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So you're engaged - now what?

So you're engaged - now what?


Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

So they finally popped the question! Now, where to start? Before the chaos of planning a wedding begins, remember that this is the fun part where you can enjoy the excitement of being newly engaged. But if you want to get started straight away, here are the 10 things you should definitely do after getting engaged!

Looking for more wedding advice? Check out our brand new podcast, starting January 2021, for everything a newly engaged, bride-to-be needs to know!

1) Tell your family

Before you start telling everybody you meet about your engagement, take the time to tell your close friends and family. It's important that they feel involved in this exciting part of your life, so give them a call. Then, you can think about what your Instagram announcement will look like!

2) Make an official announcement

Whether you plan to throw an extravagant engagement party or post an understated Facebook status, make your announcement count. If you want to announce the news on Instagram, check out these fun photo ideas!

3) Money, money, money

Before you splash out on a £10,000 Vera Wang bridal gown, have a little think about your budget. Sit down with your fiancé and have a chat about how much you want to spend. Also, you may want to consider taking out wedding insurance!

4) Get Pinning!

When it comes to planning a wedding, a great place to start is Pinterest. Start collecting images and ideas that you like and pin them into mood boards that you can later show to your suppliers. This will help you get a clear idea of your vision for your big day.

5) Recruit your bridesmaids/groomsmen

Now that you've got some ideas together, it's time to get your nearest and dearest together and ask them the big question! There are loads of fun ways that you can ask them to be your bridesmaids or groomsmen. From notebooks to personalised jewellery, check out these fab ideas.

bridesmaids-hen-party

6) Sign up for an online wedding planner

Online wedding planners are the perfect place to start with your wedding planning, with the Guides for Brides Wedding Planner, you can create task lists, organise your guest list, and even plan your tables.

7) Make the guest list

Now for the difficult bit, deciding who's coming to your wedding. Take the time to sit down with your fiancé and discuss who you would both like to be there. 

8) Visit venues

Another great thing to do once you get engaged is to visit some of the venues that you're considering. Search for venues in your area, then take your Maid of Honour and a few family members and go and have a look around. 

9) Smile!

Although this can be a stressful time, remember to slow down, breathe, and enjoy yourself!

Feeling inspired?

Start planning your big day with our FREE Guides for Brides Wedding Planner. Sign up here

Alison Hargreaves Guides for Brides Bio

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison has been advising brides, grooms and bridesmaids for more than 25 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

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