You're Engaged! Now What?
Whether you recently popped the question or the love of your life just got down on one knee, this is a huge life milestone! Your heart is probably still racing, and you've already started dreaming up the perfect ceremony and reception ideas — but what do you do right after you get engaged?
Congratulations, You're Getting Married!
You're embarking on the next exciting chapter of your life. While it's tempting to get overwhelmed by all the joy and planning, don't forget the most important part — that you and your partner have chosen to spend the rest of your lives together in love and support.
Wedding cake and decadent honeymoons are undoubtedly fun and memorable, but the true excitement comes from what your future holds together.
Celebrate and Enjoy the Moment
You just got engaged. Now what? First thing's first — slow down, take a breath and reflect on what's happening. You're getting married! Give this news plenty of time to sink in before you jump into wedding planner mode. This is a moment you and your significant other will look back on for the rest of your lives, so spend time celebrating privately before sharing your big news.
Commemorate the occasion by taking some photos together and doing something you love, like sharing your favorite food or going for a walk. Once you've finished processing, consider writing a short journal entry describing how the engagement happened and what you're currently feeling — it will be a special gift to look back on later in life.
Call Your Loved Ones
One of the most exciting things to do after getting engaged is letting your loved ones share in the moment. Whether your list of loved ones includes parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents or all your close friends from your favorite group chat, now's the time to get vocal.
Depending on the person, a quick phone call might be the best way to tell them your big news. Others might appreciate a video call or in-person visit.
Get Your Ring Sized
One of the first things to do when you get engaged — and one of the most important — is to get your engagement ring resized if it's too big or small. The sooner you send it off for proper fitting, the sooner you can wear it and show it off. Plus, loose rings are easily lost.
While you're at the jeweler, consider investing in insurance for your engagement ring if you haven't already. Insurance might cover things like missing gemstones, age-related discoloration, loss or theft, depending on your policy and the ring's monetary value. Ask your jeweler if they can recommend a quality jewelry cleaner for your engagement ring, as removing buildup regularly is the best way to preserve its appearance and keep it shining.
One more thing — if you're an active person or plan to do some swimming in the waves on your honeymoon, pick up an affordable silicone ring alternative while you're out. These rings are flexible, soft and easily replaced if broken or lost. This way, you can showcase your engagement without worrying about losing your new jewelry.
Brainstorm a Timeline
After a few days have passed, you're probably itching to get started with wedding preparation. If you're not sure what to do after you get engaged, consider the type of celebration you want to have. More extravagant ceremonies will likely take longer to organize, while elopements and small ceremonies are typically easier and quicker to arrange.
Your engagement should last as long as you and your significant other are comfortable with. There's no rush, and long engagements give you plenty of flexibility in your wedding schedule. Short engagements are a great way to jump-start the next part of your life and may be the best option for some circumstances.
Once you've set your wedding date, create a planning timeline and pair it with a list of all the essential things you'll need to take care of before the big day. Many parts of wedding planning require months of prior notice to schedule your event — sometimes even years if you're using an in-demand venue.
Your timeline should also include your honeymoon duration and important milestones along the way, like a bridal shower, engagement party, wedding cake tasting, dress or tux fittings and more.
Be mindful of planning too much — a well-organized event is an excellent way to minimize pre-wedding stress, but don't forget to take regular planning breaks to spend time together and celebrate your engagement for what it is.
Look for Inspiration
With wedding bells on the mind, you'll start noticing wedding inspiration everywhere. Consider planning your wedding around things like:
The season, like holiday-themed decorations or outdoor autumnal ceremonies
A specific theme, like black-tie formal or backyard casual
The venue, such as a destination wedding
Jot down inspiration as it comes to you and communicate with your significant other to create the perfect day incorporating all of your favorite ideas. A wedding planner can also help you create a cohesive idea for your event if you're struggling with ideas or execution.
Start Planning the Big Day
If you're not using a professional wedding planner, it's up to you to take care of the details. While this process is a lot of fun, it's also a lot of decision-making that takes some time to organize. Keep a binder, notebook or digital file with all your planning details listed, including contact information, important dates and notable names.
Here's what to do after you get engaged:
Reserve the date at your chosen venue
Book an officiant
Find music and entertainment
Choose your catering company and meal plan
Choose your bridal party
Choose and try on dresses and formalwear
Send invitations and RSVP notices
Reserve your honeymoon stay and transportation plans
Choose the perfect wedding photographer and videographer to document your special moment
You should also consider any family traditions you might want to incorporate into the event, as well as any special considerations for guests, from dietary to travel needs.
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