What to Do Now You’re Engaged: A Guide From Celebrations to Planning
Congratulations, you’re engaged! What an exciting milestone in your life. The joy, the excitement, and the flood of congratulatory messages are all so thrilling—but now you might be wondering, What comes next? We’re here to guide you through this special time and help you confidently navigate the first steps in your wedding journey.
At Waipuna Estate, we understand that planning your wedding can feel overwhelming at times. From the celebration to the first decisions, we’ve compiled everything you need to know as you embark on this new chapter together.
Celebrate the Moment
Before diving into the world of wedding planning, take a moment to celebrate your engagement. Soak in the joy of this special milestone with your partner and those closest to you. Whether it’s a quiet dinner, an intimate gathering, or a lively celebration, make sure to relish this time and savour the excitement of being newly engaged.
Engagements don’t come around every day—this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so don’t rush ahead too quickly. Take the time to truly enjoy it!
Get Your Rings Insured
This may not be the most glamorous step, but it’s an important one. Your engagement ring is a valuable piece of jewellery, and it’s essential to get it insured as soon as possible. Insurance gives you peace of mind, protecting your investment in case of loss or damage.
Reach out to your insurance provider to make sure your engagement ring is covered. This way, you can keep your beautiful ring safe while you begin planning the rest of your wedding.
Talk, Talk, and Talk Again!
Communication is key—especially when it comes to wedding planning. This is where you begin to have those essential conversations about what you both want from your wedding day.
What do you both want? Do you imagine a grand celebration, or would you prefer something more intimate?
What are your must-haves and deal-breakers? Are you drawn to tradition, or do you envision a modern twist?
Take the time to talk through these ideas. The more you discuss your wedding, the clearer your vision will become. Make a list of priorities—the elements of your wedding that are most important to you both. This will help you stay focused and on track as you make decisions throughout the planning process.
Start Your Research
Once you’ve got a rough idea of the wedding style you both want, it’s time to start researching. Look online, dive into Pinterest, and explore Instagram for inspiration. Wedding blogs (like this one!) are also a great resource to help shape your vision.
Think back to weddings you’ve attended. What stood out to you? Did you love the décor? Was there something you would do differently? Identifying what you like and what you don’t like, will help you make informed choices as you start to bring your wedding ideas to life.
Photo Credit: Sally Anne Photography
Think About Your Guest List
One of the first big decisions you’ll make is the size of your wedding. This will influence almost everything, from your venue to your budget and catering options. Start by making a list of all the people you’d like to invite. You might be surprised at how quickly that list grows!
Once you’ve got a number, consider whether you’d like to trim it down or create a B-list for guests who might not be able to make it. Knowing how many people you’d like to invite early on will guide your venue and catering decisions.
Set a Budget
Now, onto the practical stuff. Setting a budget is crucial and should be one of the first conversations you have. It may not be the most fun part of planning, but it will make everything else so much easier. Having a realistic understanding of what you can afford will help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process.
If family or friends are contributing to your wedding, this is also the time to have that discussion and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Create a Wedding Planning Checklist
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but having a checklist makes the process much more manageable. There are plenty of templates available online, or you can create your own. Organise tasks by month so you can stay on track and share the workload with your partner. Remember, wedding planning is a team effort!
Photo Credit: George & Jane
Start Venue Shopping
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most exciting and significant decisions you’ll make. Begin your search online, narrowing down your list to 3 or 4 venues that align with your vision. Look beyond just the venue’s price—what’s included in the hire? You don’t want to be caught off guard by additional costs.
At Waipuna Estate, we offer flexible options to suit various wedding sizes and styles, and our team is here to help you choose the perfect setting for your celebration. Ready to take a closer look? Click here to book a viewing and learn more.
From celebrating your engagement to making important decisions, this is an exciting time in your life. Take it step by step, communicate openly with your partner, and enjoy the planning process. Remember, your wedding is about you both—there’s no right or wrong way to make it yours.
We’re here to help you plan a day that reflects your love and style. Contact us today to start the journey and learn more about hosting your wedding at Waipuna Estate.