Engaged? Here’s What to Do Next: The Ultimate Just-Got-Engaged Checklist

So, you just got engaged—cue the champagne pop and the social media flood of “OMG!” comments. First things first: congratulations! This is one of the most exciting milestones in your life, and it’s totally normal to ride the high for a bit before diving into Logistics.

But after the ring selfies and celebration dinners, many couples hit the same moment: “Now what?”

Whether you’re planning a wedding in six months or two years, the early stages can feel like information overload. Should you book a venue or hire a planner first? Do you need to know your colors already? Is it too early to shop for a dress?

This blog breaks it all down for you. Think of it as your no-fluff, just-helpful guide to what to do after getting engaged—in the right order—so you can enjoy the process instead of feeling buried by it

Before you open Pinterest or create a spreadsheet, pause. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Whether it’s just the two of you or a dinner with close family and friends, take time to celebrate before shifting into planning mode.

This also gives you space to start envisioning your why behind the wedding—not just the how.

This might not be the most romantic task, but it’s essential. Your budget is the foundation for every other decision—from your guest list size to your venue, vendors, and even the day of the week you get married.

Questions to answer:

• Will anyone be contributing financially (e.g., parents, grandparents)?
• What’s your combined total max spend?
• What are your top priorities? (Venue? Photography? Food?)

Pro tip: Use a percentage-based budget breakdown to get started (e.g., 40% venue/catering, 15% photography, etc.).

Your ideal wedding date might shift based on your must-have guests’ availability or venue options. Start by ballparking your guest count and overall wedding vibe (e.g., garden party, black-tie, destination, etc.).

Knowing your guest count will help:

• Narrow venue options
• Estimate per-person costs
• Avoid emotional guest list drama later on

If you’re even considering a planner, this is the time to reach out. Full-service planners often book out a year in advance, and they can help you navigate venue selection, vendor contracts, and timeline building with way less stress.

Not in the budget for a full planner? Look into partial planning or a month-of coordinator to keep things smooth on the day-of.

Venues set the tone, drive your style, and dictate your vendor availability. Most book out 12–18 months ahead, especially popular spots during peak season.

Tips:

• Tour 3–5 venues max to avoid overwhelm
• Ask about what’s included (tables, chairs, catering?)
• Have a few date options ready before committing

Once your venue is booked, congrats! You now have a date—and a wedding timeline starts to take shape.

Your “core four” are the vendors who typically get booked first:

1. Photographer/videographer
2. Planner or coordinator (if not already done)
3. Caterer (if not included with venue)
4. Entertainment (DJ, band, etc.)

These pros often only take 1 event per day or weekend, so secure them early—ideally within 1–3 months of booking your venue.

Once you’ve got a date and a venue, you’re ready to start shopping for your wedding dress, suit, or outfit.

Keep in mind:

• Wedding dresses can take 6–9 months to arrive
• Alterations add extra time (and budget)
• It helps to know your venue and season to match the style

This is also a great time to look at outfits for the wedding party and get inspiration flowing.

Once you’ve nailed down your date and venue, create your wedding website with:

• Key info (date, location, hotels)
• Your story + engagement photos
• Your registry link

Many guests will start asking, “Where are you registered?” before you even send Save the Dates, so having a small curated registry up early is helpful.

Traditionally, Save the Dates go out:

• 6–8 months before the wedding (for local weddings)
  
• 9–12 months ahead for destination weddings

Don’t worry if you’re not ready for this step yet—your timeline might differ depending on when you got engaged.

An engagement session is a great way to:

• Get comfortable in front of the camera
• Build a connection with your photographer
• Use the photos for Save the Dates, website, or social media

Book your session 2–3 months before you need the images delivered.

Once the big decisions are locked in, it’s time to get strategic. Break down your tasks month-by-month so nothing sneaks up on you.

Use a wedding planning checklist (or hire a planner) to:

• Keep track of appointments
• Check off payments
• Plan fittings, tastings, rehearsal dinner, etc.

This also helps avoid the “last-minute scramble” that many couples fall into at the 6-week mark.

It’s not the glamorous part—but you’ll need to:

• Check your state’s marriage license requirements
• Decide if you’ll be changing your name
• Make sure your officiant is legally certified

You can usually apply for a marriage license 30–90 days before the big day, depending
on your location.

Wedding planning shouldn’t take over your entire life. Remember to:

• Schedule planning-free date nights
• Delegate tasks to your partner and wedding party
• Take breaks when needed

Burnout is real, and it’s okay to pause, breathe, and re-center.

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Great

If your head is spinning after reading this, take a deep breath. You don’t have to do everything all at once. The truth is, no couple has it all figured out at the beginning. Planning a wedding is a journey, and the most important thing is that you do it in a way that feels good for you.

So yes, go ahead and celebrate. And then come back to this checklist any time you feel lost in the scroll or unsure where to go next.
Because now you know what to do first—and next—and beyond.

Feeling excited… and a little overwhelmed?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book a complimentary 30-minute planning session, and we’ll help you turn this checklist into a clear, stress-free plan tailored to your vision, timeline, and budget.

Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Call