Your Engagement Checklist: 5 Actions to Take Right After Saying "Yes!"

If you're newly engaged, then congratulations are in order! Saying "Yes!" is the first step in the joyous and exciting journey to the altar. Wedding planning is no easy feat, but don't let that overwhelm you. Getting a head start and laying the foundation can make your planning process go much smoother.

Of course, how quickly you need to start creating your dream day depends on your timeline. Some couples have a short engagement, lasting only months, while others may choose to stay engaged for a year or two. However, a few of these vital actions can be completed post-proposal regardless of your timeline, like sharing the news with family and friends. After your perfect proposal moment, take some time to soak it all in. When you're ready, start on these five essential first steps to kick off your wedding planning process.

Don't Forget These Five Steps

1. Share the News

Getting engaged (and receiving your engagement ring) is so exciting you can probably hardly keep from smiling. If you want to share your news with family and friends right away, go ahead! Alternatively, if you choose to take some time together to relish the moment, that is okay too.

When it is time to inform your loved ones, proper etiquette is telling your closest family and friends before announcing it on social media. Today, an Instagram or Facebook post telling the world of your engagement is quite popular. But it's typically a good idea to tell your nearest and dearest in person before they find out online, along with everyone else. You can visit them in person, call them, or even send them a text or email if necessary. Then, feel free to make a memorable announcement on your social media with a cute caption or photo to make your engagement official with the world!

2. Insure and Protect the Ring

Now that you're engaged, you're likely sporting one of the most valuable and significant pieces of jewelry you've ever owned – your engagement ring. Keep your new sparkler safe by taking good care of it. Along with regular maintenance and inspection, it can be a good idea to protect it with insurance.

A sentimental piece like your engagement ring is worth the world to you. Still, we recommend getting it professionally evaluated and appraised by a reputable jeweler. Then, you can use this number to determine an insurance value. Having a policy on your ring can provide you with peace of mind and coverage should your ring get stolen or lost.

3. Set a Budget and Create a Wedding Timeline

Some couples know their wedding timeline right off the bat, while others need some time to settle on a date. Beware, though, that the number one question couples receive when announcing their engagement is, "When's the wedding?" So, we don't suggest waiting too long to complete this step.

Once you've decided on the date, it's time to create a wedding timeline. Many helpful tools and planners can inform you of realistic time frames for each aspect of a wedding. Working backward from the date, you'll want to determine at what point you need to nail down a venue, decide on a dress, send out invites, and more. Knowing these key milestones ahead of time is essential to having a smooth planning process.

Another vital action is creating a budget. All those milestones, like decorations and caterers, can come at varying prices. Establish a realistic wedding budget based on your financial circumstances before you commit to anything. Doing so will help ensure you can actually afford your big day while still starting your marriage off on the right (financial) foot.

4. Discuss Wedding Priorities and Vision

Do you have your budget? Good, because you'll need it handy for this next to-do item. Together, dream and design your ideal wedding day. We encourage you to have honest and open conversations about your priorities for the reception and ceremony. Listen to one another and rush into any decisions. Because a wedding is about two people coming together, your special day should reflect your wants, needs, and personalities.

Discussions should include key elements, like your wedding theme or style, the guest list, and the overall ambiance. Having these conversations now can help your visions become aligned for a beautiful and cohesive wedding while decreasing conflicts as the day approaches.

5. Start Researching and Gathering Inspiration

You've created the timeline, determined a budget, and made your wedding vision board. Now, it's time to gather information and inspiration to make your dreams come true!

You don't necessarily need to start booking venue tours, though. Begin with perusing wedding websites, checking out bridal magazines, and looking for inspiration on social media platforms. You can do plenty of research without leaving the comfort of your own home. Keep all of your ideas in a folder or on a board so that you visually see if everything is aligned with your theme, colors, and ambiance. Everything from small details like jewelry to larger items such as the venue should be planned out before you commit.

Once you've narrowed down your options, you can visit places like caterers, the dress boutique, and more.

Starting Your Pre-Planning Process

If you're a newly engaged couple, congratulations again. Savor this time and enjoy every moment of it. It's important to take these first five steps before you get into the thick of wedding planning, as they can help start your journey off on the right foot. But don't forget to slow down and enjoy the little moments from time to time. Remember, wedding planning is a process that doesn't have to (and shouldn't) be completed all in a week. By reading this article, you're already getting a great head start on your dream wedding day!

FAQs

How should I announce my engagement to family and friends?

It's usually best to announce your engagement to close family and friends first through personal visits or phone calls. Then, you can make a social media announcement to loop in your extended family and larger friend group.

What steps should I take to insure and protect my engagement ring?

Visiting a reputable jeweler for an appraisal is the first step in protecting and ensuring your engagement ring. Once you have this information, you can then get a policy with your insurance company.

How do I set a realistic wedding budget and create a wedding timeline?

There are numerous tools online for creating a wedding budget and timeline. You'll want to think realistically about where you are regarding financials and timeline, then go from there.

What are some important topics to discuss with my partner to align our wedding priorities and vision?

Having open and honest conversations about the most important things to you on your wedding day, how you foresee the day going, and how much of an investment you want to make in your wedding is essential. Pain points for couples can often be the wedding size, the location, and the traditions.

Where can I find wedding inspiration, and how do I start gathering ideas for themes and decor?

Online resources, social media, and magazines are great places to start. There is no shortage of pictures, idea boards, and articles about wedding topics to help you start creating your vision.