Just got engaged? Congratulations! 🎉 Here’s a planner-approved checklist of the first 5 steps to take after getting engaged for a stress-free start to your 2025/2026 wedding planning journey. From “Yes!” to “I do,” this is your ultimate newly engaged guide.
You said “Yes!” 💍
Congratulations! You’re floating on a cloud of pure bliss—your phone is buzzing with messages, and you can’t stop staring at your ring. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment worth savoring.
But after the initial excitement fades, a new question often pops up: “What now?”
The path from “Yes” to “I do” can feel overwhelming, with countless decisions ahead. That’s why, as expert wedding planners, we’ve created this newly engaged checklist to help you start your planning journey with confidence and joy.
Step 1: Breathe, Celebrate, and Don’t Rush
This is the single most important step—and the one most couples skip. Before diving into venues and budgets, take time to simply be engaged.
Your Action Plan:
Pause planning for at least a week (or more).
Share your news personally with family and close friends before going public.
Go on fiancé dates and soak up this new chapter.
Consider hosting a small engagement dinner or intimate celebration.
✨ Pro Tip: Wedding planning is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy this magical stage first.
Step 2: Dream Together About Your Vision & Priorities
Now that you’ve celebrated, it’s time to define what your wedding feels like. This vision will become your guide for every decision.
Your Action Plan:
Ask yourselves: Do we want a grand palace wedding, a chic city soirée, or a bohemian-style celebration?
Decide the scale: a guest list of 500 or a cozy 50? A multi-day event or a single-day affair?
Choose your top three priorities (e.g., luxury décor, gourmet catering, live music).
💡 Pro Tip: These priorities act like a compass. Anytime you feel overwhelmed, come back to them.
Step 3: Talk Money—Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
Budgeting may not feel glamorous, but it’s the backbone of stress-free planning.
Your Action Plan:
Have an honest discussion about what you’re both comfortable investing.
If family contributions are expected, start those conversations early.
Research average wedding costs for your vision (destination weddings, luxury hotels, etc.) to confirm your budget is realistic.
💰 Pro Tip: Think of your budget as your wedding’s foundation—it impacts venue, vendors, and scale.
Step 4: Draft Your Initial Guest List
You can’t book a venue without knowing your headcount. Guest count affects everything—from space to catering costs.
Your Action Plan:
Each partner writes down their must-have guests.
Combine lists, then divide into:
A-List: Non-negotiable attendees.
B-List: Guests to invite if space and budget allow.
Use this number when searching for venues.
📋 Pro Tip: Guest lists tend to grow, so leave wiggle room.
Step 5: Assemble Your A-Team—Hire a Wedding Planner
Once you have your vision, budget, and guest count, it’s time to bring in an expert. A planner transforms your ideas into a flawless, stress-free wedding day.
Your Action Plan:
Start researching planners who specialize in your style (luxury, destination, cultural).
Ask the right questions: How do they handle timelines? Vendor sourcing? Budget management?
Choose a planner you trust—it’s a partnership that lasts throughout your journey.
🌟 Pro Tip: Hiring early ensures you secure the best venues and vendors before dates fill up.
You’ve Got This!
Getting engaged is the start of a beautiful adventure. By following these five steps, you’ll lay the foundation for an organized, joyful wedding journey.
At Weddings by Event Crafter, we help couples start strong, from the very first “Yes” to the final “I do.”
✨ Ready to take the next step? Schedule a complimentary consultation with us and let’s begin building your dream 2025/2026 wedding today.