The Ultimate Guide: What to Do in the First 30 Days After You Get Engaged
Whether it was a dreamy sunset proposal or an intimate moment at home, getting engaged is an unforgettable milestone in your life. But now that "I said yes!" has turned into "Now what?", it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by everything that comes next. Planning a wedding is no small task, but it doesn't have to be a stressful one either.
The first 30 days after your engagement are pivotal—not just for starting the planning process, but for soaking in the moment and clarifying your vision before the whirlwind of wedding prep takes over. We've created a step-by-step guide to help newly engaged couples start strong on the road to their big day.
Celebrate and Share the News
Bask in the Moment
Before diving into wedding planning, take a moment to breathe and enjoy this brand-new chapter. Spend a couple of days (or even a week) celebrating privately with your partner. Reflect on the proposal and what it means for your future together. Trust us, you'll appreciate this pause before the planning hustle starts.
Tell Family and Close Friends
Your nearest and dearest deserve to hear the big news directly from you. Call your inner circle—parents, siblings, and best friends—and share the excitement personally before making any public announcements. It's thoughtful and ensures they feel like part of the moment.
Announce It to the World
Once loved ones are in the loop, share the news on social media (if that's your thing). A sweet Instagram post showing off the ring or a casual couple shot works perfectly. Not into social media? No worries—a meaningful photo mailed to your friends also does the trick.
Pro Tip 🔔: Invest in a professional engagement shoot! They make for stunning announcement photos and can double up as decor for your wedding day.
Want some other tips and inspiration? Check out our blog on The Art of Announcing Your Engagement.
Taking advantage of the golden hour at Somos Family Weddings & Events.
Get Your Ring Insured
This isn’t the most glamorous step, but it’s one of the most important. Your engagement ring is likely a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. Look into appraising and insuring it as soon as possible to protect against loss, theft, or damage.
Start by getting your ring assessed by a reputable jeweler, and then speak with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider about adding it to your policy. If that's not an option, there are specialized jewelry insurers who can help.
This step will give you peace of mind, letting you focus on enjoying the sparkle, stress-free!
Start Discussing the Big Picture
Define Your Vision
Not everyone pictures their wedding the same way. A glamorous ballroom celebration, an intimate backyard gathering, or a destination wedding on a tropical beach? Discussing what each of you envisions is essential to align your goals and set the tone of your wedding.
Ask yourselves:
What style or vibe do you want (formal, rustic, boho)?
How large or small do you see the guest list being?
Are there "must-have" features or traditions?
Set a Preliminary Budget
Money conversations aren't always easy, but they are a must. The sooner you nail down a rough budget, the easier it will be to make planning decisions. Consider whether family will contribute financially and how much you're personally comfortable spending.
Pro Tip 💡: Save for those “splurge” items early—like a designer dress or live band—by budgeting carefully in areas less important to you.
Choose a Date (or Season)
You don’t need to lock down a precise date immediately, but narrowing down a time of year is helpful when booking vendors or venues later. Think about climate, holidays, and your personal schedules.
The lovely bride pausing on the path at Somos Family Weddings & Events.
Celebrate Your Engagement
Plan an Engagement Party
An engagement party is a wonderful way to gather friends and family to celebrate. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—think cocktails in your backyard, a small dinner party, or a fête hosted by loved ones.
This can also be your first chance to introduce both families if they haven’t already met.
Pro Tip 🎉: Start building your guest list here—it'll give you a rough idea of who to include on the wedding guest list later!
Enjoy Being Engaged
Don’t feel pressured to jump straight into wedding mode. Take time to enjoy each other as fiancés first. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a weekend getaway, spending quality time together sets the tone for this exciting season.
An intimate wedding in our Enchanted Forest.
Begin Researching Your Wedding Team
Hire a Wedding Planner (If Desired)
If the idea of juggling venues, vendors, and a million details leaves you feeling anxious, a wedding planner might be your best investment. Planners can help streamline the process, find hidden gems within your budget, and handle stressful logistics—allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
Not ready to hire a planner? Consider booking a consultation or hiring a day-of coordinator.
Research Venues
Your venue determines everything from your guest count to your decor style, so this decision often dictates the rest of your planning. Start your search by compiling a list of options that fit your budget and vision. Tour them in person, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to compare multiple choices before committing.
At Somos Family Weddings & Events, we have compiled a list of faqs to help answer questions for our couples before they even come to see us. This allows them to relax and enjoy their time while taking in the beauty of our venue and property, picturing their dream wedding.
Explore Vendor Needs
Once you’ve nailed down the venue, begin reaching out to other vendors such as photographers, florists, caterers, and musicians. Starting earlier increases your chance of booking your dream team.
Pro Tip 🔧: Many top-tier photographers, florists, and bands are booked out a year in advance—don’t wait too long to reach out!
Taking a private moment to celebrate becoming husband and wife.
Get Organized
Build Your Wedding Binder or Digital Planner
Whether you love a physical notebook or prefer apps, having a single space for all wedding notes, contracts, and vendor contacts is crucial for staying organized.
Start Thinking About Your Guest List
Your venue size and budget will heavily factor into how many people you can invite. Begin drafting your list early, even if it’s only a rough estimate. Separate guests into groups (family, close friends, work colleagues) and negotiate priorities with your fiancé.
Pro Tip ✍️: Block out reserved spots for your parents’ requests—be prepared to balance family expectations!
Take Care of Yourself
Planning for the best day of your life shouldn’t come at the expense of your mental health. Schedule breaks, make time for yourself, and lean on your partner for support. Wedding planning should be a shared experience, not a solo burden.
Also, don’t underestimate the emotional importance of your engagement period. Capture the fun and sentimental bits—journal your thoughts, snap candid photos, or even create an engagement scrapbook to enjoy later.
Taking the First Steps Towards Your Happily Ever After
The first 30 days after your engagement set the foundation for everything that follows. While it’s tempting to sprint into wedding prep mode, don’t skip the opportunity to celebrate and savor every moment. Remember, this is about more than one day—it’s about building a lifetime together.
If you need expert advice to shape your dream wedding, connect with a certified wedding planner or browse our vendor recommendations for inspiration. And when you're ready to tour venues, check out what we have to offer and book a tour to come see us!
Happy planning!
Our venue, Somos Family Weddings & Events, is a locally owned, family business. When planning your wedding, choosing a locally owned venue can make your day even more special and meaningful. These venues offer a level of warmth and care that’s hard to find elsewhere, with personalized service that makes every detail feel uniquely yours. Additionally, booking a local venue directly supports the community, helping small businesses thrive and contributing to the local economy. By selecting a locally owned space, you're not just celebrating your wedding—you’re creating heartfelt connections with the people and the place that make it truly special. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.
The Hillcrest Estate
The Hidden Abbey
Ellas Garden
Round Barn Farm
The Glade Venue
