The First 3 Things You Should Do After Getting Engaged

You’ve said yes. The champagne has been popped, your phone is flooded with well wishes, and you keep catching yourself staring at your hand. It’s one of the most exciting, joy-filled seasons of your life — but once the initial celebration settles, you might find yourself wondering what to do next.

As a wedding planner who’s guided countless couples through this process, I’m here to tell you: those first few steps matter. They set the foundation for everything that follows. If you’re newly engaged and unsure where to begin, start here.

1. Protect What Matters

First things first: take a breath and enjoy the moment. There’s no rule that says you need to dive into planning immediately. Spend a few days simply soaking it in with your fiancé, your families, and your closest friends.

Once you’ve had time to celebrate, it’s time to protect one of your most sentimental investments — your engagement ring. Insuring your ring isn’t the most glamorous part of getting engaged, but it’s one of the smartest.

Reach out to your insurance provider to see if your existing homeowners or renters policy can add a rider for the ring, or consider a standalone jewelry insurance provider. You’ll likely need an appraisal from your jeweler, so schedule that as soon as possible if it wasn’t included at purchase.

This is also a beautiful time to document the season. Whether it’s professional engagement photos or casual snapshots at home, capturing this chapter together before the wedding whirlwind begins is something you’ll be grateful for down the road.

2. Have the Conversation That Will Shape Your Entire Wedding

Before you fall in love with a venue or start pinning floral installations, you and your fiancé need to sit down and have an honest, practical conversation about what you both envision for your wedding day — and what you’re prepared to invest to make it happen.

Start with your guest list. The number of people you hope to invite will drive nearly every decision you make, from venue selection to catering, rentals, and entertainment. I always advise couples to draft a preliminary list together, then have those initial discussions with any family members contributing financially or hoping to weigh in.

From there, establish your financial framework. Determine how much you’re comfortable spending overall and who, if anyone, will be contributing. This doesn’t need to be an exact figure down to the last detail, but having a clear budget range will allow you to make informed decisions as you move forward.

Lastly, discuss your priorities. Is it a coastal tented affair in the summer? An intimate estate gathering surrounded by autumn foliage? A weekend-long celebration with your closest people? Getting on the same page about what matters most to you both — whether it’s an unforgettable culinary experience, incredible music, or a breathtaking setting — will help focus your planning and guide the vendors you hire.

3. Secure the Support That Will Shape Your Experience

One of the biggest misconceptions I see from couples is believing they need to have every detail figured out before reaching out to a planner or venue. In reality, these should be some of your very first conversations.

If you’re considering working with a planner — whether for full service, design consulting, or month-of coordination — this should be one of your very first steps. An experienced planner will help you define your vision, clarify your priorities, and establish a realistic budget before any major decisions are made. From there, they’ll curate a tailored list of venues and vendors that align with your guest count, aesthetic, and overall experience, saving you valuable time and energy. Many reputable planners book a limited number of weddings each season to ensure their clients receive dedicated attention, so it’s important to begin this conversation early in your engagement.

Pro tip: Create a dedicated email address for all your wedding-related correspondence. It will keep your contracts, quotes, and vendor communication organized and make it easier to manage as your inbox fills with RSVPs, design boards, and timelines in the months ahead.

In Closing

Getting engaged is one of life’s most extraordinary chapters, and the decisions you make in these early weeks shape the months ahead. Focus on protecting your ring, defining your vision and budget, and assembling a trusted team of professionals who can bring that vision to life.

If you’re newly engaged and looking for guidance, I’d be honored to hear about your plans. This season should feel effortless, intentional, and deeply personal — and with the right foundation, it absolutely can be.

Photos captured by: Zhaun Frias Photography

Jewlery: Baxter's Fine Jewelry