Just Got Engaged? Start Here First

Seriously — congrats! If you just got engaged, here’s everything you need to know before getting married: take a breath, soak it all in, and celebrate each other. Whether you’re already deep into Pinterest or feeling a little lost on where to begin, this guide will help you move from excitement to action with clarity and purpose.

This post is for every future bride, groom, or couple that just got engaged — no matter your timeline. From practical wedding planning tips to building a solid foundation for marriage, everything you need is right here.

Enjoy the “Just Engaged” Phase Before the Planning Begins

Before diving into your wedding to-do list, pause and enjoy being engaged. This moment only happens once — go out, celebrate, and talk about what this next chapter means to both of you. It’s tempting to jump into decisions, but slowing down at the beginning can actually make the rest of your planning smoother. If you just got engaged, this phase matters more than you might think — it sets the tone for everything to come.

Set Expectations Together

After the excitement settles, sit down with your partner and get on the same page. What kind of wedding do you each envision? How many guests, how formal, and how much are you comfortable spending? If you’ve just got engaged, one of the most important things to know before getting married is that planning works best when you start from shared values and open communication. Get clear on what you want before opinions from others start pouring in.

Budget Before Booking Anything

Budgeting isn’t the fun part, but it’s essential. Once you’ve just gotten engaged and start thinking about your wedding, it’s easy to fall in love with a venue or vendor before you know what you can afford. Sit down and look at the full picture — break down your estimated costs and decide where to save or splurge. Couples who budget early tend to enjoy the planning process much more because they avoid the last-minute financial stress.

Build a Wedding Timeline That Fits Your Engagement

Whether you’re planning to get married in three months or three years, having a loose timeline will keep you organized. Newly engaged couples should focus first on big-ticket items — like the venue, photographer, and officiant — since those tend to book up fast. From there, work backward. If you just got engaged and aren’t sure where to begin, start small and build momentum over time. You don’t have to do everything at once.

Communication Is Your Secret Weapon

Planning a wedding brings a mix of joy, pressure, and decisions — sometimes all at once. The best thing engaged couples can do is talk openly, not just about what needs to get done, but how you’re both feeling along the way. If you just got engaged, here’s something important to know before getting married: the habits you build now around communication will follow you into your marriage. Make them strong.

Set Boundaries Early to Avoid Burnout

From guest lists to family opinions, boundaries are key. One of the biggest challenges couples face after getting engaged is feeling pulled in a million directions. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to stick to your vision. If you’re clear with each other about what matters most, you’ll feel way more grounded when decisions get tricky. Saying no now can mean saying yes to a more peaceful, meaningful wedding day later.

Focus on the Marriage, Not Just the Wedding

Amidst the Pinterest boards and guest lists, don’t forget why you’re doing this. If you just got engaged, remember that the wedding is one day — but your marriage is forever. Have conversations about your future, your goals, and how you’ll navigate life together. This isn’t just wedding prep — it’s marriage prep.

Choose Vendors You Trust and Connect With

Finding the right vendors can make or break your wedding experience. After you get engaged, the pressure to book everything quickly can lead to rushed choices. Take your time. Read reviews. Ask questions. Work with people who understand your vision and treat you with respect. You want a team that feels like a natural extension of your values and style.

Do It Your Way

There’s no one right way to plan a wedding. Whether you’re dreaming of a big celebration, a backyard dinner, a beach elopement, or something totally nontraditional — the only thing that matters is that it feels like you. Let go of the pressure to please everyone or follow outdated rules. If skipping the bouquet toss, wearing a colored dress, or writing your own vows feels right, go for it. This is your story. Tell it in the way that feels true to who you are as a couple.

Soak It All In

Engagement is such a unique season — full of excitement, planning, and anticipation. But it’s also easy to rush through it without really enjoying it. Make space to just be together without talking about the wedding. Go on regular date nights. Take photos during the planning process. Write letters to each other to open on the big day. This is the beginning of something beautiful, and it deserves to be remembered not just for the final event, but for all the moments that led up to it.

Final Thoughts

If you just got engaged, here’s everything you need to know before getting married: focus on your relationship, communicate honestly, make intentional choices, and enjoy the journey. Whether your wedding is around the corner or a few years away, this time is about more than planning an event — it’s about building a foundation for the rest of your life together. Trust your gut, support each other, and never lose sight of what this day truly represents. You’ve got this.

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Kind Words

“Katelyn makes EVERYONE not only LOOK amazing in their photos, but feel good too. She is a funny and down to earth person, that knows how to create stunning images that take you right back to the moment. The variety she got blew me away during our shoot, details of my ring, close ups, portraits, and wide shots without me even realizing that she was doing. She is also the queen of detail photos on a wedding day… they are stunning and never disappoint!”