photographer serving the virginia beach area

SHANNON ROSELIUS

Inquire 

arrow

Resources

First 5 Things To Do After Getting Engaged

December 4, 2024

Hi, I'm shannon
Hi there! Welcome to the SRP blog, a journal about life, travels, weddings and motherhood. Stay a while and say hello!
Learn more
arrow
Search

This is the moment you’ve been dreaming of—you’re engaged, and that beautiful ring is a symbol that you are GETTING MARRIED! It’s an absolutely thrilling experience, and the time right after your proposal is guaranteed to be a whirlwind of joy and excitement! With so many things to consider, loved ones to connect with, and exciting tasks to tackle, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed (but so freaking happy, too)! But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the first 5 things to do after getting engaged!

If you’re like most newly engaged couples, you’re eager to share your news and jump straight into wedding planning. From creating Pinterest boards and flipping through bridal magazines to dress shopping and venue hunting, the journey starts now! While engagements typically last from 12 to 18 months, there are essential tasks to prioritize right away, regardless of how long you plan to be engaged.

So, where do you begin? There’s no set order, but addressing the immediate to-dos will help get the ball rolling. After all, planning your wedding together is a wonderful milestone that adds an element of anticipation to the most romantic day of your lives!

Engaged couple in blue sitting on their stairs for their summer engagement photos

Here are the first 5 things to do after getting engaged:

  • Share your big news and celebrate with friends and family
  • Get a mani and show off your ring
  • Gather wedding inspiration
  • Set the date and download a wedding planning checklist
  • Consider hiring a wedding planner

Share your big news with family and friends!

A fun way for you to share that he proposed is to host an engagement party where friends and family can celebrate together. You could also create a playful social media announcement with a cute photo or video, use personalized cards to send out announcements, or even organize a surprise gathering with loved ones and reveal the news right after saying YES! So many great opportunities to share the joy with those you love most.

If you choose to go all out and schedule engagement announcement photos, don’t forget to include personal touches that have special meaning to you both, to make the photos uniquely yours. Wear THE dress, get glammed up and be prepared to smile nonstop at the rock on your finger…and the incredible person that gave it to you!

Get a manicure and show off your ring

This just had to be added to my first 5 things to do after getting engaged, because most brides forget this fun step! You should definitely treat yourself to a fabulous manicure to show off that stunning ring! Not only does a chic manicure make your diamond sparkle even more, but it also boosts your confidence and adds a fun touch to this exciting new chapter in your life. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to take some gorgeous photos where your ring can truly shine! The best and most flattering nail colors are neutrals, reds, and light pinks. They photograph best, look totally classic, and will allow the spotlight to shine on you, your new fiancé, and that gorgeous ring that says, “forever”!

Gather Wedding Inspiration

You two will definitely want to discuss the overall vision you have for your big day, gather inspiration from magazines or websites, and think about whether you want a big wedding or a more intimate gathering. Online platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are perfect for discovering trends and ideas, and don’t forget to create a mood board with your favorite pins! Attending bridal shows or wedding fairs is another exciting way to see ideas in action and meet vendors. Lastly, feel free to explore nature, travel, or mutual hobbies for unique inspiration that will bring to life your personalities!

Save your date and download a wedding planning checklist

Your wedding date, once set, will allow all the other parts to come together seamlessly. Keep in mind the location you have picked out and the weather and travel conditions for the time of year. If you have your heart set on a destination wedding (you go girl), don’t forget to take guest and personal travel into account! Nobody wants to miss your wedding because of turbulent seasonal weather!

To create a wedding planning checklist, start by breaking down the tasks into categories such as budget, venue, guest list, vendors, and timeline. List out specific tasks under each category, prioritizing them based on deadlines or importance. Trust me…everything is going to feel like a must-do right now! That’s part of being excited for your big day! It’s also helpful to assign responsibilities if you’re working with a partner or a wedding planner. Try delegating tasks to trusted family members or friends, if possible. Don’t forget to check out the free wedding planning checklist! Which leads me to…

Bride and groom share a romantic kiss during their winter engagement photos in Hampton, Virginia

Consider hiring a wedding planner

Many pros out there recommend diving into the wedding planning straight away, but hiring a wedding planner is absolutely one of the first 5 things to do after getting engaged!! There are a million great reasons to hire a wedding planner: they bring expertise in managing logistics, help keep the planning process organized, provide vendor recommendations, and can often alleviate so much stress so you can truly enjoy your wedding day! When looking for a wedding planner, consider their experience, style, communication skills, and reviews from previous brides. It’s also beneficial to ensure their vision aligns with yours and that you feel comfortable working together!

The first 5 things to do after getting engaged

To tie it all together, getting engaged is just the beginning of an exciting adventure, and this list is a great place to start. So be sure to celebrate your amazing news with those who you hold closest! By diving into essential tasks like setting a budget, crafting your guest list, and exploring stunning venues, you’ll lay a solid foundation on which you can bring to life the wedding of your dreams! Ready to dive into wedding planning full-swing with your boo? Check out Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides for great inspiration and helpful tips as you check off these first 5 things to do after getting engaged! And if you’re planning a wedding in Virginia Beach, head on over to this post to check out my top 3 Virginia Beach wedding venues!

Happy wedding planning, soon-to-be Mrs.!

xo, Shannon

Shannon Roselius Private Photo Editor

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

check out the latest on the journal

browse by category

Weddings

motherhood

Personal

resources

welome to my journal

Whether you're a bride looking for inspiration, aspiring photographer, or love pretty pictures, you're in the right place! Grab a seat, get comfy, and stay awhile.

Learn more

arrow

Search

FREE DOWNLOAD

grab the free details checklist

It's all in the details! Grab this free Detail Checklist to make planning your intimate wedding a breeze!

DOWNLOAD