First off—congratulations! Whether the proposal was a complete surprise or something you saw coming, you’re officially engaged and entering one of the most exciting seasons of your life. But once the champagne bubbles settle and you’ve taken a thousand ring selfies, reality sets in… Now what?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting started on your wedding planning journey without feeling completely overwhelmed.

1. Take a Moment to Soak It In

Before diving into the planning chaos, take some time to just enjoy being engaged. This is a special chapter in your relationship that deserves to be savored. Tell your family and close friends, go out for a celebratory dinner, and bask in the glow of this huge milestone.

Pro tip: Start a shared engagement journal or scrapbook (physical or digital) to capture your memories along the way.

2. Talk Big Picture with Your Partner

Before you call venues or start dress shopping, sit down together and talk about what kind of wedding you both envision. Some questions to consider:

• Do you want a big celebration or a small, intimate gathering?
• What season or time of year do you love?
• Do you want a religious ceremony, a destination wedding, or something non-traditional?
• What’s your budget comfort zone?

Getting on the same page early will save you so much stress later.

3. Set a Budget

Ah yes, the not-so-fun part (but incredibly important). Determine how much you’re willing—and able—to spend, and if anyone else (like parents) plans to contribute. This will help guide every other decision, from venue to guest list to vendors.

💡 Need help? Try WeddingWire’s Free Budget Planning Tool.

4. Draft a Guest List

You don’t need to finalize every name just yet, but having a rough estimate of guest count is essential for choosing a venue and figuring out your budget. A backyard wedding for 30 people is very different from a 200-guest ballroom bash!

5. Choose a Date (or at least Narrow It Down)

You don’t need to lock in the exact date just yet, but choosing a general timeframe—like Fall 2025 or a specific month—will help you move forward with other planning tasks, especially booking your venue.

6. Research (and Tour) Venues

Your venue sets the tone for your wedding and often determines your date availability. Once you have a budget, guest count, and timeframe, you can start reaching out to venues for pricing and availability.

7. Start Assembling Your Dream Team

Vendors like photographers, caterers, and planners often book up quickly, especially for popular dates. Once your venue is booked, consider hiring:

• Wedding planner or coordinator
• Photographer/videographer
• Caterer
• Florist
• DJ or live band

Don’t forget to check reviews and ask for referrals. A great team makes all the difference!

8. Announce the News (Your Way)

You don’t have to throw an engagement party or send formal announcements, but if you’re excited to celebrate, go for it! Other fun ideas:

• Create a custom “We’re Engaged” graphic using fonts and templates from Creative Fabrica
• Order custom engagement party invites or save the dates from Zazzle
• Start a wedding website to keep guests in the loop

9. Begin Thinking About Your Look

This is a good time to start gathering inspiration for your wedding dress, accessories, and overall vibe. Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs are great for this. But no rush—there’s plenty of time to shop!

Fun idea: Create a shared mood board with your partner for overall wedding style—colors, decor, attire, everything!

10. Don’t Forget Self-Care

Planning a wedding can be stressful, so make sure you’re prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being too. Talk through any pressure or anxiety you may feel with your partner or a trusted friend. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking with a wedding therapist or counselor.

You can also check out our Wellness Resources for tips on stress relief, mindfulness, and staying grounded throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

Your engagement is the starting point of something beautiful. Planning a wedding takes time, patience, and teamwork—but it should also be fun. So give yourself permission to take things one step at a time, lean on helpful tools (we’ve got a Planning Timeline and Checklist Template for you!), and remember what this is really all about: celebrating love.

Now go pop that bubbly again—you’ve got this! 💍✨

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