Newly Engaged? Here Are the First 5 Things to Do (Before You Start Planning)
Hi,
Congratulations — you’re engaged! Whether you’re still staring at your ring in disbelief or already daydreaming about dresses and décor, this is such a joyful, exciting moment.
Before you dive into the world of Pinterest boards, venue viewings, and supplier quotes, take a breath — and start here.
These five first steps will help you lay a calm, confident foundation for your wedding planning journey.
1. Soak it all in — just the two of you
There’s a lot of noise around engagement season — but before the planning, let yourself simply be engaged. Celebrate, laugh, take it in. Book a date night, go away for the weekend, or just enjoy quiet evenings together talking about the future. You’ll only get this moment once, and it is worth savouring.
2. Talk about your vision (not the Pinterest version)
Sit down together and share what you’re each imagining for your day — without the pressure to have it all figured out.
Ask each other:
What kind of vibe feels like “us”?
Big party or intimate gathering?
Home or away? Traditional or unique?
This isn’t about details — it’s about the heart of your wedding and making sure you’re both picturing something that feels aligned.
3. Get honest about your budget
Not glamorous — but essential. Start talking honestly about what you can spend and where your priorities lie. Will you be funding the wedding yourselves? Is family contributing?
A clear budget early on will shape your choices and help you stay grounded. And always build in a little wiggle room — trust me, surprises will pop up.
4. Decide if you’d like some help
Now is the perfect time to consider whether you’d like a wedding planner on board. It doesn’t mean handing over control — it means gaining a partner who can guide you through it all.
Whether you’re looking for full-service support or just someone to step in closer to the big day, a planner can bring peace of mind, expert insight, and a whole lot of calm.
Not sure what you need? I’d love to chat and help you explore the options.
5. Start browsing venues — slowly
Once you’ve nailed your budget and guest count, you can begin looking at venues that suit your style and size. Think about the type of setting you want: countryside barn, elegant manor, marquee in a field?
Don’t rush. The right venue will set the tone for everything else — so take your time and trust your gut.
One final thought…
This isn’t a race. You don’t need to have answers for everything right away — you just need to take the next right step.
Be kind to yourself. Take it slow. And when you’re ready, I would be honoured to help bring your wedding vision to life.
Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog- I really appreciate it!
With love,
Lauren x
