Things You Need to Know When Newly Engaged

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Of the top things you need to know when newly engaged, just remember to breathe! Enjoy the moment.

Zack recently proposed to me on our trip to Las Vegas! He asked me while we were on a gondola ride in The Venetian hotel.

When we got back to Wisconsin, all my mother had to say was “why didn’t you get married there?”

And while eloping without planning sounds exciting, it never crossed my mind to get married without my family present.

Getting engaged is an exciting enough – it’s a whirlwind time filled with emotions, celebrations, and endless congratulations.

However, there’s a lot to consider and plan for as you prepare for the next chapter of your life. To help you navigate this period, here are the 20 top things you need to know when newly engaged.

1. Take a Moment to Breathe and Enjoy the Moment

Before diving headfirst into wedding planning, take a moment to just soak in the excitement. This is a unique time in your relationship, and it’s important to savor it before the hustle and bustle of wedding preparations take over.

2. Announce the Engagement in Your Own Way

Whether you want to shout it from the rooftops or keep it low-key, announcing your engagement should feel personal and right for you and your partner. Some couples prefer social media posts, while others opt for intimate celebrations with family and friends first.

3. Get Your Ring Insured

Your engagement ring is not only a symbol of love but also a valuable piece of jewelry. Make sure to get it insured as soon as possible to protect it from theft, loss, or damage.

4. Talk About the Wedding Budget Early

This is one of the most important conversations you’ll have. Whether you’re paying for the wedding yourselves or getting help from family, having a clear idea of the budget will guide the decisions you make going forward.

5. Prioritize Communication with Your Partner

You and your partner will need to make countless decisions together. Establishing clear communication patterns early on will not only help with wedding planning but will also set the tone for your marriage.

6. Set a Rough Date or Time Frame

You don’t have to lock down a specific wedding date immediately, but it helps to have a general time frame (like a season or year) to give vendors and guests a heads-up.

7. Create a Vision Board or Pinterest Page

Now’s the time to get creative! Sit down with your partner and start brainstorming what kind of wedding you both envision. This will help you stay aligned when making decisions about venues, themes, and vendors. You can check out my Pinterest board.

8. Start Working on a Guest List

This might seem early, but the number of guests you invite will impact your venue selection and overall budget. Even a rough estimate will help with planning.

9. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

If wedding planning feels overwhelming or you’re short on time, hiring a wedding planner can help ease the stress. They’ll handle many of the logistical details, allowing you to enjoy the process more.

10. Understand That Compromise is Key

From the guest list to the venue, there will be plenty of opportunities to compromise. Keeping an open mind and being willing to meet in the middle will help reduce tension between you and your partner.

11. Have “The Talk” with Your Families

Once you’re engaged, expectations from family can rise, especially when it comes to traditions, guest lists, and financial contributions. Sit down with both families to discuss roles, contributions, and any other sensitive topics early on.

12. Be Realistic About Your Timeline

Weddings take time to plan, and the timeline will depend on several factors like venue availability and how big or small your event will be. Don’t stress about rushing; take the time you need to organize your dream wedding.

13. Celebrate with an Engagement Party (or Don’t)

While it’s a fun way to kick off the celebrations, not every couple chooses to have an engagement party. If you decide to have one, keep it casual and don’t feel pressured to make it a huge affair.

14. Consider Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling isn’t just for couples experiencing problems. It’s a great way to prepare for marriage by discussing everything from communication styles to financial expectations.

15. Establish Boundaries Early

Once people hear you’re engaged, they’ll likely flood you with unsolicited advice and opinions. While some of it may be helpful, it’s okay to set boundaries and gently let people know when you’d prefer to make decisions without outside influence.

16. Think About the Marriage, Not Just the Wedding

It’s easy to get caught up in wedding details, but remember, this is just one day. Be sure to carve out time to talk about the kind of marriage and life you want to build together.

17. Start a Wedding Website

Wedding websites have become a popular way to keep guests informed. It’s a great place to share details about the wedding, venue, registry, and any accommodations.

18. Create a Registry Early

Guests will want to send you engagement gifts, and having a registry early ensures they get you something you’ll truly love and use. Make sure to include items in a wide range of price points.

19. Plan for the Legalities

Make sure you understand the legal process in your area for getting married. This includes applying for a marriage license, changing your last name (if that’s something you’re doing), and any other legal paperwork you might need.

20. Remember, It’s Your Day—Do It Your Way

You’ll get a lot of advice from well-meaning friends and family, but at the end of the day, it’s your wedding. Stay true to what you and your partner want, and don’t feel pressured to follow traditions or trends if they don’t resonate with you.

Being newly engaged is such a special time! While there’s a lot to consider, it’s also an opportunity to deepen your relationship and get excited for the future.

Take things step by step, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. This time should be as fun and stress-free as possible. Don’t forget to checkout a long list of Instagram captions to help you announce your engagement!

We’re so excited to begin the rest of our lives together!

Katie

P.S. Read more about our Wedding Day here.