The beginning of the rest of your life starts at saying yes to the proposal. Great! Now what? It can feel daunting and overwhelming but stop right there!! This list of top 10 things to do after getting engaged will help you stay organized and get your ducks in a row.

1. So, first things first, BREATHE! Enjoy this glow and magic and connect with your beau. There will never be this time again where the prospect and joy of just wanting a life with another and them wanting that too! Connect. Go on dates and show off that ring. When people ask about the date say, “Oh soon we’re just enjoying the engagement. We have plenty of time!” And you do! ( trust me, my hubs and I had a NYC wedding in less than 6 weeks after he proposed so there is always enough time! I mean the end result is what matters- marriage to your sweetheart!!)

2. After breathing and basking in the engagement glow, next is BUDGET. I would highly recommend figuring out a budget that you and your partner are comfortable with to kind of have that as the jumping off point. There’s nothing worse than falling in lve with, say , a dress and then realizing it’s out of budget. If you havea ball park number then you can go onto the next step more easily and with less worry. And trust me, boo, there is a gorgeous and timeless wedding in any budget range- don’t worry about that!

3. Next is the big one everyone bugs you about: THE DATE! Here’s the thing, in order to hire vendors and venues you need to have this number. Now some places you like might be booked on the date you and your partner liked so have a few in mind if you are able to be flexible. I know some have a certain date that is special in mind, that’s so fun! But know that a venue or vendor might be booked and you’ll have to keep looking which is totes fine just be prepared for that is you can’t budge on dates. Sometimes a Sunday is available or Friday so think about that as options as well.

4. The next thing after budget is to find your VENUE location. You should discuss if you want everything in 1 location or ceremony in one spot and reception in another. So think of the style you want church, ballroom, barn, garden, beach etc and that’ll help. Some venues will have preferred vendor lists that will help with the next step but not all of them do,

5. Now the fun part: Finding your VENDORS. The ones to focus on first are the planner & photographer. Not everyone uses a planner (but they are amazing, and I’d recommend at least a day of coordinator) However, everyone needs a photographer so that is a huge choice to get on their books sooner rather than later. Some brides have a photographer in mind before they find their venue so they book them first, so they don’t lose out on their artistry for the day. So it depends on what is most important. But book those photos fast becuase there are only so many weekends in a year or season.

6. Now is the time to organize your BRIDAL PARTY. The budget and venue will affect the number of people in your bridal party. After the initial excitement wears off and you’re thinking more about what you want it to look like and you’ve come off the engagement high, that’s the time to ask your crew to be in the wedding. Remember, it’s not a tit for tat. If someone you don’t fee is as close to you had you in their wedding DO NOT feel obligated. It’s your wedding and memories. It’s a fun time and even if they aren’t in the wedding party they will still be partying with you all night!

7. Ok what you’d been waiting for: The DRESS! Most dresses unless they are perfect size off the rack, will need about 9 months to create. So that’s why it should be early on in the planning. But it’s good to know time of year and venue before getting the dress. A summer beach wedding will probably be a different style dress than a winter indoor wedding etc. So the date and location will inform your purchase decision. But ultimately get what you love regardless!!

8. Now to set the mood! A DJ or BAND. The same way venues and photographers get booked up a dj or band needs plenty of time to book. Other vendors can do multiple weddings in one day (flower cake linens etc.) but when the person has to be there all day they can only 1 one event a day essentially.

9. Now let’s make the day pretty! Florist & Cake time is now! It depends on how many bridesmaids an groomsmen you have but the florist will help you through that part. But going in with all the info will help make their job go smoothly and keep the train a movin’!

10. Finally, you’ll want to set up an ENGAGEMENT SHOOT with your photographer. This is a great way to not only commemorate this moment in time; but, get to know your photographer’s style and energy and for them to get to know you guys too. This will help you be more comfy in front of the camera and make the wedding day even more fun. Then you can send out those SAVE THE DATE cards or magnets or posts out to your friends and family.

BONUS: After all of this you can then focus on decor and invites and details etc. You got this!

Happy wedding planning and congrats!! Please try to enjoy the process and don’t get caught up in what you’re supposed to do but breathe and give yourself grace: this is all new and you’re doing a great job!