The First 5 Things to Do After Getting Engaged
Congratulations! You’re engaged - and what an exciting milestone this is! That sparkling ring is just the beginning of an incredible journey towards your wedding day. But once the initial excitement settles, many couples find themselves wondering, “What’s the very first step after getting engaged?”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of wedding planning or unsure where to begin, you’re not alone. Wedding planning can feel like a big task, but with a little guidance and organisation, it can be a joyful and memorable experience from start to finish.
As a seasoned wedding planner in South East Queensland with a passion for timeless weddings and vibrant celebrations, I’ve helped many couples navigate those first steps.
Here are the first five essential things you should do after getting engaged to set your wedding planning on the right path.
1. Take Time to Celebrate Your Engagement
Before diving into the details, pause to soak in the moment. Your engagement is a special milestone, and it deserves to be celebrated. Whether that means a quiet dinner with your partner, sharing the news with family and friends, or even hosting an engagement party, give yourselves permission to enjoy this joyous time.
Celebrating also helps build excitement and connection, which will carry you through the planning journey ahead. Remember, this time is about you both - so take it slow, cherish the moment, and don’t rush into planning just yet. I know it’s much easier said than done, and wedding planning can be SO exciting, but I promise this time will go past faster than you think and it is just as much a part of the celebration as the wedding itself!
2. Discuss Your Wedding Vision and Priorities
Don’t skip this step!! Once you’re ready, sit down together and have an open conversation about the kind of wedding you want. This is your chance to dream big, so get creative and honest. Here are some questions to guide your discussion:
Do you envision a classic garden wedding with lush florals and a romantic vibe, or something more modern and minimalist?
What is your ideal wedding season or month?
How many guests do you want to invite — a large celebration or an intimate gathering?
Are there any must-have elements or non-negotiables, like including family traditions or having live music?
What’s your overall style and tone? Think colours, decor, and atmosphere.
Writing down your ideas will help keep you aligned as you move forward. If you find your visions don’t quite match, that’s okay - compromise and prioritise what matters most to both of you.
Luckily for you, I have a free wedding priorities worksheet that will guide you on this task!
3. Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
Money conversations aren’t always easy, but setting a clear and realistic wedding budget early on is one of the most important steps you can take. Knowing what you can comfortably spend and how to allocate your funds will guide every decision, from venue to flowers to catering.
Some tips to help with budgeting:
Prioritise your must-haves so you can allocate more to what matters most.
Research average wedding costs in Queensland to get a sense of what’s realistic. Hot take from a wedding planner: the numbers that you see on sites like Easy Weddings don’t necessarily reflect average costs as they take into account micro-weddings and elopements too. Sites like Wedded Wonderland are much more comprehensive when considering average costs.
Leave a buffer for unexpected expenses - weddings often have surprises! And believe me, there WILL be surprises.
Consider if you want to splurge on one big element (like photography or dress) and save elsewhere.
Being honest and upfront with yourselves and anyone contributing financially will save headaches and disappointments later.
4. Choose Your Wedding Date or Season
Deciding on your wedding date is the next big step. This will influence venue availability, vendor bookings, and even the overall feel of your day.
If you have a special date in mind (like an anniversary or meaningful season), fantastic! If you’re flexible, here are some benefits to considering:
Booking on a Sunday or weekday wedding can often save you money and open up more venue options.
Off-peak seasons might offer better availability and pricing - Queensland weddings can be especially popular in summer, so think about autumn or winter dates too.
Think about the weather - outdoor weddings need a season that suits your vision and comfort.
Once you’ve narrowed down your date or season, start checking availability with your preferred venues and key vendors as soon as possible. Here’s a tip: it’s much easier to find a venue you love without a specific date in mind, versus getting attached to a date and trying to nab a venue that has this date available. Many venues book out 18 months to 2 years in advance.
5. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner (Even Part-Time!)
One of the best investments you can make in your wedding planning journey is hiring a wedding planner. Even if you’re planning a small or micro wedding, a planner can:
Help organise your timeline and keep everything on track
Recommend trusted local wedding vendors in South East Queensland
Handle communication and negotiations, saving you time and stress
Manage the logistics on your big day so you can relax and enjoy
At Hitch Perfect, I offer personalised full and partial wedding planning, on-the-day coordination, and styling packages designed to take the overwhelm off your shoulders - no matter the size or style of your wedding.
Final Thoughts: Your Engagement Is Just the Beginning
Starting your wedding planning with these five essential steps creates a strong foundation and keeps the process enjoyable instead of stressful. Remember, the goal is not to achieve perfection but to celebrate your unique love story with the people you care about most.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to go next, I’m here to help. Contact me for a friendly, no-pressure chat about how we can make your dream wedding a reality — without the stress!