He popped the question and you said YES! You’re engaged! Before your mind starts running through a million different directions, here are a few things to do before…Pop a bottle of champagne!! You just got engaged and it’s SUCH an exciting day that you’ve been dreaming about forever! Between celebrations and planning the next steps are incredible, but can also seem overwhelming! You may not even know what to do next! Don’t worry, I’m sharing some of the most important things to do after saying yes!
1.Celebrate
First things first, CELEBRATE! Soak in this time. Whether it’s just the two of you or you celebrate with your family and friends, enjoy every single moment! This is such a special moment in your life and for those around you!
2. Call family and friends
They’re probably patiently waiting for the phone to ring… call your parents, grandparents, brother, sister and BFFs!! All of those important people in your life, call them and share the exciting news! Send a ring selfie to your co-worker or cousin! Make sure you let all of your favorite people know so they find out from you directly, and not your Instagram post. They want to celebrate that you’re engaged first!
3. Get that ring insured
Now that you’ve celebrated your engagement, it’s time to get down to step number one in the wedding planning process…#adulting. Be sure to get your ring insured right away. You usually can add to your renters or homeowners’ insurance easily and it’s usually pretty inexpensive! This could end up saving you TONS in the long run.
4. Set a realistic budget (and stick to it!)
One of the least exciting but most important steps in wedding planning is setting a budget. And then sticking to it! Have a conversation with your partner, parents, or whoever will be involved. Get an idea of costs and make a spreadsheet with the estimated expenses. Pick out your MUST haves and create a budget that will work for you and those items. And then stay within this budget!
5. Pick your wedding date
Maybe you have a special date in mind for the big day, maybe you just know you want a summer wedding! Whatever it is, pick out a date, or two! Check in with your families and friends to make sure there aren’t any conflicts.
6. Find your dream venue
Now that you have a date in mind and an estimated guest count – it’s time to find the perfect venue! Let’s be honest though, there are SO many to look through! To make the decision process easier, figure out your venue budget, style and location! I think these three will play a huge role in your decision making process. Make sure you do all of the research you can and ask LOTS of questions before signing any contracts.
At the end of the day, make sure when you can envision yourself having your perfect wedding there!
7. Find your photographer
One of the most fun steps in the wedding planning process is finding who is going to join you on your AMAZING celebration to capture all of those special moments! This is a huge step for most couples and one of the most exciting decisions! My advice is that you find exactly the photographer you’re looking for when it comes to style & personality! Your photographer will play a HUGE role on your wedding day and you want to make sure it’s someone you’re going to love having along side you!
8. Select your bridal party
Maid of honor and best man? How many groomsmen and bridesmaids? Can there be an uneven number?! Determine which of your BFF’s you want standing next to you and those you can’t imagine saying “I do” without and count them in. Now it’s your turn to pop the question!
9. Put together your guest list to determine numbers
Determining your guest list can be a huge factor in picking out your venue! Whether you’re doing a small intimate wedding and only want close family and friends, or a huge wedding with all of your family, friends, neighbors, etc. Make a list and find that number!!
10. Don’t forget the big picture
While I’m sure there will be a lot of ups and downs while you’re planning the big day, don’t forget that it’s not ALL about the beautiful florals you’re going to pick or the linen for the tables. You’re engaged and are marrying your best friend and the love of your life! You’re planning this day to celebrate your love, don’t ever lose sight of that!
