So You Just Got Engaged—Now What?!
First of all… AHH! Congratulations!!
You’re engaged! There’s probably a ring on your finger, a photo of it already on Instagram, and at least three people asking when the wedding is. (Spoiler: that won’t stop anytime soon.)
But once the initial champagne buzz wears off and you’ve called all your favorite people, you might be thinking:
“Okay, I’m engaged. Now what the heck do I actually do next?”
Totally normal. Don’t worry—I’ve got you. Whether you’re planning a big bash or something more low-key, here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do after saying “yes” and before saying “I do.”
1. Celebrate. Seriously. 🥂
You just got engaged! Don’t rush into Pinterest boards and color palettes just yet. Take a minute (or a week) to just enjoy it.
Have a little party. Stare at your ring in weird lighting. Tell the story of the proposal a dozen times (it never gets old, right?).
There’s plenty of time to plan—you don’t need to jump into spreadsheets right away.
PRO TIP: When you go out to eat, tell the host, the server and the bus boy you just got engaged. Chances are you’ll be greated with a free app, dessert, or drink. If not at least you’ll have more people checking out that rock!
2. Talk About the Vibe (Not the Napkin Colors Yet)
Before you start booking things or getting opinions from everyone, have a heart-to-heart with your partner. Ask each other:
Do we want a big wedding or something small and cozy?
Do we care more about tacos or a live band? (Just kidding... kinda.)
What season feels right?
Do we want to stay local or have a destination?
It doesn’t need to be a full-on plan. Just enough to make sure you’re on the same page before the planning madness begins.
3. Budget Talk (The Not-So-Sexy Part) 💸
I know, no one gets excited about this part. But trust me, it’ll save you so much stress later.
Figure out:
What you’re comfortable spending overall.
Who (if anyone) might be helping.
What your non-negotiables are. (Hot tip: If having killer photos is a top priority, make space in your budget for that early.)
Keep in mind you will most likely go over budget. I never heard of a wedding that stayed under budget.
4. Lock In Your Venue & Date
Your venue is like the “main character” of your wedding plan. Once you’ve got it, everything else starts falling into place.
Start touring early—especially if you’re eyeing a popular spot or specific season. And yes, you might fall in love with a place that wasn’t even on your radar. That’s part of the fun. Most popular wedding venues will book the popular weekends (think spring and fall) 2 plus years in advance.
5. Book Your Photographer (Hi, It’s Me 👋)
Real talk: photographers book up fast. If photos are important to you (like, “I want to remember this day forever” level important), start looking early. Most couples book me 16-20 months before their wedding date.
When you're shopping around, think about:
Do you like their editing style?
Do they feel like someone you could vibe with on your wedding day?
Are they going to help make things easier—or stress you out?
And if you're thinking, “I want someone who gets us, keeps things fun, and also captures the real stuff without making it awkward,” well… I might know a guy 😉
6. Engagement Photos—Yay or Nay?
Engagement sessions are totally optional, but I’m a big fan. They help you:
Get comfy in front of the camera before the big day.
Practice looking amazing without feeling super posed.
Get some sweet pics for your save-the-dates or wedding site.
Plus, we get to hang out before the wedding, which is a win-win.
7. Create a Wedding Website (Digital Home Base)
Once you have a date and location, it’s time to make a wedding website.
You don’t need to make it fancy—just functional. Include:
The basic who/what/where/when
Travel & hotel info for out-of-towners
Registry links
Your love story if you're feeling sentimental (or just want to make your guests cry)
An easy place to collect your RSVPs
8. Start Booking Other Key Vendors
After your venue and photographer are secured, start looking into the other big ones:
Planner or coordinator (especially if you don’t want to be the one handling vendor calls the day of)
Videographer
DJ or band
Hair & makeup team
Florist
Caterer (if it’s not part of your venue)
Vendors can book up a year or more in advance, so don't wait too long on the ones that matter most to you.
9. Don’t Let Pinterest Boss You Around
It’s easy to scroll through Pinterest and think your wedding has to look a certain way.
Newsflash: It doesn’t.
The best weddings? They feel like you. Don’t stress over trends and chase a wedding thats doesn’t speak to who you are. Focus on what actually matters to you and your partner. That’s the stuff people remember anyway.
10. Make Time for You Two ❤️
Wedding planning can be a lot. So don’t forget to date each other, laugh, binge-watch your shows, go on random road trips—whatever makes you, you.
This is a super special season of life. It’ll go fast. Enjoy it.
5 FREE date night ideas while planning your wedding
Final Thoughts
Getting engaged is amazing—but the wedding planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help (or hire people who make your life easier!).
And hey—if you’re looking for a laid-back, fun wedding photographer who captures the real moments without making you pose like mannequins for 12 hours straight, I’d love to chat.
Or stalk my Instagram @jaylphoto if you need more wedding inspo and behind-the-scenes.