What to Do After Getting Engaged: 10 First Steps for Newly Engaged Brides
Just got engaged? Congratulations! Welcome to one of the most exciting seasons of your life. If you're wondering what to do first after getting engaged, you're in the right place.
First off, welcome to the wedding planning club! You’re about to learn a whole new language. And it’s the sweetest language you’ll ever be fluent in! I’m Megan, a Bismarck based wedding planner who is so excited for you. Here are 10 things to do right after getting engaged.
1. Celebrate the Moment
Before diving into wedding planning mode, take time to soak it all in. Whether that means popping champagne with your fiancé, planning a weekend getaway, or simply enjoying a quiet evening together—honor this milestone. Some couples set their wedding date immediately (guilty!), while others wait a few weeks. There's no right or wrong way to celebrate your engagement.
2. Who to Tell First After Getting Engaged
Before posting that ring pic on social media, call your inner circle. Your favorite cousin doesn't want to find out you're engaged by scrolling through Facebook. Make a quick list of must-tell people—typically immediate family and closest friends. A good rule of thumb: if you'd be hurt finding out their major news on social media, they should hear yours directly first.
3. Get Your Engagement Ring Insured
One of the first practical steps after getting engaged is protecting that beautiful ring. If it needs resizing, schedule that appointment ASAP. Then add ring insurance to your homeowners or renters policy—it's typically affordable and worth the peace of mind.
4. Plan an Engagement Party (If You Want One)
An engagement party is a perfect way to celebrate with everyone who's excited for you. It's also a great opportunity for both families to meet before the wedding if they haven't already. Go as big or intimate as feels right for you—there are no rules here.
5. Start Your Wedding Inspiration Boards
Now's the time to create those Pinterest boards and follow wedding accounts on Instagram. The algorithms will work their magic and fill your feeds with inspiration. Fair warning: it's addictive in the best way possible.
Follow us on Instagram and Pinterest for wedding planning tips!
6. Define Your Dream Wedding Vision Together
This step is crucial. Sit down with your fiancé—just the two of you, no parents yet—and talk about what you actually want. Not what Pinterest says. Not what your mom envisions. What do YOU two want?
Is it an intimate mountain elopement? A grand celebration with 400 guests? A boujee dinner party with your closest 50 people? Discuss WHY you want what you want. This creates a solid foundation before family conversations begin.
7. Create Your First Guest Count Estimate
Before you can budget or book venues, you need a ballpark guest count. This number affects everything from venue capacity to your overall budget. Don't stress about making it perfect—you'll refine it later.
8. Set Your Wedding Budget Early
Yes, money talks are awkward. Have them anyway. Sit down with your fiancé and outline estimated costs for every vendor category before booking anyone. This prevents sticker shock later.
If parents or others are contributing, discuss expectations upfront. How much are they comfortable giving? Do they have specific requests? Get everything on the table.
Pro-tip: Use a budget range (like $23,000-$25,000) instead of a hard number. Vendors raise rates, and unexpected costs happen. Give yourself wiggle room.
Pro-tip #2: Identify your top 3 priorities and your "we can skip this" items. This helps you allocate funds where they matter most.
We handle complete budget planning in our full-service packages. Reach out if you need vendor pricing guidance.
9. Book These 3 Wedding Vendors First
Once you know your date, budget, guest count, and vision, immediately book:
Your venue
Your photographer
Your wedding planner
These vendors book up fastest because they can only take one wedding per day. If they're important to you, lock them in early.
10. Schedule Engagement Photos
Engagement photos are a fun way to celebrate this season and work with your photographer before the big day. Plus, if you schedule them early enough, you can use them for save-the-dates!
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I book wedding vendors after getting engaged? Book your venue, photographer, and wedding planner or coordinator as soon as you've confirmed your date and budget—typically within 2-3 months of getting engaged for popular dates.
Do I need engagement ring insurance? Yes! Engagement ring insurance is inexpensive (usually added to homeowners/renters insurance) and protects you if your ring is lost, stolen, or damaged.
How long should I wait to start wedding planning? There's no set timeline, but most couples begin serious planning within a month of getting engaged. Take a week or two to celebrate first, then start with the basics.
Ready for stress-free wedding planning? Let us handle the details so you can actually enjoy your engagement. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Additional Wedding Planning Resources:
Download our free guide: The Most Common Wedding Mistakes Couples Make. Learn what to avoid so you can plan smarter, not harder, and create the celebration you've always dreamed of.
xo, megan vatnsdal
Behind the Scenes Events specializes in luxury wedding planning for couples who want to be guests at their own weddings. Based in Bismarck, North Dakota, planning weddings worldwide.