I Just Got Engaged? Do These 10 Things Now!!

“I just got Engaged!” Well, Congratulations! What next?

You’re engaged! Your partner just popped the question and you said YES to it. That’s wonderful but it is time to begin tackling some essential first steps. I am not talking about registering for a session with a marital counselor, or mastering the perfect vow yet, those can wait!

However, there are a few practical things that absolutely can’t wait. Don’t worry, I won’t be suggesting crazy things like dance lessons but if you’re anything like me, you’d really be needing that. To ensure your wedding planning journey is smooth sailing from the start, I’ll be outlining the top 10 things every newly engaged couple should conquer right after that magical “yes.” 

These important tasks will set you up for success as you embark on this exciting new chapter. Keep reading for the must-dos that will make your wedding planning journey smoother.

What To Do After Saying “Yes”?

1. Announce Your Engagement on Social Media

Now that your partner has popped the question and you said yes, it’s time to spread the happy news on social media! This is always the first external step. Posting about your engagement is a fun way to share your joy with friends and family. Posting on WhatsApp, Instagram or any other social channel can do you good with spreading the word faster.

Most people like to drop pictures on the internet the very minute it happens while others like to take their time. Whatever category you fall into, ensure that you post a picture of the two of you, the ring, or a shot from the proposal. Your friends and family will love seeing that special moment captured.

Keep the caption simple, something like “I said yes!” or “We’re engaged!”. Mention how you were proposed to, or how you proposed (if you want). If you planned an elaborate proposal, share some of the details in your post about how you two met and that’d be it. Your friends and family will surely ask anyway, so this saves them from having to reach out for the story. However, only share what you’re both comfortable with – it’s okay to keep some details private too.

2. Start a Wedding Planning Binder

At the stage after the engagement,  the truth is that your wedding is fast approaching,  and the excitement of your engagement would have settled in. At this stage, it’s good to get organized. The best way to keep everything in one place is by starting a wedding planning binder. 

A wedding planning binder is a physical organizer that helps couples manage the many details and tasks involved in planning their wedding. It’s essentially a portable and customizable hub for all things wedding-related.

While a physical binder is a popular choice, a Wedding Planning App or any online planning tool would offer similar organization features and can be accessed from your phone or computer anywhere and anytime, and allow you to collaborate with your partner and vendors virtually.

How to section your wedding planner?

• First, get a large binder or divider tabs. You’ll want sections for things like the guest list, budget, vendors, and a timeline. As you book appointments and sign contracts, add them to the appropriate section.
• Build a guest list in your planner. You can do this by compiling the names and addresses of everyone you want to invite. Don’t forget to also note any dietary restrictions or plus ones. Your budget section should include estimated costs for each vendor and expenses. 
• Add a section for your expenditure. This would help you decide what you spend as you go, to avoid going over budget. 
• Set aside a section for your vendors. Your vendor section is where you’ll keep all contracts, contact information, and other details for things like your venue, caterer, photographer, florist, and entertainment. 
• Create a timeline working backwards from your wedding date to schedule when tasks need to be completed. This will help ensure nothing Slips through the cracks.

3. Set a Budget

Sit down together and determine how much you can afford to spend on your big day. Be honest with each other about your financial situations- you’re in this for the long haul, so start on the right foot by being transparent about money. A good rule of thumb is to budget no more than 1/3 of the total cost of the wedding to the venue and catering.

Focus on what really matters to you both. If a lavish reception isn’t a top priority, scale back in that area and allocate more funds to the photographer, your dream honeymoon, or other things that you value most. Once you have set a total budget, it is important to determine how much you can spend on the major elements like the venue, catering, photography, attire, flowers, entertainment, and so on.

Do some research on average costs in your area for different types of weddings. Be prepared to make some compromises to stay within budget. You may need to cut back the guest list, the key is not to get carried away in the excitement of planning and overspend on things that won’t matter to you in the long run. It is important to keep your budget top of mind through the entire planning process. 

4. Pick Your Wedding Party

Choosing who will stand up with you on your wedding day is an important decision. Your wedding party should consist of your closest friends and family – the people you want by your side as you embark on this new chapter. you might want to make a list of Individuals you want to see, and those that don’t necessarily have to be present,  depending on the budget you’ve mapped out. In Africa particularly, culturally, you might have to select certain individuals who must be representative of your family and your partner’s family.

5. Select Your Maid of Honor or Best Man

Your maid of honor or best man will be your right-hand person throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day. This should be someone you trust

completely and who you know will support you fully. They’ll help plan events like your bridal shower and bachelorette party, assist you with DIY wedding projects, and make a toast at your reception. It is important to choose this wisely!

6. Ask Your Bridal Party

Once you’ve selected your maid of honor or best man, it’s good to choose the rest of your bridal party. Typically consisting of 3 to 8 people total, your bridal party should be made up of close friends and siblings who have supported your relationship.

Ask each person individually if they would be part of your special day – in person if possible. Let them know you value their friendship and would be honored to have them stand up with you. Provide some details on what will be expected of them as part of the bridal party so they know what they’re committing to.

7. Include Special Touches

To show your wedding party how much they mean to you, include some special touches to make them feel appreciated. You might give each person a heartfelt card or a handwritten note when you ask them to be at your bridal party. You can also give them small gifts like monogrammed jewelry or accessories to wear on the wedding day.

In addition, of course, be sure to toast and thank them during your reception for their love and support. Choosing the people who will stand by your side as you pledge your love and commitment to your partner is a meaningful part of wedding planning. Take your time to select a group that will celebrate this special time in your life and be there for you long after the wedding day has passed.

8. Book Venues and Vendors ASAP

The moment that ring is on your finger, get ready to start planning! Booking venues and vendors should be at the top of your to-do list. Popular spots and the best professionals often book up quickly, sometimes over a year in advance. You don’t want your dream venue or photographer snatched up from under you!

It’s important to pay attention to this part of things because pictures and video would be one of the only things you have left after the event is done and completed.  Don’t sleep on it.

Do some research on venues in your area that fit your wedding vision and budget. Once you have some favorites, schedule yours as soon as possible. When you find “the one”, book it! Put down a deposit to secure your date.

9. Hire Key Vendors

This is so important as the success of this can make or mar your day. You should start contacting vendors like photographers, caterers, florists and entertainment. Meet or chat with the ones that interest you and check their availability for your date.

Don’t feel pressured to sign contracts immediately, but keep in mind that the good ones may not stay open long. Book vendors that you have a great connection with and whose work you love.

10. Create a Payment Schedule

With venues and vendors secured, work with them to create payment schedules for deposits and balances. Keep track of all payment deadlines to avoid losing money or risking canceled contracts. If needed, you can set up automatic payments to be withdrawn from your account each month leading up to the wedding.

The excitement of a newly announced engagement often makes it hard to focus on planning. But tackling these big decisions early on will give you peace of mind that the most important parts of your day are taken care of. Once this foundation is in place, you can start enjoying all the fun details of planning your dream wedding! The rest will fall into place.

What Not To Do After Saying “Yes”

• Don’t grow anxious
• Don’t reduce communication with your spouse
• Don’t attempt to do it all by yourself.  Delegate most things
• Don’t get pressured and overwhelmed 

Conclusion

Getting engaged could be one of the most important times of your life and I get it because it feels like there’s just so much to do and plan, but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Take it step by step, be open with your partner, and remember what’s most important – celebrating your love. Focus on the fun parts like picking a venue and trying cakes. The rest will fall into place.

Getting engaged is such an exciting time, so soak it all in! This is the start of an amazing new chapter with your future spouse. Enjoy every minute and don’t stress the small stuff. With some organization and communication, you’ll be ready to walk down that aisle before you know it. For now, take a deep breath and get ready for the wedding planning adventure of a lifetime!

All images are sourced from unsplash.com