You just got engaged?! Congratulations! I’m SO EXCITED for you! The holiday season brought you a shiny new ring and a heart full of love and excitement. But once the newly engaged buzz settles a bit, you might find yourself wondering, “Now what?” Don’t worry, I got you covered! Here’s your step-by-step guide to navigating this thrilling journey from “Yes” to “I do.”

9 Things To Do After You Just Got Engaged

• Enjoy the engagement.
• Set your wedding date. 
• Set your budget and guest list.
• Start finding inspo on Pinterest.
• Find your dream wedding venue.
• Book your wedding photographer.
• Find and book your vendors.
• Capture your engagement photos.
• Lots of self-care.

Enjoy the Engagement

First things first, take a deep breath and enjoy the newly engaged status! This is such a special time for you both! Share the news with your loved ones, have a little celebration, and enjoy all the love and congratulations coming your way. Time goes by so quickly, so I’m all about enjoying and celebrating the big moments!

Set Your Wedding Date

Once you’re ready to start planning, think about the date! Do you dream of a cozy winter wedding, or a sun-soaked summer ceremony? Maybe there is a special date, like the anniversary of when you first met? Picking a date early helps shape the rest of your planning process and allows guests to mark their calendars. 

Set Your Budget and Guest List

Sit down with your partner and possibly family members to discuss the budget. Knowing your financial boundaries will guide your decisions and help avoid stress down the line. Alongside this, draft a guest list. Your headcount influences everything from venue size to catering costs, so it’s an important piece of the puzzle!

Start Finding Inspo on Pinterest

If you’re like me, you may have already had a Pinterest board for your dream wedding aesthetic before you were engaged (or in a relationship, whoops!). However, now is the time to start filling your Pinterest board with all the things that inspire you!

From color schemes and floral arrangements to dress designs and table settings, this is your dream wedding canvas. It’s also a great way to communicate your vision to vendors.

Find Your Dream Minnesota Wedding Venue

Your venue sets the tone for your wedding day. Consider your theme, guest count, and, of course, your budget. Popular venues book fast, even years in advance, especially for peak dates and peak seasons, so inquire early!

Once you have set your date and booked your venue, you can start inquiring with other vendors, too. Most vendors need a specific date and venue in order to put you on their calendars. 

You may also see that a lot of the venues come with a preferred vendor list, so it’s always good to check that out! However, if the preferred vendors of the venue are not your vibe, you should still be able to bring in your own in most cases.

And if you’re planning to get married in Northern Minnesota, here are some of my favorite Northern Minnesota wedding venues to help you in your search!

Book Your Minnesota Wedding Photographer 

I may be biased on this one, but you really should book your dream wedding photographer as soon as possible. Look at portfolios, read reviews, and meet with photographers to find someone whose style aligns with your vision and who you feel comfortable with.

If I’m your dream wedding photographer in Minnesota, I’d LOVE to chat with you and start planning your big day together! Just send me a message here!

Find and Book Your Vendors

From the caterers to decorators, DJs, and planners, your wedding vendors will help you bring your dream wedding to life. Start researching and booking early, as the best ones tend to get snapped up quickly. Consider attending wedding expos for a one-stop-shop of ideas and contacts.

Be sure to ask for their portfolios, reviews, and any possible samples to make sure their work is exactly what you’re looking for and that you can fully trust them!

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed with the planning process, you may want to hire a wedding planner. They’re seasoned professionals who can help bring your vision to life while keeping you on budget and on schedule. Plus, they often have insider connections and can snag you some great deals.

Capture Your Engagement Photos

Celebrate your engagement with an engagement session! It’s a great way to get a feel of what it’s like being in front of the camera and also test out your wedding photographer. Most photographers will offer an engagement session as an add-on or complimentary to your wedding package, and I HIGHLY recommend you take them up on this offer!

Another great reason to have your engagement pics taken is that you can then use them for your wedding invitations, wedding decor, engagement announcements, wedding website, and more!

And if you’re planning to capture your engagement pictures in Minnesota, you may be interested to check out this outfit planning guide!

Lots of Self Care

Last but not least, take care of yourself. Wedding planning can be stressful, so make sure to carve out time for relaxation and self-care. Whether it’s a spa day, a weekend getaway, or just quiet time with your love, it’s important to help you enjoy the journey.

Amelia Jo Photo | Minnesota Wedding Photographer

If you’ve just got engaged, I hope that this blog will help you put your mind at ease and figure out the next steps of wedding planning. Most importantly, amidst all the planning and decision-making, keep the focus on what truly matters – celebrating the love between you and your partner. Happy planning!

If you’re ready to book your dream Minnesota engagement and wedding photographer, click here to get the party started!

And if you’re looking for more planning resources, Minnesota wedding & Minnesota engagement photo inspiration, check out my blog!