Just got engaged and wondering what to do after getting engaged? First, congratulations! The ring is on, the champagne has been popped, and the excitement is real. Your phone is likely buzzing with messages, advice, and venue suggestions.
Once the initial celebration settles, many newly engaged couples begin to feel unsure about what actually comes next.
As Chicago wedding planners, we work with couples every day who are excited but overwhelmed by how to start wedding planning the right way—without stress or rushed decisions.
This guide walks you through what to do after getting engaged step by step, so you can begin planning your wedding with confidence, clarity, and intention.
Step One: What to Do First After You Get Engaged
Before diving into wedding content, timelines, venues, and budgets, take a moment to pause.
Being engaged is a milestone worth celebrating. Enjoy this season before shifting into planning mode. Whether that means a quiet dinner together or celebrating with family and friends, giving yourselves space helps ensure your wedding planning starts intentionally—not reactively.
Couples who pause before planning often make clearer decisions and enjoy the process more.
Step Two: How to Decide Your Wedding Guest Count
One of the first practical steps after getting engaged is discussing your guest count.
You don’t need a finalized list, but having a realistic estimate will guide nearly every planning decision, especially when planning a wedding in Chicago, where venue capacity, pricing, and availability are closely tied to guest numbers.
Talk about:
Who you truly want to celebrate with
Family expectations on both sides
Whether you envision an intimate or large-scale wedding
Starting with guest count helps avoid falling in love with venues that don’t align with your vision.
Step Three: Wedding Budget Basics for Newly Engaged Couples
Discussing budget early is one of the most important wedding planning tips for newly engaged couples.
Have an open conversation about:
Your overall budget range
Who may be contributing financially
Your top priorities (venue, photography, food, entertainment, design)
Knowing what matters most allows you to allocate your budget intentionally. A professional planner can help you establish a realistic wedding budget, avoid unexpected costs, and stay aligned with your priorities throughout the process.
Learn more about our Chicago wedding planning services and how we guide couples from engagement to wedding day.
Step Four: How to Create a Wedding Vision and Style
Before booking venues or vendors, align on your wedding vision.
Ask yourselves:
What do we want our wedding to feel like?
Formal or relaxed?
Classic, modern, or romantic?
City-focused Chicago wedding or destination-inspired?
Defining your wedding style early makes every decision, from venue selection to design, feel easier and more cohesive.
Step Five: Hire a Professional Chicago Wedding Planner
One of the biggest questions couples ask after getting engaged is whether to hire a wedding planner.
Planning a wedding, especially in Chicago, comes with logistics, timelines, vendor coordination, and city-specific considerations. A seasoned Chicago wedding planner helps guide you through what to do after getting engaged and brings organization, expertise, and calm to the process.
Professional support helps you:
Build a realistic wedding planning timeline
Navigate Chicago venues, permits and venue-specific requirements, and vendor options
Make informed decisions with confidence
Enjoy your engagement instead of feeling overwhelmed
The Bottom Line
Knowing what to do after getting engaged sets the foundation for your entire wedding planning journey. Taking time to discuss guest count, budget, vision, and professional support allows you to plan with intention and confidence.
If you’re planning a wedding in Chicago and want expert guidance from the very beginning, Effortless Events is here to help you create a celebration that feels effortless, personal, and completely you.
Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable 2026 wedding in Chicago.
