What to Do After You Get Engaged

Congratulations! You’re officially engaged, and the excitement is just beginning. This is one of the most memorable times in your life, filled with joy, anticipation, and plenty of planning. While you might feel eager to jump into wedding preparations, stepping back and enjoying the moment is important. You just said “yes” to forever with your partner, and that’s worth celebrating!

However, once the initial excitement settles, the reality of planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. There are many moving parts, from choosing a date and securing a venue to selecting vendors and finalizing details. Without a structured plan, it’s easy to feel lost, so having a clear roadmap is essential. A well-organized timeline ensures that every aspect of your wedding is thoughtfully planned without unnecessary stress.

Celebrate & Soak It In (Weeks 1-2)

Announce Your Engagement

Once you’ve enjoyed the moment privately, you’ll probably want to share the big news with family and friends. Decide how you want to make the announcement—through personal phone calls, a group gathering, or a social media post.

• Close family and friends first – It’s always best to tell your closest loved ones before publicly announcing. They’ll appreciate hearing the news from you rather than seeing it online.
• Social media announcement – When you’re ready, share your engagement with the world! A simple post with a ring photo or a sweet caption about your proposal story is a great way to spread the news.
• Engagement announcement etiquette – If you’re planning a wedding with a small guest list, be mindful of how you announce your engagement. Some people may assume they’re invited, so keep that in mind when sharing the news.

Plan an Engagement Party (Optional)

An engagement party is great if you love celebrating with friends and family before the wedding. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate event—a casual dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even a small gathering at your favorite restaurant can be the perfect way to kick off this exciting chapter.

Take Engagement Photos (or Schedule a Future Session)

Engagement photos are a great way to capture this special time in your relationship. You can take them immediately after your engagement or wait until you’ve set a wedding date and chosen a theme that reflects your wedding style.

If you’re not ready to take engagement photos right away, that’s okay! You can schedule them when you’ve had time to choose a photographer and plan your vision.

Start Thinking About the Big Picture (Weeks 2-4)

Discuss Your Vision as a Couple

Every couple has a different idea of what their perfect wedding looks like. Before making any big decisions, sit down with your partner and discuss what you both want. Ask each other:

• Do we want a big or small wedding?
• What type of setting do we prefer?
• Do we want a formal, semi-formal, or casual wedding?
• What’s most important to us?
• Do we want a theme or a specific color palette?

Set a Tentative Wedding Date or Season

One of the first decisions you must make is when to get married. The date will influence your venue availability, vendor costs, and even the overall vibe of your wedding.

Things to consider when choosing a date:

• Seasonal Preferences: Do you dream of a spring wedding with blooming flowers, a warm summer celebration, a cozy fall wedding, or a romantic winter affair?
• Venue Availability: If you have a specific venue in mind, its availability may determine your wedding date.
• Guest Considerations: If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, consider holidays or long weekends for easier travel.
• Budget Impact: Peak wedding seasons (spring and summer) are often more expensive than off-season dates (winter and late fall).
• Personal Significance: Some couples choose dates with personal meaning, like an anniversary or a lucky number.

Determine a Rough Guest Count

Before you start touring venues, you’ll need an approximate idea of how many guests you plan to invite. Your guest count will directly affect:

• Venue size and availability
• Catering costs
• Seating arrangements
• Overall budget

Discuss Your Wedding Budget and Funding Options

Your wedding budget is one of the most important aspects of planning. It will determine what’s possible and help you prioritize what matters most.

Steps to create a wedding budget:

1. Determine who is contributing
2. Set a realistic spending limit
3. Research average wedding costs
4. Prioritize your spending
5. Factor in hidden costs

Research & Secure the Big Vendors (Months 1-3)

Find and Book a Wedding Venue

Your venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, as it sets the tone for your wedding and influences many other aspects, including the date, décor, and overall logistics.

What to consider when choosing a venue:

• Size and capacity
• Indoor vs. outdoor
• Location
• Availability
• Cost and inclusions
• Restrictions

Choose a Wedding Planner (If Hiring One)

Not every couple hires a wedding planner, but if you’re considering it, this is the time to decide. A professional planner can help streamline the process, reduce stress, and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Types of wedding planners to consider:

• Full-service planners – Handle everything from start to finish, including vendor coordination and design.
• Partial planners – Assist with specific tasks, such as vendor referrals or wedding design.
• Day-of coordinators – Ensure the wedding day runs smoothly, but don’t assist with planning beforehand.

Research and Book Essential Vendors

Once your venue is locked in, it’s time to secure other key vendors. The best photographers, caterers, and entertainment professionals book out months or even years in advance, so acting early is essential.

• Photographer/Videographer

• Caterer

• DJ/Band

Other key vendors to consider at this stage:

• Florist
• Officiant
• Wedding dress boutique
• Rentals

Decide on Wedding Party Members

Your wedding party will be there to support you throughout the planning process, so choosing the right people is important.

How to decide who to include:

• Consider who has been a meaningful part of your life.
• Choose people who will be reliable and supportive.
• Think about how large or small you want your wedding party to be.
• Don’t feel pressured to include someone just because they expect it.

Finalize the Details (Months 4-6)

Find and Say “Yes” to the Dress (Plus Groom’s Attire Planning)

Choosing the perfect dress is one of the most anticipated parts of wedding planning. Since wedding gowns often require multiple fittings and alterations, start dress shopping as soon as possible.

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips:

• Start Early – A custom gown can take 6-9 months to arrive.
• Set a Budget – Know how much you’re comfortable spending before falling in love with a dress.
• Bring the Right People – Limit your entourage to a few trusted friends or family members whose opinions you value.

Groom’s Attire Planning:

• Decide between a suit or tuxedo based on the formality of the wedding.
• Consider renting vs. buying – renting is more affordable, but purchasing allows for future use.
• Coordinate groomsmen’s attire to match the groom’s look.
• Schedule fittings and allow time for any alterations.

Book Hair and Makeup Trials

To ensure you look and feel your best on your wedding day, it’s important to book hair and makeup trials in advance.

Why a Trial is Important:

• You get to test different hairstyles and makeup looks to see what complements your face shape and wedding dress.
• You’ll avoid last-minute surprises on the wedding day.
• It lets you see how the hair and makeup hold up over several hours.

Choose a Wedding Color Palette and Floral Design

Your wedding color palette influences everything from bridesmaid dresses to floral arrangements, table settings, and invitations.

How to Pick a Color Palette:

• Consider the season
• Look at your venue’s aesthetic
• Think about personal preferences and colors that hold meaning for you.
• Keep balance in mind – too many colors can look overwhelming.

Florals & Greenery:
Flowers add texture, elegance, and personality to your wedding. Work with a florist to choose:

• Bouquets
• Ceremony Flowers
• Reception Flowers
• Boutonnieres & Corsages

If you’re on a budget, consider silk flowers or greenery-heavy arrangements to cut costs.

Send Out Save-the-Dates

Now that you have a finalized date and venue, it’s time to send save-the-dates! These aren’t formal invitations but a way to give guests early notice, especially those who must travel.

What to Include on a Save-the-Date:

• Your names
• Wedding date
• Location (city and state, but not necessarily the venue yet)
• “Formal invitation to follow” note

Timing:

• Send 6-8 months before the wedding (or 9-12 months for a destination wedding).

Digital vs. Printed Save-the-Dates:

• Printed cards are more traditional and can be customized to match your wedding theme.
• Digital versions (via email or wedding websites) are cost-effective and easy to update.

Lock in Key Wedding Planning Logistics (Months 6-9)

Finalize Catering and Menu Selections

Great food leaves a lasting impression on guests, so choosing a menu that fits your style, budget, and dietary needs is essential. If you haven’t already, now is the time to schedule tastings with your caterer and finalize meal options.

Things to Consider When Finalizing Your Menu:

• Service Style: Plated dinner, buffet, family-style, or food stations?
• Guest Preferences: Offer various options for different dietary needs.
• Signature Drinks: If having a bar, consider a signature cocktail that reflects your personality.
• Dessert Options: Beyond the wedding cake, consider a dessert bar, cupcakes, or cultural sweets.

Design and Order Invitations

Your wedding invitations are the first impression of your wedding day, so they should reflect your theme, color scheme, and level of formality.

Key Components of a Wedding Invitation Suite:

• Main Invitation: Includes names, date, time, and location.
• RSVP Card: Include a response deadline (typically 4-6 weeks before the wedding).
• Details Card: Information about dress code, accommodations, and special instructions.
• Directions & Wedding Website: Optional but helpful for guests traveling from out of town.

When to Send Wedding Invitations:

• 6-8 weeks before the wedding for local guests.
• 3-4 months before for destination weddings.

Arrange Transportation and Accommodations for Guests

If you have out-of-town guests, providing transportation and lodging details will make their experience seamless.

Booking Accommodations:

• Reserve a block of hotel rooms at a discounted rate for guests.
• Consider Airbnb or vacation rental recommendations for large families or groups.

Schedule Dress Fittings and Alterations

Even if you found the perfect dress months ago, alterations are typically required to ensure a flawless fit. This is the time to schedule fittings for both the bride and groom’s attire.

Wedding Dress Alterations Timeline:

• First Fitting (3-4 months before the wedding): Basic alterations such as hemming and adjusting straps.
• Second Fitting (6-8 weeks before): Refining the fit and making additional tweaks.
• Final Fitting (2-3 weeks before): Ensuring the dress fits perfectly before the big day.

Groom and Groomsmen Attire:

• Schedule suit or tuxedo fittings and confirm rental pickup/delivery times.
• Ensure accessories (ties, pocket squares, shoes) match the wedding theme.

Plan the Honeymoon

Amid all the wedding planning, don’t forget to plan the honeymoon! Whether it’s a luxurious getaway or a simple weekend trip, booking flights, hotels, and excursions early will give you the best options.

Steps to Planning the Perfect Honeymoon:

1. Choose a Destination – Consider climate, travel restrictions, and what kind of experience you want (beach, adventure, city, etc.).
2. Set a Budget – Factor in flights, accommodations, meals, and activities.
3. Book Flights & Accommodations – Secure reservations at least 6 months in advance for the best prices.
4. Plan Activities – Research and book any must-do excursions, romantic dinners, or spa experiences ahead of time.

The Final Stretch (Months 9-12)

Send Out Invitations

Now that your invitations are designed and printed, it’s time to mail them. Unlike save-the-dates, these provide guests with all the essential details they need to RSVP and prepare for your wedding.

What to Include in Your Invitations:

• Your names and the date, time, and location of the wedding.
• RSVP instructions, including a deadline (typically 4-6 weeks before the wedding).
• If needed, a details card with information about accommodations, dress code, and transportation.
• Your wedding website for additional information and digital RSVPs.

Finalize Music Playlists and Ceremony Details

Your wedding music plays a key role in setting the atmosphere, so take time to finalize your playlists for the ceremony and reception. Discuss your must-have and do-not-play songs with your DJ or band to ensure the music fits your taste and wedding vibe.

Create a Day-of Wedding Timeline

A wedding-day timeline keeps everything organized, ensuring everyone knows where to be and when from vendors to the wedding party. Customize your schedule to fit your event, and share it with your vendors, coordinator, and wedding party so everyone is on the same page.

Buy Wedding Rings

If you haven’t already, now is the time to select and purchase your wedding bands.

Wedding Ring Shopping Tips:

• Start shopping at least 2-3 months before the wedding to allow time for sizing or custom designs.
• Consider lifestyle and comfort—a simple, durable band may be best if you work with your hands.
• Get your rings engraved with a special date or message for a personal touch.

Wedding Week & Final Prep (1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding)

You’ve made it! After months of planning, your wedding is just around the corner. The final days leading up to the big event should be about tying up loose ends, confirming details, and, most importantly, enjoying the excitement. This guide will help ensure you have everything in place to step into your wedding day feeling calm, prepared, and stress-free.

Confirm Final Headcount with Vendors

Your guest count is locked in now, so it’s time to notify your vendors. Last-minute guest cancellations are standard, but finalizing your numbers ensures vendors have enough time to adjust accordingly.

Prepare Final Payments & Tips for Vendors

Most wedding vendors require final payments the week before the wedding, so double-check contracts and confirm what is still owed.

How to Handle Vendor Payments & Tips:

• Organize final payments in labeled envelopes (or make digital payments in advance).
• Prepare cash tips for vendors who provide excellent service. While tipping isn’t always required, it’s customary for certain vendors:
  • Officiant: $50–$100 (if not already paid directly).
  • Hair & Makeup Artists: 15–20% of the total bill.
  • Catering Staff: 15–20% of the catering bill or $20–$50 per server.
  • Photographer/Videographer: $50–$200 depending on service.
  • DJ/Band: $50–$150 per musician.
  • Wedding Planner: $100–$500 if they went above and beyond.

Embrace the Journey and Enjoy Your Wedding Day

Planning your wedding at Villa Tuscana has been an exciting journey, from envisioning your dream day in our elegant ballrooms to selecting the perfect décor to complement our breathtaking outdoor spaces. You’ve thoughtfully navigated every detail—choosing vendors, finalizing your menu, and crafting a timeline that ensures everything flows seamlessly. Now, as your special day approaches, it’s time to embrace the moment and trust that everything will come together beautifully.

While no wedding unfolds exactly as planned, the charm of Villa Tuscana is that it creates a romantic, timeless atmosphere where love takes center stage. If a small detail doesn’t go as expected, remember that what truly matters is your commitment and the joy of celebrating with those who mean the most to you.