I Just Got Engaged... Now What? The First 5 Things to Do After Getting Engaged

With the joyous echoes of "yes" still lingering in the air, the reality of your engagement begins to settle in. You're about to embark on a journey, not just with your partner, but into planning a wedding.

You may find yourself asking, "I just got engaged, now what?"

It's an exciting, albeit slightly overwhelming, time after getting engaged; some of these tips from our Ultimate Wedding Planner checklist might help to bring some order into the process!

This blog will guide you through the initial wedding planning process, helping you set the ideal timeline, choose the perfect wedding dress, and even select your wedding venue. We'll share valuable insights and tips to help you plan your dream wedding. So, take some time, breathe, and let us help you transform the whirlwind of excitement that comes with your engagement into a beautiful trajectory towards your wedding day.

Table of Contents

1) Embracing the "Engaged" Status: The #1 Thing To Do After You Get Engaged

It's a whirlwind of emotions... the moment you say "yes" marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. We understand that the steps after getting engaged may feel a bit overwhelming, like gearing up for a marathon without proper training. However, the journey to your dream wedding can be smoother with thoughtful wedding planning. Before diving into the details, take a moment to share the joy of your engagement with your partner and family! This is an exciting day!

Our team has found that one of the first and most delightful things to do after getting engaged is to involve your loved ones in the excitement. It's not just about planning; it's about celebrating together. Have an engagement party. Visit your family and friends to share the news. Explore themes, colours, and potential wedding venues as a group. Like artists drawing inspiration before starting a masterpiece, gather ideas from each other and wedding websites to create a vision for your special day.

While wedding planning involves various aspects, we've noticed that an essential one is recognizing the potential changes in family dynamics. Discussing your engagement with your family may bring shifts in relationships, and it's crucial to be open to these changes. Take time to share your excitement and involve your family in the process. This is not just about your wedding day; it's about the journey leading up to it.

Lastly, as you explore this exciting phase of wedding planning, choosing your wedding party can be a thrilling step after getting engaged. It's like casting for a play, where each person plays a crucial role. Choose the right individuals for these important roles. Begin thinking about how you want to ask them to be part of your special day—it could be over a simple dinner or an elaborate surprise; the choice is yours. Remember, these are the people who will stand by you throughout the wedding planning process and at the alter, so choose wisely and cherish the joy of creating this chapter with your loved ones!

2) Choosing a Date: The First Big Step in Your Wedding Planning Process

Deciding on a date for your wedding is the first significant step in the wedding planning process after getting engaged. It sets the tone and gives you a concrete timeline to work with. Take some time with your partner to discuss your schedules, personal preferences, and any significant dates or seasons you both love. This decision will shape the rest of your planning, dictating when you need to book your venue, find your dream wedding dress, hire your wedding photographer, and send out your save-the-dates. All these need to be coordinated in sync with your chosen wedding date.

Choosing a date isn't just about picking a day on the calendar. It's also about considering the practical aspects of the wedding. These include the availability of your preferred venue, the potential weather conditions, and the convenience of your guests.

We found that it's helpful to have a few potential dates in mind. This gives you flexibility when booking venues and vendors. You'll often find that popular venues and vendors get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Having a range of dates to work with can help ensure you get your first choice for these important aspects of your wedding.

Choosing a wedding date is a delicate balance between your dream wedding and the reality of what is available and affordable within your wedding budget. But remember, this is just the start of the wedding planning process. There's plenty of time to adjust and fine-tune things after you've taken this first big step. Just remember to enjoy the journey. You're planning a celebration of love with your partner, and that in itself is something truly special.

3) Establishing Your Wedding Budget: Balancing Dreams and Reality

Setting a budget for your wedding can be both an exciting and daunting process. It's like planning a vacation to a dream destination - you're thrilled about the prospect, but the reality of the expense can quickly dampen the initial excitement. Our experience in navigating this challenging process has shown that it's crucial to strike a balance between your dream wedding and your financial capacity. For instance, imagine planning a home renovation. You might have grand ideas about installing a marble countertop or a state-of-the-art sound system, but you'll need to consider your budget and prioritize accordingly.

It's essential to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about your financial resources and limitations. Not unlike when you're deciding whether to splurge on a high-end appliance or save with a budget-friendly option, you'll need to weigh your desires against your means. After getting engaged, your initial instinct might be to jump into wedding planning, but it's crucial to take a step back and assess your finances first. This will enable you to establish a realistic budget that won't lead to stress or unnecessary debt.

Setting a wedding budget also helps narrow down your wedding choices, making the planning process more manageable. Picture the confusing task of selecting a paint colour for your living room when you have an endless palette of options. It's overwhelming, isn't it? But once you narrow down your choices based on your existing furniture and décor, the task becomes less daunting. Similarly, once you've set your wedding budget, you'll have a clearer picture of your options, be it venues, wedding dresses, or caterers.

Lastly, remember that the budget should not only cover the wedding itself but also the events leading up to it and after, like the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and honeymoon. It's like budgeting for a trip—you're not just considering the cost of the hotel and flight, but also meals, attractions, and souvenirs. So, when setting your wedding budget, keep these additional costs in mind. Ultimately, the goal is to have a memorable celebration without breaking the bank.

4) Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue: Turn Your Wedding Inspiration into Reality

After getting engaged, it's natural to jump into total wedding planning mode with both feet. But take some time to bask in the excitement of your engagement and the promise of your dream wedding. Our team discovered, after speaking with dozens of brides, that one of the first and most pivotal steps in the wedding planning process is finding the perfect venue. The venue sets the tone for the entire event—it's the canvas upon which all other elements of your wedding will be painted.

The search for the perfect venue should go hand in hand with your wedding inspiration. Whether you're dreaming of a lush garden ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or a quaint beach-side affair, your venue should align with your vision. It's also important to consider the logistics of your guest list and bridal party when selecting a venue. A venue that's too small can make your wedding feel cramped, while a venue that's too large can make it seem impersonal.

Whatever type of venue you decide on, it is important that you start the venue hunt early. Ideal venues, particularly those in high demand, often require booking at least a year in advance. This also allows ample time for coordinating with your wedding photographer, caterer, and other vendors.

Open communication with your partner is key in this step of the process. Your venue should be a place that resonates with both of you. After all, your wedding is a celebration of your love and the beginning of your journey as partners in life. Take this step together, and let the venue you choose be a testament to your mutual tastes, dreams, and aspirations.

5) Find Your Dream Wedding Dress Without The Stress Or Settling For What's "Left Over"

After getting engaged and initiating the wedding planning process, the hunt for your dream wedding dress commences. Our team of consultants discovered through working with numerous brides that this is often a thrilling, yet slightly overwhelming task. It's almost like searching for a needle in a haystack, where the haystack is the vast world of bridal fashion and the needle, your perfect wedding dress and when you find it you will know!

While the experience is unique to every bride, it is recommended to start this quest sooner rather than later, allowing ample time to find the perfect dress, have it made and alterations. Wedding dresses at most bridal shops take 8-10 months to come in after being ordered and then an additional 1-2 months for alterations, especially during busy season. If you leave this step too late you will either have to settle for a dress that isn't your dream dress or buy a sample wedding dress "off the rack". There is good news though where you don't have to settle for a dress you don't love... Bergamot Bridal has the fastest made to order delivery times in Ontario at 4-6 months. Meaning you can get your dream dress without the worry or stress of whether it will be delivered in time and still have time for alterations to get the perfect fit.

Based on our firsthand experience, finding the ideal wedding dress involves more than just choosing a design you love. It's about considering your wedding theme, venue, and your personal style. It's like choosing an outfit for that first date - how does it make you feel, does it go with the theme and venue of your wedding, does it fit your budget and will heads turn when you walk through the door.

Our team discovered that taking some time to search wedding inspiration online or in bridal magazines can be incredibly helpful before diving into the actual shopping. It's similar to browsing through Pinterest and putting together an inspiration board of styles you think you would like to try on. This research will not only give you a sense of the styles you're drawn to but also provide a realistic idea about wedding dress prices.

Jumping into wedding planning and dress shopping after getting engaged can seem daunting and stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Remember, this is a joyous journey you're embarking on with your partner, so take some time to enjoy each step. The more time you give yourself during this step means the more relaxed and fun you will have during the dress hunt... and the more likely you are to find your dream wedding dress that perfectly encapsulates your personality and love story.

BONUS: Wedding Planners: Opting for Free Wedding Resources

We have seen time and time again that the excitement that follows the 'yes' often propels couples into wedding planning at an exhilarating speed. Many believe that hiring a wedding planner should be the first step in this journey. If you have the budget available and want the help, a professional wedding planner is great idea. However, contrary to popular belief that spending money on a wedding planner might not be necessary after all. There are ample free and paid resources available that can efficiently guide you through the planning process, like our Free Downloadable Wedding Planner.

Wedding planners undoubtedly bring a lot of benefits to the table, with their vast experience and industry contacts. However, when we put this to the test, we found that with a little effort and creativity, couples can navigate wedding planning on their own. Today, the internet is brimming with wedding inspiration, DIY guides, and detailed timelines that can help you plan your dream wedding. From deciding on your wedding dress to finalizing your guest list, every aspect of your wedding can be planned meticulously with the help of these resources.

Furthermore, involving your wedding party in the planning process can also make things easier. They can help with tasks such as scouting for your wedding photographer, searching for wedding inspiration or making wedding favours. This not only lightens your load but also makes your loved ones feel more involved in your special day. Additionally, our consultants discovered that this can add a personal touch to your wedding, making it even more memorable.

Thus, while professional wedding planners can be useful, they aren't a necessity. With the correct resources and a little help from your loved ones, you can embark on your wedding planning journey without burning a hole in your pocket.

Conclusion

In conclusion, diving head-first into your wedding planning process after getting engaged is an exciting, albeit slightly overwhelming journey. Drawing from our experience in helping countless brides achieve their dream wedding, we understand that the journey from your engagement to walking down the aisle is unique to each couple. Take some time with your fiancé to envision your dream wedding, and remember, every detail counts, especially your wedding dress. As you embark on this new chapter with your partner, let Bergamot Bridal be part of your story. Whether you have your wedding dress sketched in your mind or you're still exploring styles, our team is here to make your vision come to life. Book a fitting appointment at our London bridal shop or browse dresses in our online store for an array of exquisite dresses tailored to your taste. Start your wedding planning journey with Bergamot Bridal and let us help you make your dream wedding a reality.