A Wedding Planner's Advice on What to Do Once You Get Engaged

Discover tips for what to do next from Ilana Ashley Events.

If you are newly engaged, congratulations! After the question was popped and the ring was on your finger, you probably found your mind swirling with all the things that you need to do to start coordinating for the big day.

By Ilana Rosenberg of Ilana Ashley Events

dessert-inspired-bouquet-with-thistle-and-protea-flowers
Photo: Koman Photography

If you are newly engaged, congratulations! After the question was popped and the ring was on your finger, you probably found your mind swirling with all the things that you need to do to start coordinating for the big day. While it may be tempting to jump right into the planning process, the one piece of advice we have is to wait. Before you start the serious planning, take a few weeks to enjoy being engaged!

Proposal photo from ilana ashley events wedding

Photo by Anna Linduska Photography

After you’ve basked in the excitement of that moment and this new step in your journey together as a couple, we suggest starting with these things:

Spread the News!
Consider if there’s a special group of people you want to tell first. Make those phone calls, tell them in person, or go bigger - you can even throw a surprise engagement party under the guise of a birthday party, super bowl party, or a dinner party! Once your closest friends and family are in the loop, post photos of that incredible moment to share with everyone on social media.

Insure Your Ring
It’s not super romantic, but it can save you heartache later. Call your homeowners insurance agent or a company that specializes in jewelry insurance for an estimate; the low cost may surprise you!

Think About the Time of Year
Before you plan anything else, you are going to want to develop a general idea of when you would like your big day to take place. Keep in mind any holidays, family events, etc. that might conflict with your celebration and prevent those you love from being able to attend. Other factors that may influence your decision could be if you want to get married outdoors, your desired color scheme, or your favorite season.

Make a Guest List
Figure out your guest count before you select your venue. You don’t want to fall in love with a venue that won’t accommodate your 500-person guest list.

Relax!
This is a huge moment for you and your partner – enjoy it! The process of planning a wedding can be stressful, so take this time and go do something that’s just for the two of you. Whether it’s a special date night to celebrate or a fun weekend getaway, make sure to savor this time together.

After you have fully enjoyed the first moments of being engaged and taking the first steps towards planning, you and your partner can start envisioning your dream wedding!

For more wedding advice from Ilana Ashley Events, pick up a copy of the Spring 2018 issue of Inside Weddings (on newsstands on or before March 13th) to discover what should be included in your much-needed wedding timeline!

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