You’re engaged, now what?

First of all—congratulations! You’re officially entering one of the most exciting seasons of life. While wedding planning can feel full of possibilities (and opinions), it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the first steps you should take now that you’re newly engaged. 

Whether you’re dreaming up an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we’re here for every step between “yes” and “I do.” Explore our collection of over 1,000 customizable wedding invitations, and discover planning tips designed to make each decision feel more manageable. 

However you choose to celebrate, consider this your starting point—and a reminder that planning your wedding can be just as joyful as the day itself.

Just engaged? Start here 

Getting engaged is a big milestone, and you don’t have to jump into wedding planning all at once. These early steps can help you enjoy where you are, get organized, and set yourself up for a smoother process ahead.

Already in planning mode? Click here to skip to our tips for planning a wedding of any size—from micro weddings to banquet-sized celebrations. 

Things to do after getting engaged 

 

1. Enjoy the moment 

 

Before diving into the details, take time to enjoy being a newly engaged couple. Celebrate it together, soak in the excitement, and bask in the “just us” feeling before the whirlwind begins.

 

2. Announce it on your terms 

 

Whether the question was popped with a big reveal or you’ve been quietly savoring the news, tell your loved ones in a way that feels right for you. In-person conversations make the moment extra special, while a thoughtful phone or video call lets you celebrate with your people no matter where they are. Share the excitement even more widely with a social post written by the two of you. 

This can also be a great time to plan an engagement shoot. Show off that sparkler, capture a few gorgeous moments, and have photos to use later for save the dates and invitations. 

 

3. Insure your ring 

 

Not the most glamorous step, but definitely a smart one. Check out coverage options through your homeowner’s policy or a standalone jewelry plan—it’s an easy way to give yourself some extra peace of mind. 

 

4. Plan an engagement party

 

Gather your people to celebrate! Some couples host a casual engagement party within a few weeks, while others plan a more formal gathering a few months out—especially if they’re in for a longer engagement or planning a destination wedding. You don’t need to have wedding details locked in yet (it’s okay if you’re still dreaming). From a laid-back get-together to a themed celebration, aim to leave a few months of breathing room between your engagement party and wedding so each moment has its time to shine. 

 

5. Get on the same page 

 

Talk with your partner about what you envision for your wedding day. A big party or an intimate dinner? Laid-back or formal? Figure out your wedding style together, create a shared Pinterest board, and have early conversations about budget before you need to make real decisions. Aligning on the big picture will help the details fall into place as you start planning. 

 

6. Think about your wedding date

 

Once you’ve discussed your ideas, start dreaming about when it might happen. Do you want a longer engagement or something sooner? Do you have a specific season in mind or a meaningful date? Even a rough timeline can help shape everything from venue options to your planning roadmap. According to The Knot, most couples take about a year to plan their wedding, with many couples in the US taking up to a year and a half.   

 

7. Draft your guest list

 

Decide how big you want your wedding to be. One way to start thinking about this is to draft a guest list with your partner: create two separate lists, then merge them to get an early idea of how many folks you’d include. Consider the priority of the guests on your list, from must-have loved ones to those you’ll include if space allows. This early snapshot will help shape decisions like budget and venue. 

 

8. Create a joint email for vendors  

 

Set up a shared email address for wedding-related communication so all vendor conversations live in one place. It makes it easier for you both to stay in the loop, avoid missed messages, and keep track of details together—and it can double as a shared calendar for calls, site visits, and key dates.

 

9. Start a planning checklist 

 

Writing a checklist can make the planning process feel less overwhelming. Prioritize the most important tasks, like setting a date and finding a venue, and check them off as you go. Stay flexible—you can always revise your checklist as your plans evolve. 

 

How to start planning your wedding 

Now that you and your partner are on the same page about your wedding vision, it’s time to start planning! Different wedding sizes come with different planning needs, from when to send save the dates to timelines and venues. Here are key things to consider based on the scale of your celebration, so you can plan accordingly. If your plans fall somewhere in between—like an intimate ceremony with a big reception months later—you might find useful tips across several categories.

 

Elopement or micro wedding (30 guests or fewer)

A micro wedding or elopement lets you get creative about where and how you celebrate. Yours might be a courthouse wedding, a backyard gathering, or an intimate elopement on a mountaintop, beach, or other special spot. 

Things to consider:

• Look into city hall or local ceremony rules early, including appointment availability and paperwork. Don’t forget to line up witnesses and an officiant, if required. 
• Planning can be quick or leisurely—some couples pull together an elopement in weeks, others take a few months.
• Customizable Flyer invites are a great fit for casual, close-knit celebrations. For shortened timelines, skip save the dates and send invitations 1-2 months in advance. 
• Lean into meaningful details: personal vows, a favorite playlist, and a celebratory meal afterward.
• Even a small day deserves to be remembered—consider hiring a photographer for a few hours to capture the most magical moments. 

 

Small wedding (50-100 guests)

A small wedding feels intimate without being exclusive—perfect for couples who want a cozy celebration that still feels like a party. It’s big enough for thoughtful details, but small enough to stay relaxed and personal.

Things to consider:

• Choose a venue that can accommodate your guest list without feeling empty—think small restaurants, boutique hotels, private homes, or scenic outdoor spaces.
• Send save the dates 6-9 months ahead, with invitations following 2-3 months before the big day. 
• With fewer guests, it’s easier to add personal touches like handwritten notes, custom menus, or meaningful décor.
• Seating choices—round tables or a long communal table—can help set the mood and encourage connection.  

 

Medium wedding (100-150 guests)

This size is a classic for a reason. Medium weddings bring that unmistakable “big celebration” feeling while still balancing costs. 

Things to consider:

• Your guest list will play a big role here, so prioritizing it early can help everything else fall into place.
• Choose a venue that comfortably fits your guest count—banquet halls, hotels, and larger outdoor spaces are popular options.
• Most couples plan for about 12–18 months, especially if you’re aiming for a popular season or venue.
• Send your save the dates 6–9 months before the big day, and your invitations 2–3 months in advance. With this many guests, sending digital invitations can be a great way to ensure delivery and track RSVPs.
• Personal moments still matter—signature drinks, thoughtful signage, and a meaningful ceremony can make a large group feel connected. 

 

Large wedding (150 guests or more)

A large wedding allows you to celebrate with a broad guest list, which means more moving parts—but also more opportunities to bring people together.

Things to consider:

• Guest management is key, from RSVP tracking to seating charts and clear communication.
• Larger venues like ballrooms, hotels, or expansive outdoor spaces tend to work best.
• Planning timelines are often longer, so you can secure vendors and thoughtfully curate your day. 
• For these big celebrations, send save the dates early—about 8-12 months ahead. Your invitations can follow about 3-4 months before the wedding.
• Consider your guests’ experience: transportation, signage, timing, and transitions between events all make a difference.

 

Destination wedding 

Destination weddings turn your wedding into an adventure for you and your guests. While they involve more coordination, they offer a one-of-a-kind experience and a setting your guests will never forget.

Things to consider:

• Research local marriage requirements, venue rules, and permits early, especially for international locations. 
• Give guests plenty of notice so they can plan travel, accommodations, and time off work. Save the dates should be sent 9-12 months in advance (or more for international destinations), with invitations sent 4-6 months before the wedding.
• Factor in currency exchange, local vendor pricing, and travel logistics when budgeting.
• Planning welcome events, group outings, or destination-inspired details can make the trip feel extra special.

 

Ask us your wedding questions

Maybe you’re just getting started and don’t know the first thing about finding the right florist. Or maybe you’re months into the process with a whole list of detailed questions you don’t want to ask your wedding planner. Wherever you are in the planning process, we’re here to help.

We’re sitting down with industry experts to answer all of your wedding-related questions. Ask us anything, from general queries like “Are registries actually important?” and “Can I skip having kids at my wedding?” to your specific hang-ups, like “How can I prevent my wannabe photographer aunt from taking photos during my ceremony?” and “Can I avoid inviting my second cousin’s new boyfriend if I’m giving my other second cousin a plus-one?” Your question might be featured in a future blog post where we’ll compile answers and advice from top-tier wedding professionals, like bridal designer Monique Lhuillier.

 

Submit a question

 

Plan your wedding with confidence 

Whether you’re easing into decisions or ready to start mapping things out, having a clear plan can help the process feel calmer, more personal, and a lot more fun. With Paperless Post, you can start bringing your vision to life with invitations, save the dates, and an event page that serves as a comprehensive wedding website reflecting your style and personality. 

Browse our expansive range of customizable options, or work with our Personal Design Services team to create something entirely your own. From small adjustments on existing designs to bespoke illustrations and print-ready files, our designers work with you to make every detail feel just right, so you can focus on celebrating. 

No matter the size or style of your celebration, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life, from the first announcement to the final details. Congratulations again—you’re engaged! Now, let’s dive into planning a day that’s uniquely yours.