Just got engaged? What to do right now
You’re engaged. The ring is on, the messages are rolling in, your camera roll is suddenly 90% hand photos… and somewhere between the congratulations and the bottles popping, a question appears:
“What do we do now?”
If you’ve found yourself searching “what’s the first thing to do after getting engaged?” or “what changes after getting engaged?”, you’re not alone. Especially if you got engaged during engagement season (November–January), this moment can feel equally magical and overwhelming.
We’re here to slow it right down for you. Here’s exactly what to do after getting engaged – without the pressure, panic, or Pinterest doom scrolling.
What Are the 5 Steps of Engagement?
If you’re craving a some structure, here’s a gentle framework couples often find helpful that’s realistic and pressure-free:
- Savour the moment and celebrate
- Protect what matters (hello, ring insurance)
- Dream together
- Get practical (guest list, budget, timing)
- Start exploring your options
You don’t need to do them all at once – and you can circle back whenever you need to.
What’s the First Thing to Do After Getting Engaged?
Before mood boards and spreadsheets, before venue touring, before anyone even asks you about dates – the first thing to do is simple:
Savour it.
This is a once in a lifetime chapter of your lives, and it deserves to be felt fully. Spend time just being engaged. Talk about the proposal, relive the moment, sit with the excitement of choosing each other.
Ask each other:
- What does being engaged mean to you?
- What are you most excited about?
- When did you know it was right?
Don’t rush through this moment. Wedding planning will come – but this moment only happens once.
Insure the Ring (Yes, Really)
It’s not glamorous, but it is important.
One of the most googled questions for newly engaged couples is ‘what changes after getting engaged?’ – and one of the those changes is suddenly owning something very valuable.
As soon as you can:
- Get your engagement ring valued
- Add it to your home insurance or take out separate jewellery insurance
- Keep any certificates somewhere safe
Trust us, future you will thank you.
Celebrate Your Engagement (Your Way)
Engagement celebrations don’t have to mean big parties or formal dinners – they just have to feel like you.
Some ideas:
- A cosy dinner at home
- A weekend away to reflect and soak it all up
- Meaningful gathering with close friends and family
- An engagement photoshoot to mark the moment
- Engagement party at a bar or pb
There’s no correct way to celebrate – only what feels right for you as a couple.
Start Dreaming Together (When You’re Ready)
Once the initial buzz settles, this is where the fun really begins. Before you book anything, take time to dream together. Not plan – just dream.
Talk about:
- Your ideal wedding style (relaxed, elegant, modern, traditional, something in between)
- Size (intimate or big celebration?)
- Location (local, destination, countryside, city)
- The feeling you want on the day
- Non-negotiables (food, music, outdoor space, accommodation, dog-friendly?)
This stage isn’t about locking decisions in – it’s about understanding each other’s thoughts so you move forward as a team. It makes everything that follows easier.
The Guest List, Budget & Timing Conversation
Not glamorous – but it is essential. Once you’ve shared your ideas, it’s time to gently bring practicality into the picture.
Guest List
- Start with a rough list. Not final – just realistic.
- Numbers impact almost every decision later, especially venues.
Budget
- Who (if anyone) is contributing
- What matters most to you
- Where you’re happy to prioritise – and where you’re not
Timing
- How long you want to be engaged
- The season you’re drawn to
- Any key dates or life plans around it
You don’t need exact answers yet, just a shared understanding.
When Should You Start Looking at Wedding Venues?
Short answer: once you’ve had the conversations above. This is why couples often search “what’s the first thing to do after getting engaged?” – because venues feel like a big, intimidating first step.
But here’s the thing, looking at venues becomes so much easier when you already know:
- Rough guest count
- Budget comfort zone
- Overall vibe
That’s when researching venues becomes exciting rather than overwhelming.
Start Researching Your Options (Without Overwhelm)
This is where inspiration meets practicality – and where we come in.
At For Better For Worse, we curate recommended wedding venues and trusted suppliers across the UK, all chosen for quality, style, and experience.
Instead of endless Googling, you can:
- Browse venues by style, location, and feel
- Discover suppliers who genuinely care about your day
- Save ideas and build a clearer picture of what you want
It’s planning without the headache.
A Final Note for Newly Engaged Couples
If you got engaged during engagement season and feel like everyone else is already “ahead”, they’re not. There’s no timeline you need to keep up with.
The only thing that matters right now is that you’re doing this together.
When you’re ready:
- Explore our venue listings
- Discover our recommended suppliers
- Follow us on social media for wedding tips, inspiration, and honest advice along the way
We’ll be right here, cheering you on, from “just engaged” to “just married”.