Engaged… now what?
A Beginner’s Guide for Newly Engaged Couples Who Don’t Know Where to Start
You said “yes,” you shared the ring, and suddenly everyone is asking the same question:
“So… have you started planning yet?”
If you’re newly engaged and feeling excited, overwhelmed, confused, or all of the above — you’re not alone. Most couples have never planned a wedding before, and there’s no rulebook handed to you with the engagement ring.
This guide is here to help you breathe, slow things down, and take your first confident steps into wedding planning — without panic, pressure, or Pinterest overload.
Step 1: Pause & Celebrate (Yes, Really)
Before you dive into spreadsheets, budgets, and guest lists, take a moment to actually celebrate your engagement.
Go on a date. Call your people. Soak it in.
Wedding planning is a journey — and this is the only time it’s just about the two of you and the promise you’ve made. There’s no rush to have everything figured out immediately.
Step 2: Talk Big Picture with Your Partner
Before looking at venues or vendors, sit down together and talk through the big stuff:
What kind of wedding do we actually want?
Do we picture something intimate or a big celebration?
Is the vibe romantic, modern, editorial, playful, or classic?
Are there any non-negotiables? (Live music, great food, design details, guest experience, etc.)
You don’t need exact answers — just a shared vision. This becomes your compass for every decision moving forward.
Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget (Before You Fall in Love with Things)
Budget conversations aren’t glamorous, but they are essential.
Start by asking:
Who is contributing financially (if anyone)?
What feels comfortable, not stressful?
What are we willing to prioritize?
Your budget isn’t about limiting your dream — it’s about allocating it intentionally. Knowing this early prevents heartbreak later.
Step 4: Choose a Planning Style (This Is Huge)
One of the most overlooked steps: deciding how much support you want.
Ask yourself:
Do we want to plan everything ourselves?
Do we want guidance and design help?
Do we want someone handling logistics so we can just enjoy the process?
This is where a wedding planner becomes invaluable — not just for execution, but for clarity, structure, and peace of mind. Even partial planning or design support can completely change your experience.
Step 5: Lock In Your Venue & Date
Your venue sets the tone for everything:
Guest count
Season
Overall style
Budget distribution
Once your venue is secured, your date becomes real — and planning becomes much easier and more focused.
Step 6: Start Thinking About Guest Experience
Modern weddings are less about tradition and more about how it feels to be there.
Think about:
Flow of the day
Comfort and ambiance
Interactive moments guests will remember
Personal details that reflect your story
This is where curated rentals, thoughtful design, and intentional planning elevate a wedding from “beautiful” to unforgettable.
Step 7: Don’t Try to Do Everything at Once
You don’t need:
All your vendors booked
Every detail decided
A color palette finalized tomorrow
Wedding planning works best in phases. One decision at a time. One win at a time.
Progress beats perfection.
A Final Word from Evently
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck at the starting line — that doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re normal.
At Evently, we believe wedding planning should feel supported, intentional, and joyful, not stressful or confusing. Whether you’re looking for planning guidance, design support, or curated rentals that bring your vision to life, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and see how EVENTLY can best support you.
You’re engaged. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
And this is just the beginning. 🤍