5 Things to Do After Getting Engaged
5 Things to Do First After Getting Engaged: Your Ultimate Guide to Starting Wedding Planning
You just got engaged—yay! Now, before you dive headfirst into planning your big day, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to enjoy this exciting moment. It’s an amazing time, and you deserve to savor every second of it. That said, let’s chat about what you should be doing in the days and weeks following your engagement to get your wedding planning journey off to a fabulous start. Plus, we’ll highlight how The Highlands Estate can help you with many of these important steps!
1. Celebrate Like You Mean It!
First thing’s first—call your best friends, family, and anyone who’s important to you! This is a major moment in your life, and it deserves to be celebrated! Post that stunning ring selfie and soak in the excitement. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night with your partner or throwing a full-blown engagement party, take the time to relish in the joy of this new chapter.
And, here’s a pro tip: don’t jump into wedding planning immediately. It’s tempting, but give yourselves a breather. This moment won’t last forever, so enjoy the bliss of being newly engaged. That gorgeous ring on your finger? Let it sparkle as you bask in the euphoria of your love story before you get bogged down by all the wedding decisions!
If you’re looking for a perfect spot to host an intimate engagement party, The Highlands Estate offers the most magical setting. Picture a beautifully landscaped venue with elegant, sprawling grounds—ideal for toasts, laughs, and celebrating the love that’s about to lead to your big day.
2. Size It, Insure It, Protect It!
Okay, now that the initial excitement is starting to calm down, it’s time to take care of some important (but not-so-glamorous) tasks: getting that beautiful engagement ring sized, and, more importantly, INSURING it. Yes, it’s not the most exciting thing to do, but hear us out—it’s crucial!
Your engagement ring is not just a symbol of your love; it’s likely one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry you’ll ever own. Imagine losing it, or worse, having it stolen! Protect your investment by insuring it so that, should the worst happen, you’re covered.
If you're planning on hosting your wedding at The Highlands Estate, you’ll be surrounded by stunning outdoor spaces and picturesque views, but also remember—you’re going to want to protect that beautiful rock while you’re running around the venue on your big day!
3. Start Thinking About Your Wedding Date!
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall? The next big step in your planning process is narrowing down your wedding date. This decision is crucial because the most popular dates and venues book up quickly—so don’t wait too long! Having a ballpark idea of your date will help you set the foundation for the rest of your planning.
One of the best things about The Highlands Estate is its versatility. Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland wedding with sparkling snowflakes or a summer soirée with cocktails on the terrace, The Highlands Estate has something for every season with its Four Seasons Barn. With an enchanting atmosphere no matter the time of year, you’ll want to pick a date that works with both your vision and the availability of your top-choice venues (and vendors!).
Pro tip: Pick a date that’s about a year to a year-and-a-half out. This gives you the best shot at securing the date you want at your dream venue, photographers, and more. Plus, it gives you ample time to make decisions and plan everything to perfection.
4. Budget Talk—It’s Time to Crunch the Numbers!
Before you dive headfirst into selecting florists or cake makers, you need to get serious about your wedding budget. This can feel overwhelming, but it’s necessary to lay down a solid foundation so you don’t end up stretching your finances too thin.
Start by talking to your partner and your families to get a sense of what everyone’s comfortable contributing. Next, it’s time to create your guest list, which can have a large impact on your overall budget. Are children invited? Any restrictions on “plus-ones?” Do you invite the uncle that you haven’t seen in a decade? Lots to think about, for sure! From there, create a realistic overall budget. Once you’ve settled on the total amount, it’s time to prioritize.
For example, let’s say your total wedding budget is $50,000. You may decide that the venue, photographer, wedding planner, and catering are your top priorities. That means you’ll allocate a larger portion of the budget to those areas and trim back on the less important elements. While you can certainly create a spreadsheet to help with crunching the numbers, you might want to check out the Wedding Budget Calculator to make it super easy.
At The Highlands Estate, you’re already off to a great start. With its flexible Day and Weekend Wedding Packages, you can craft a budget-friendly yet breathtaking event that checks all your boxes. From catering to décor, The Highlands Estate makes it easy to stick to your budget without sacrificing style.
5. Research & Book Your Top Priority Vendors!
This is where things start to get really exciting! Once you’ve got your date, budget, and priorities sorted out, it’s time to book your vendors: number one on the list is your venue! You can’t set a date until you secure your venue, and The Highlands Estate should be at the top of your list. The breathtaking views, luxurious amenities, and expert event planning team will ensure your wedding is nothing short of magical.
Don’t forget: it’s also a good time to think about your guest list. The Highlands Estate offers ample space for both intimate and larger weddings up to 200 guests, so it’s important to get an approximate headcount to ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate everyone on your list.
Once you’ve locked in your dream venue (yay!), it’s time to move on to booking your next most important vendors. Think photographers, florists, and caterers. The sooner you get them secured, the smoother the rest of your planning will go.
6. The order in which you need to book the vendors for your wedding:
#1 - Venue (The Highlands Estate, of course)
#2 - Planner (yes, you need a planner)
#3 - Caterer
After these first three vendors are in place, the DJ or band, florist, rental company etc. can all be arranged.
7. In Conclusion
Getting engaged is an incredible time in your life. And while you might feel like diving straight into wedding planning, it’s important to take it one step at a time. From celebrating your engagement to selecting your dream venue at The Highlands Estate, each step helps bring you closer to your perfect wedding day. So, don’t rush—enjoy the journey, and let The Highlands Estate be the setting for the most memorable day of your life!
