You've just got engaged... Now what? Here's some advice from a wedding photographer of 13 years...

Just Got Engaged? Here’s What to Do Next

Getting engaged is such an exciting milestone — you’ve popped the question, they’ve said “yes,” and you’re still buzzing from the moment. Woooooo! But once the excitement settles, you might find yourself wondering… now what?

As someone who’s been part of hundreds of weddings, I’ve seen what works best in those early stages. Here are my top tips for what to do after you get engaged to help you start planning your dream wedding stress-free.

1. Take Time to Celebrate

Before you dive into wedding planning, take a moment to just enjoy it. You’ve made a huge commitment to each other — that deserves celebrating! Plan a special date night, a weekend away, or simply spend time soaking it all in together.

2. Share the News with Loved Ones

Before you post your ring selfie on Instagram, tell your closest family and friends first. Whether it’s in person, over the phone, or on a video call, they’ll love hearing your engagement news directly from you.

3. Talk About Your Future Together

Now that you’re engaged, it’s a great time to have those honest conversations about your future. Talk about what matters most to both of you — your goals, values, and hopes for married life. It’ll help you start your engagement on the same page.

4. Set a Realistic Budget

Weddings can get expensive quickly, so setting a budget early is one of the most important steps. Decide on a total amount you’re comfortable spending, then research your favourite local wedding venues and suppliers in Lincolnshireto get a sense of what’s possible within your budget. This will help guide all your planning decisions moving forward.

5. Start Researching Venues and Suppliers

If you already have a rough date or season in mind, start exploring wedding venues near Boston, Lincolnshire as soon as possible. The best venues and suppliers often book up well in advance. Take your time visiting different places — each will have its own style, capacity, and vibe.

6. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed (and that’s totally normal!), a wedding planner can be a huge help. They can manage timelines, recommend trusted suppliers, and handle logistics so you can focus on enjoying the process.

7. Take Care of the Legal Bits

Every country (and sometimes county!) has slightly different rules when it comes to getting legally married. Do a bit of research into the paperwork, notice periods, or appointments you might need to book — it’s one of those things you’ll be glad you sorted early!

8. Create Your Wedding Vision

Spend some time chatting with your partner about what you both imagine for your day. Do you want something big and traditional, or small and relaxed? Indoors or outdoors? Rustic or elegant? Getting clear on your vision helps everything else fall into place.

9. Build a Timeline That Works for You

There’s no “right” amount of time to plan a wedding. Some couples plan it all in six months; others take two years. Think about what suits your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Once you’ve chosen a date (or even just a year and season), you can create a simple checklist to keep things organised.

10. Enjoy the Journey

This is such a special chapter in your story — try not to rush through it. Planning your wedding should be exciting, creative, and full of little moments you’ll remember forever.

If you ever feel stressed, take a step back and remind yourselves why you’re doing this — it’s about celebrating your love and starting your new life together.

Bonus Tip: Capture This Chapter

Your engagement is worth remembering too! An engagement photo session is a lovely way to celebrate this time in your lives and get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Boston, Lincolnshire, I’d love to chat and help you plan something truly special.

Get in touch to book your engagement or wedding photography session