First of all—congratulations! You said yes, you’re probably staring at your left hand a little more than usual, and your phone is blowing up with heart emojis and champagne GIFs. It’s an exciting, surreal, joy-filled blur.
But once the initial buzz starts to settle, you might be wondering… now what?
Here are the first things to do as a newly engaged couple to kick off your wedding planning on the right foot:
1. Soak it all in
Before you dive into Pinterest boards and venue tours, take a moment (or a week!) to just enjoy being engaged. Celebrate with your closest people. Go out for dinner, pop some bubbly, or have a cosy night in. This is your moment—don’t rush it.
2. Talk about your vision
Sit down together and chat about what you both want. Big or small? City or country? Formal or relaxed? Traditional or totally out of the box? Don’t worry about specifics—this is about setting the tone and identifying what feels true to you as a couple.
3. Set your priorities (and your budget)
Is it all about the food? The perfect dress? A live band? Agree on your top 3 non-negotiables—and then look at what you can realistically spend. Your budget will help guide every decision, so this step is key.
4. Build your guest list
It doesn’t need to be final, but sketch out a rough guest count. This number will shape your venue options, catering, and overall vibe. A 40-person dinner party hits differently than a 200-person dancefloor wedding.
5. Choose a season (and a rough date)
Think about the time of year you love most—or that works best around family schedules, holidays, or even work commitments. You don’t need to lock in a date just yet, but having a preferred month or season will help when reaching out to venues and vendors.
6. Start researching venues
Now the fun really begins! Browse Instagram, check out wedding directories, and schedule a few tours. Once you find “the one” (venue, not partner—you’ve already nailed that!), you can officially set your date.
7. Consider hiring a planner
If the idea of pulling all the strings yourself feels overwhelming, bring in a pro! Wedding planners can help you stay sane, save time, and often even save money with vendor connections and insider knowledge.
8. Get inspired—but don’t compare
Yes, Pinterest and Instagram are amazing tools. But remember: your wedding is about you two. It doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Focus on what makes you feel happy, comfortable, and totally in love with your day.
9. Celebrate again (just because)
Once you’ve made a few decisions, treat yourselves again. You’re planning a wedding—but you’re also starting a new chapter. Take time to enjoy each other, dream together, and keep the joy front and centre.
Final Thought:
You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. Wedding planning is a journey—one with highs, surprises, and a few decision-making headaches. But if you lead with love and stay true to what matters most to you both, it’s going to be magic.
