What to Do After Getting Engaged: First Steps & Ideas

The love of your life has proposed — and you said “YES!” Congratulations on your engagement. It’s such an exciting moment, full of joy, love, and new beginnings. But once the celebrations settle and the champagne glasses are empty, many couples start to wonder: What now?

Before you dive headfirst into colour schemes, wedding blogs, and endless Pinterest boards, it’s worth taking a step back to get your engagement off to the best possible start. Here are some thoughtful, practical, and fun ways to make the most of this special time.

Your engagement is not just about planning the big day — it’s also about building a strong foundation for your marriage. Now is the perfect time to sit down with your partner and have an honest conversation about your shared vision for the wedding.

Talk about the key elements

• When you’d like to get married

• Where you’d love the ceremony and reception to take place

• Who you want to invite

• And, importantly, how much you want to spend

Budgeting might not be the most romantic topic, but it’s an essential one. Setting realistic expectations early on helps prevent stress later. Discuss what you can comfortably afford, and if family members are contributing, make sure everyone’s on the same page.

You might also find it helpful to talk through priorities — maybe one of you dreams of a big party, while the other prefers an intimate gathering. Compromise early, and you’ll find the rest of your planning flows more smoothly.

And don’t forget to involve your families in these early conversations. Parents can have strong opinions or traditions they’d like to honour, so clarifying expectations now can save potential tension further down the line.

Once the serious talks are out of the way, it’s time to celebrate! Throwing an engagement party is a wonderful way to mark the beginning of your wedding journey and share your happiness with family and friends.

Traditionally, the bride’s parents would host, but nowadays, couples often take the reins themselves. Whether you prefer a glamorous evening affair or a relaxed afternoon gathering, your engagement party can be whatever you want it to be. Think of it as a smaller, less formal preview of your wedding — and a great opportunity to practise your event-planning skills.

Start by deciding on the type of celebration you’d like. Will it be a cocktail evening, a casual garden barbecue, or a themed dinner at a local restaurant? Once you’ve settled on your style, draw up a guest list and pick your venue.

If you want to save money, hosting at home — or at your parents’ house — is ideal. But if space is limited, local hotels, restaurants, or even sports and social clubs often have affordable function rooms.

Once your venue and date are sorted, it’s time to set the tone with your invitations. Dotty about Paper offers a wide selection of personalised engagement party invitations — from glittering foil designs like Heart Glitter Pattern to rustic options such as Vintage Country Charm. Choose a design that reflects your personality and the atmosphere you want to create.

While engagement gifts are not expected, some guests will likely bring something thoughtful to mark the occasion. Have a small table or space where gifts can be placed discreetly, so guests who haven’t brought one won’t feel uncomfortable.

Wait until after the event to open them, and don’t forget to send thank you notes. A personal touch goes a long way — Dotty about Paper’s ready-to-write thank you cards are perfect for showing your appreciation in style.

You’ll only be engaged once — so make sure you capture it! An engagement photoshoot is a lovely way to document this exciting chapter and create lasting memories.

Not only will you end up with beautiful, relaxed photos of the two of you, but it’s also the perfect chance to get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. You’ll learn how your photographer works and how you both feel most natural, making your wedding photography even better.

Consider using your engagement photos for your save the date cards, wedding website, or even to decorate your engagement party venue. They’ll add a personal, romantic touch to your wedding journey and make your stationery truly unique.

In all the excitement of planning, don’t forget to enjoy this precious time. Engagement isn’t just a countdown to your wedding — it’s a celebration of commitment, love, and the promise of a shared future.

Make time for each other outside of planning. Go on dates, take a short weekend away, or revisit the spot where you got engaged. These moments will remind you why you’re doing all this in the first place.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take things step by step. Start with the fun parts — like choosing your engagement invitations or planning a celebration — and work your way toward the more detailed tasks later. Every small step brings you closer to your big day.

Getting engaged is one of life’s most joyful milestones, and it deserves to be savoured. By setting clear expectations, celebrating with your loved ones, and capturing memories along the way, you’ll be laying the perfect foundation for your wedding — and your marriage.

Whether you’re shopping for engagement invitations, thank you cards, or wedding stationery, Dotty about Paper is here to help you start your journey in style. Explore our beautiful range of designs to make every moment — from “Yes!” to “I do” — unforgettable.