If you’re reading this… eeeek—congrats, friend!! You’re officially engaged and stepping into one of the most joyful (and let’s be real—slightly chaotic) seasons of your life. Whether you’ve been dreaming of this moment forever or feel like you’re in a Pinterest whirlwind, this list will help you kick off your engagement with peace, purpose, and budget-friendly vibes.
Let’s walk through 7 things to do right after you get engaged to help you start strong, stay grounded in your values, and save some serious money along the way.
1. Soak It All In
Before you dive into planning apps and Pinterest boards, pause. Celebrate. Pray together. Have a date night with zero wedding talk. Take a break from social media if you need to. The world will start spinning faster soon—but right now, be present and soak up the joy of this moment. You’re engaged! That’s a big deal!
2. Share the News (Offline First)
As tempting as it is to post that ring selfie ASAP, take time to personally tell the people who matter most—your parents, siblings, grandparents, best friends. Trust me, your grandma would rather hear the news from your voice than scroll past it on Facebook. This is such a sweet way to honor those closest to you and keep relationships rooted in love and connection.
3. Set a Realistic Wedding Budget
This one is huge. Before you tour venues or book anything, sit down with your fiancé and any contributing family members and talk numbers. Decide together what you’re comfortable spending—and stick to it. A clear budget from the start gives you freedom later. Questions to ask:
- Who’s contributing what?
- Are we including the honeymoon?
- Do we want to pay as we go or save first?
Getting clear on this now = less stress (and debt) later.
4. Get a General Wedding Date in Mind
Vendors can’t hold dates without, well… a date. You don’t need to finalize everything yet, but having a ballpark idea helps. Think about your season, savings timeline, and how long you’ll need to plan within your budget. Can you afford a 6-month engagement? Do you need 18 months to save and plan wisely? There’s no “right” answer—just what works for you.
5. Build Your Budget-Friendly Vendor Dream Team
Start with what matters most to you. If it’s photography, reach out to photographers first. If it’s venue vibes, tour those before anything else. And hey, if you’re not sure where to start, that’s exactly why Better Budget Weddings exists! We’ve got a curated directory of trusted vendors who already offer special discounts—because I’ve pre-negotiated them for you (yep, seriously). Whether you’re hunting for a photographer, florist, or DJ who aligns with your values and budget, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit without the overwhelm. From planning tools to email templates to faith-aligned support, we’ve got your back.
6. Draft a Guest List (Rough Is Fine!)
You don’t need to know every single invitee, but having a rough count will help you figure out what kind of venues and catering packages fit your budget. Your guest list impacts everything—from vendor pricing to how DIY you’ll need to get. Keep it flexible, but be realistic. (And yes, that cousin you haven’t talked to since 2012? Maybe not a must-invite.)
7. Start Dreaming & Gathering Inspiration (Wisely)
Pinterest is fun… until you realize every inspo photo is from a $100K styled shoot. Use it as a launching point, but stay grounded. Think about your values, your love story, and what feels authentic. Pray about it. Talk about what really matters. The goal isn’t a perfect wedding—it’s a celebration that honors your faith, your budget, and your future marriage.
💡 Final Thought:
Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Start slow. Stay grounded. And remember: This season is not just about pulling off a party—it’s about preparing your hearts for a lifetime together.
🎁 Ready to start planning with intention and peace (without going broke)?
Grab my Free Wedding Vendor Negotiation Email Templates to help you save money while still honoring your values and vendors. 🙌
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular article! It is the little changes that will make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!