What to do as soon as you get engaged – 10 steps to enjoying your engagement

You’re engaged, congratulations! Whether the proposal was a complete surprise or long-awaited, this moment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Between the happy tears, celebratory texts, and ring selfies, it can be hard to know what actually comes next.

As a luxury UK Wedding Planner, I’ve seen first-hand how the steps you take right after getting engaged can set the tone for a smooth, joyful planning experience. Here are the ten things I recommend doing immediately after you say “yes.”

Take a moment to soak it all in

Before diving into planning, pause! Celebrate privately with your partner. This chapter is about you two, your story, your love, and the life you’re building together.

Share the news (your way)

Call your closest family and friends before posting on social media. There’s something special about hearing the excitement in someone’s voice or seeing the ring on a surprise video call.

Get your ring insured

Once the ring is on your finger, make sure to protect it. Wedding ring insurance is quick to arrange and gives you peace of mind from day one.

Start dreaming (not booking)

Create a shared vision before making decisions. Talk together about your overall wedding vision, whether it feels formal or relaxed, destination or local, along with a rough guest count and the season or ideal date you’re drawn to. Pinterest boards and saved Instagram posts are perfect tools at this stage to explore ideas and align your styles, without the pressure of making any final decisions just yet.

Set a realistic budget

This isn’t the most glamorous step, but it’s one of the most important. Discuss who’s contributing financially and what feels comfortable. A clear budget will guide every decision that follows.

Consider hiring a Wedding Planner

The earlier you bring in a Planner, the more value you’ll get. From budget guidance to supplier recommendations, to venue selection and schedule planning, this step can save you time, stress, and keep you on track throughout the planning process.

Draft a preliminary guest list

Don’t worry, you don’t need final numbers just yet, but a rough estimate will help you determine venue options and overall costs. Even a ballpark count is incredibly helpful early on as it can eliminate venues that are too big or too small for your celebration.

Check your calendars

Look ahead at the next 12–18 months for major conflicts (i.e. family events, travel, work commitments – even research key dates for sports events like the World Cup!) This helps narrow down potential dates before you fall in love with a venue.

Enjoy being engaged

This is a short, special time so remember to say yes to engagement dinners or a party, pop a bottle of champagne, take photos, and let people celebrate you.

Remember there’s no rush

There’s no “right” timeline and no rulebook you have to follow. Your wedding should reflect you, not expectations or pressure. Take things one step at a time.

Getting engaged marks the beginning of something truly beautiful, and your wedding planning experience should feel just as joyful and meaningful. If you’re seeking expert guidance, calm support, and a seamless way to bring your vision to life, I would be honoured to help. Get in touch today to learn more about my bespoke, signature planning services.