Click Here for Our Amazon Storefront!

You’re Engaged! Here’s What to Plan First


The moment has finally come and now that you've taken about million engagement ring selfies, updated your status on Facebook to “engaged”, and been to the moon and back, it’s time to make some BIG decisions. Here are a few important things you need to start on right away!

1.) Insure that Rock

First things first. Spread the news and get your engagement ring insured. Even though you never expect anything to happen to you, you can't be too safe. Go ahead and get that pretty new rock insured and if nothing else you'll have the peace of mind knowing it's covered.

2.) Look at the BIG Picture

The absolute minute you upload your first engagement picture everyone under the sun is going to start asking about the wedding and most likely, you don't have a date or venue in mind. That is why it is important to keep the big picture in mind. What season do you want to get married in? Is the venue you want available the month you would like to get married? Are you having a destination wedding, an intimate backyard ceremony, or an all-out PARTY with 500 of your closest friends and family? Nothing can be decided without getting an overview first.

3.) Set Your Budget

Now that you have envisioned your perfect day it’s time to get back to reality. How much money can you afford to spend? Who is paying for the wedding? It’s time to gather the family (from both sides) and get down to the nitty-gritty and find out who is contributing what. The budget will determine absolutely everything, from how many people are coming to where you are having it.

4.) Talk About a Date

We say “talk” because that is what you HAVE to do! You have to start throwing potential dates around. This one is tricky because you have your family, his family, your close friends, his close friends… and you want them to all come, right? We would like to think that the day revolves around us and whatever we say goes, but we would like other people there to celebrate with us so keep that in mind when you start talking about your date.

5.) Make a Guest List

Oh,  the dreaded guest list. The only thing that makes creating the guest list worse is procrastinating. If you jump on it right away you will keep your stress levels down! Prioritize your guest list by breaking it down into groups: Must Haves, Would Like to Invite, and Invite if You Have Room. Also, keep in mind your parents will want some input too so make sure you are open to their guests, especially if they are hosting the wedding.

6.) Book Your Venue

Venues can sell out fast (even years in advance) so you'll want to jump on booking your wedding venue right away. Nothing can be finalized without a wedding venue.

7.) Book Your Vendors

If there is a vendor you have your heart set on there is probably a reason, because they are great at what they do. That being said, everyone else thinks they are great too so make sure you lock in your spot as soon as you can. If you are going to take engagement pictures this is an excellent way to get a “trial run” for your wedding photos. It also makes the wedding day much more comfortable when you are shooting with someone you are familiar with.

8.) Send Save the Dates

The general rule of thumb is to send your save the dates six to eight months in advance. But, if guests have to book a flight or it's on a popular holiday weekend then you may want to send them even sooner! It's especially important to let Key People know early on, even a phone call or text will do.

9.) Relax but Don't Procrastinate

Once you have accomplished these major tasks you can take it a little easier but there is still much to do and time can get away from you rather quickly.


Image Credit: @ambervictoriamarshall and her fiance @jonathanmoon_