Just Got Engaged? Here’s What to Do Next (Without Stressing Out)

You said yes. There was probably a ring. Maybe a happy cry. A text to your group chat in all caps. You’re officially engaged — and now your phone is blowing up with “When’s the date?” and “I better be in the wedding!” before you’ve even had time to sit down and breathe.

If you’re sitting in the post-engagement glow wondering what comes next (or mildly panicking because you feel like you're already behind), take a breath. You’re not behind. There’s no wedding planning leaderboard. And this blog is here to help you figure out your next steps — without losing your mind.

1. Soak It In

Seriously. Don’t skip this part. Before the planning, the Pinterest boards, the spreadsheets, or the dress fittings, give yourself permission to just be excited. Go get brunch. Take a silly photo with your ring. Stare at your partner like you’ve got a secret. This is a big deal and you don’t have to rush into wedding mode the next day.

One couple I worked with literally spent their first “engaged weekend” binge-watching throwback episodes of Chopped and ordering tacos. No planning. Just vibes. And you know what? Their wedding was amazing. Because they stayed grounded in their “why.”

2. Have the Budget Talk (Yes, That One)

Not the most romantic convo, but definitely one of the most important. Before you fall in love with a venue or start picking signature cocktails, you need to know what you’re working with. Talk about priorities — is photography most important? Food? A destination location? A 12-piece band and a Champagne wall? (No judgment.)

Pro tip: Leave space for real life. Maybe you want a small ceremony and a bomb honeymoon. Maybe you’d rather go all out with the party. Whatever matters most to you — start there.

3. Think About the Vibe, Not the Venue

Before you start touring ballrooms or barns, ask yourself: What kind of day do we actually want? Is it an all-night dance party? A cozy celebration with your closest people? A weekend in the mountains or a city rooftop at sunset?

When you get clear on the experience you want, choosing a venue — and everything else — gets way easier. You’re not just picking a pretty backdrop, you’re setting the tone for your whole day.

4. Start Looking for Your Photographer (Hi, Hello)

Booking your photographer is one of the first things you’ll want to do, especially if you have a specific date or season in mind. Good photographers (the ones you really want) tend to book out 8 to 18 months in advance.

But beyond timing — your photographer is the one person who’s with you all day long, from “getting ready” to “last dance.” So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal. You want someone you vibe with, who makes you feel comfortable, and who captures your real moments — not just the posed ones.

And hey, if you’re into timeless photos with a little edge, emotional storytelling, and a photographer who knows how to calm nerves and hype you up? I’m just gonna leave this right here: www.cimproductions.com.

5. Book Your Engagement Session (Then Make It a Date)

Once you’ve got your photographer, schedule your engagement shoot. It’s a great way to shake off camera nerves, spend intentional time together, and get some fire photos for your save-the-dates or wedding website.

Plus, who doesn’t want an excuse to dress up and flirt for an hour?

Bonus points if you turn it into a whole night — go get dinner after, grab drinks, make a little memory out of it. Wedding planning is better when you remember why you’re doing it.

6. Give Yourself Permission to Do Things Your Way

No two weddings need to look the same. You don’t have to follow every tradition, and you definitely don’t need to please everyone. The best weddings I’ve seen? They reflect the couple’s energy — not just a Pinterest board.

Want to skip a first dance? Do it. Want pizza instead of a plated dinner? Please invite me. Want a black wedding dress? Iconic.

Your wedding should feel like you — not a checklist.

You don’t have to do everything at once. You don’t have to have all the answers. And you’re not “behind” if you haven’t started planning three minutes after saying yes. Start slow. Stay grounded. Find vendors who get your vision. And most importantly — enjoy being engaged.

You’ve got this.