You're Engaged, Congratulations! Now What?

WeddingWedding PlanningWedding BudgetWedding PhotographerDestination Wedding PhotographerAdventure Photographer
Written By Maggie O'Neill
A beautiful sunset proposal at a cabin in the North Georgia mountains of Helen, Georgia. Proposal with wine, rose petals and candles

Emotional Proposal at Sunset in Helen, GA

You’re engaged—congratulations! Whether it was an elaborate proposal or a quiet moment between just the two of you, this is an incredibly special milestone. Before diving headfirst into wedding planning, take a breath, soak it all in, and most importantly...

1. Celebrate!

Share the news with your loved ones! Call your parents, pop the champagne with your best friends, or host an engagement party. This is a moment you’ll never get back, and it deserves to be celebrated.

2. Start Dreaming (Not Stressing)

When you're ready to start planning, begin with the big picture. This isn't about the details just yet—it’s about what you and your partner envision for your day.

Ask yourselves:

  • When do we want to get married?

  • What size wedding feels right—an intimate gathering or a full guest list?

  • Who do we want to invite?

3. Location, Location, Location

Once you have an idea of when and how big your wedding will be, start thinking about where.

  • Want a traditional wedding? Consider what type of venue suits your vibe—barn, ballroom, beach, vineyard?

  • Thinking of a destination wedding? Narrow down the location first—then look at venues.

  • Planning to elope? The world is your aisle! National parks, mountaintops, city hall—there’s no wrong choice.

Hawaii Mexico Greece Bali Bahamas Turks & Caicos Aruba Seychelles Maldives Bora Bora Fiji Dominican Republic Canada Iceland New Zealand Ireland Switzerland Patagonia France Italy Scotland Austria Croatia Belgium Czech Republic

Where to elope or have a destination wedding

4. Set a Realistic Budget

Yes, budgets can be tricky. Some couples start here, others figure it out once they know what they want. Just keep in mind:

What you see on Pinterest may not match your budget (Pinterest is still a fantastic place to get inspiration).

Be honest about what you can spend and who (if anyone) will be contributing financially. You can’t plan with confidence unless you know what you’re working with. Set a goal budget and an absolute budget(the budget you absolutely will not go over).

Wedding Budget Breakdown

5. Prioritize What Matters Most

Once the basics are in place (guest count, location, budget), it’s time to get clear about your priorities.

Ask yourselves:

  • What’s most important to us?

  • What are we willing to compromise on?

Maybe your dream photographer is a non-negotiable, or perhaps you care more about an amazing meal or live music. Whatever it is, lock that in first.

Keep in mind:

  • If a vendor is your top choice but not available on your date, you may have to shift your date.

  • If a vendor is non-negotiable but over budget, you may need to reduce spending elsewhere.

6. Know That Everything Depends on Size, Budget, Location, and Date

All your major vendors—venue, photographer, florist, planner, caterer—will need to know:

  • How big is your wedding?

  • What’s your budget?

  • Where is it happening?

  • When is it happening?

So getting clarity on those four things early on will make the rest of your planning much smoother.

Final Thoughts

Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—start with what matters most to you and your partner. Keep your focus on why you’re doing all of this: to celebrate your love.

Whether you're planning a 200-guest party or a private mountaintop vow exchange, this is your adventure. Take it one step at a time—and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.


Need help bringing your dream wedding to life? I’d love to chat! Inquire here to schedule a free consultation!

Maggie O'Neill