your budget allows, try and engage professionals as they help ease the burden so you can focus on this stage of your relationship.
Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding?
Putting a wedding together can feel stressful and overwhelming. But don’t forget that it’s supposed to be enjoyable, too — a time for you and your fiancé to look forward to together.
Our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists take the stress out of planning your big day. Our experience and resources help craft a dream destination wedding that is perfect for you. Simply fill out our quick wedding planning form to get started planning your big day!
