Next Steps After Getting Engaged

So you are engaged? Well first, congrats boo! No more dancing to Single Ladies by Bey when you’re out with your friends, cause he (finally) put a ring on it! It’s go time! Here are your next steps after getting engaged.

As engagement season comes to an end, all of the recently engaged brides start creating their wedding to-do lists. Let’s be honest, we all have a Pinterest board, hidden from the world. It is full of inspiration we’ve collected since the inception of Pinterest, and now that you’re engaged, it’s finally time to weed through it and see what sticks. However, before you get too deep into the weeds of planning, here is what you should do first! Read these are the next steps after getting engaged, do not ignore them.

#EngagedAF – Next Steps After Getting Engaged

Go get those likes, girl! Let the world know! Collect all the relevant hashtags, pose the photo just right, and share your #ringselfie with everyone! You are officially, official and the next step is walking down the aisle! Let it bling, baby! And right after you hit share..insure it.

We always suggest that one of the first things you do in your next steps after getting engaged (after the #feyoncé selfie) is getting on the phone with your insurance company and protect the jewels. Life is full of surprises, and being prepared is always a good idea. If you’re wondering what insurance to purchase, many add insure to their homeowners or purchase a policy through an independent company like Jeweler’s Mutual.

Now that the envy-inducing #Doesthisringmakemelookengaged photo is posted, the ring is insured, what’s the next steps after getting engaged?

Take a few deep breaths because the next months-year is going to be full of planning.

After Getting Engaged – Decide What Budget You Are Ballin On

It is important to set up your budget early in the planning process. Talk to your family, your fiancés family, and your fiancé and come up with a realistic number. Do this before you start your Pinterest scrolling. It is important to do this before letting yourself get too deep into the planning process. Setting a budget sets boundaries and limitations, and without a guideline, you may be surprised. Setting a budget tells you just how extra you’re allowed to get in your wedding planning. So, girl, you may have to cut out the white dove entrance and can probably only afford one Migo (and it’s Takeoff).

Hire Your Planner First!

We aren’t going to lie to you, planning a wedding is a lot of hard work. You might be looking at your budget and thinking there is no way you can afford a planner. Let me tell you now, not having a planner managing the budget and planning checklist will cost you more in the end. Don’t believe us, read this article from The Knot detailing why a planner is essential.

Next Steps After Getting Engaged. Season or Venue?

Some people know the date, and some people know the venue – either of those is fine. However, if you are dreaming of a snow-covered barn wedding in North Carolina, your options may be limited. Pricing also varies depending on the venue and the season, so the budget that you’ve already decided on will come into play here!  For example, a barn wedding in October and a Spring wedding will be in extremely high demand. That is important to know ahead of time.

We also suggest you only visit your top three venues. Think of venue shopping like trick or treating, the more candy you add to the bag, the harder it is to fish out your favorites! You don’t want to end up in analysis paralysis because you visited ten venues, each with their own long list of pros. Narrow the list down to your top three, then let the visits begin! Need some suggestions?  Your wedding planner is the best resource when it comes to researching and vetting venues.

Set your budget, hire a wedding planner, pick a venue, and schedule your date -then the fun begins! If you need any guidance along the way, give us a call!

Photo credit: Chike Photography : Desmond Boateng Photography : Shaina Lee Photography : Gustavo Tessaro