Updated – 11/29/2024
Congratulations on your engagement! This will be one of the most fun and exciting (sometimes stressful) parts of your life. There are so many things that go into planning your wedding day, but there are a few things that need to happen right after you get engaged. These 18 tasks—from the fun (get a manicure!) to the nitty-gritty (set your budget)—will get you organized, on track, and well on your way to planning the best wedding ever!
1. Stop and Take In the Moment
There are few moments in your life as exciting as when you get engaged, so make sure that you take a little time to savor everything with your future spouse before you do anything else. Maybe take a few days (or hours if you can’t wait long) before you tell people to have those special moments with your soon-to-be spouse before the world knows.
2. Tell Your Family and Friends
Once you have taken your time to savor the moment, tell the ones that you love! Call, text, facetime, etc., and let all your loved ones know your exciting news! After you’ve told your closest people, you can also announce through social media. There are a ton of cute ways to do this. Here are a couple of our faves!
The classic ring shot.
A photo of you with your spouse showing your new bling!
A clip of your proposal (if you got it on video).
3. Get Your Ring Insured
We know, we know—it’s not exactly the most romantic or exciting thing in the world, but it could wind up saving your butt in the long run. It’s surprisingly inexpensive when added as an extension to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
4. Get a Manicure
Your hands will be the center of attention for the next couple of weeks, so it’s important to ensure your manicure is on point. If you prefer a natural look, make sure your nails are clean and well-shaped. Otherwise, your friends might pay more attention to any chipped nail polish than to your beautiful engagement ring.
5. Get Your Ring Sized
Unless your partner got lucky with the size, most newly engaged people need to resize their engagement rings. It’s best to resize the ring soon for two main reasons.
First, if the ring is loose, you might lose it if it falls off. If it’s too tight, you may take it off often, increasing the chance of losing it.
Second, many ring manufacturers resize for free only for a limited time after purchase. You can pay a jeweler to resize it later, but you can save money by getting it resized within the warranty period.
6. Schedule Engagement Photos
Scheduling an engagement session soon after getting engaged is important because they are often used for your save-the-dates and wedding website. And they are just fun to show off and post around socials, getting your guests excited for your big day!
7. Plan an Engagement Party (if you want one)
You’re engaged. Now it’s time to celebrate with the ones you love! An engagement party isn’t required, but it can be fun to celebrate with the people closest to you. This could be a big shindig, a casual gathering, dinner, or whatever you prefer!
8. Start Thinking About Your Vision
After you get engaged, it’s time to start thinking of the vision for your wedding (which probably isn’t a completely new thought *wink*). Start thinking and discussing what colors you may want to choose, themes, or vibes that resonate with you both for your big day.
Once you have some ideas, consider signing up for a Pinterest Account to create an online inspiration board and start pinning ideas for your big day. Create a private board for ideas you don’t want your fiancé to see…like the dress of your dreams! This board will also help your wedding planner and other vendors understand and execute your vision.
9. Start Looking at Dates
Once you get engaged, it’s important to start looking at possible dates for when you want to have your wedding, especially if you are planning a shorter engagement. Think about the time of year, specific months (if you have a preference), and if any dates are special to you to consider. Once you decide on your date, you can progress with the rest of the planning.
10. Build a Wedding Website
At the very least, look at your options and decide whether you’d prefer to create your own from scratch or use one of the many wedding website templates out there. Check out the pros and cons, and then pick together. Not sure where to start? Check out our blog, Wedding Websites 101: Creating, Benefits, and What to Include.
11. Talk Numbers
The budget guides every decision you make in the planning process. Before doing anything, figure out a rough guest list and budget. Then, you can make decisions on your venue and vendors. Talking about the budget early is crucial because if you go in blindly and start booking things without setting a budget, things can get out of hand quickly. Talk honestly with your spouse about how much you are willing to spend on your big day, and keep track of everything. Keeping a budget spreadsheet is a great way to keep track of everything, and it just so happens that we have the perfect one for you to use! Click here to download the Happily Connected Wedding Budget Spreadsheet.
12. Think About the Wedding Party
Decide who you want to stand by your side on your big day. Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other wedding party members, and ask them to be a part of your special day.
13. Hire a Wedding Planner
Wedding Planners are worth their weight in gold! We recommend hiring a planner before any other vendor, including choosing your venue. Often, planners wish they could turn back time and show new clients a venue that would have been a much better fit for them.
14. Find a Wedding Venue
Securing your venue early is essential, especially for popular months like May, June, September, and October when bookings fill up fast. Look for a venue that aligns with your vision, whether it’s a black-tie ballroom or a modern minimalist space, while also fitting within your budget. Consider options beyond the traditional banquet hall to find the perfect setting for your special day.
15. Start Booking In-Demand Vendors
Prioritize booking key vendors such as the venue, photographer, caterer, and entertainment. These professionals are often in high demand and book quickly, especially for popular dates. Begin your search early by researching and reaching out to potential vendors. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and schedule meetings to discuss your needs. Aim to secure these essential vendors shortly after finalizing your venue and date to ensure a smooth planning process.
16. Stay organized
When planning a wedding, many pieces need to fit together. A comprehensive checklist will help you stay on track. Click here to download the Happily Connected Wedding Planning Checklist.
17. Attend Bridal Shows
One of the best ways to get excited is by visiting wedding shows in your area. It offers you the opportunity to meet vendors, get some ideas, and see what’s out there so you can get inspired and start making decisions. Happily Connected is hosting its 2025 Wedding Showcase on February 23, 2025, at Treemont Mansion. Click here for details and to purchase tickets.
18. Enjoy the Engagement
Amidst all the planning, don’t forget to enjoy being engaged! Take time to savor this special time in your relationship and celebrate your love for each other.
Congratulations again on your engagement! We would love to hear about the proposal and your love story! Please leave a comment below!