What to Do After Getting Engaged: Your First 3 Steps to Stress-Free Wedding Planning
So you just got engaged—congratulations! ✨ Whether your fiancé popped the question in front of family, at your favorite beach spot, or during a cozy night in, the first days after saying “yes” are full of excitement. But once the ring selfies are posted and the champagne flutes are empty, many couples wonder: what should we do first?
As a professional wedding planner in Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and Dallas-Fort Worth, I always recommend starting with these three foundational steps before you dive into booking vendors or shopping for a dress. These will help you set the stage for a seamless wedding planning journey.
1. Create Your Guest List (and Think Through the “What-Ifs”)
Before you fall in love with a venue or book catering, you need to know how many guests you’ll be hosting. Sit down with your partner (and parents if they’ll be involved) and start writing out a preliminary guest list.
Don’t just list names—consider the what-ifs. For example:
Are plus-ones included?
Will you invite children?
Are there out-of-town relatives you need to account for?
This step will help you estimate your headcount early, which directly impacts your venue choice, catering budget, and even your overall wedding vibe.
2. Determine Your Budget (and Where It’s Coming From)
Your budget is the backbone of your wedding. It guides every single decision—from the venue and photographer to flowers and entertainment. Talk honestly with your partner and families about who will be contributing.
Ask questions like:
Is the budget coming solely from the couple?
Are parents or grandparents gifting part of it?
When will the funds be available (important for deposits)?
Once you know what you’re working with, you can prioritize what matters most to you as a couple—whether that’s an incredible band, dreamy florals, or a once-in-a-lifetime destination venue.
3. Decide on Your Wedding Vibe & Vision
This is where the fun begins! Chances are you already have a Pinterest board saved with wedding inspo—but now is the time to refine it into a cohesive vision. Do you want a black-tie ballroom celebration, a coastal garden party, or a chic downtown soirée?
Think about:
Colors, textures, and styles you’re drawn to
Season and time of year
Formal vs. casual feel
Having a clear wedding “vibe” early will help you choose a venue that matches your aesthetic and makes design decisions easier down the road.
Final Thoughts
Getting engaged is such a special time, but it can feel overwhelming without a plan. Starting with your guest list, budget, and wedding vision ensures you’re laying the foundation for a stress-free planning process.
If you’re newly engaged in Tampa Bay, Sarasota, or Dallas-Fort Worth, I’d love to help bring your dream wedding to life. As a wedding planner with years of experience, my role is to handle the details so you can fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime season.
👉 Ready to start planning? Contact Carlie Kane Events today to begin your journey toward a timeless, effortless wedding day.