Where to Begin Once You’re Engaged

First of all — congratulations to you both! You’re engaged! Take a deep breath, share a smile, and let this beautiful new chapter sink in. This is such a meaningful moment, one that deserves to be cherished before diving into all the exciting plans ahead.

For a little while, let the word “fiancé(e)” feel new and magical. It’s the start of a journey that will bring laughter, discovery, and so many shared decisions — some big, some small — but all leading to a day that’s truly yours.

Celebrate and Enjoy the Moment

Before thinking about venues, guest lists, or logistics, just be together. Take time to celebrate this milestone in a way that feels right for you. Maybe it’s a romantic dinner, a cosy weekend away, or simply curling up on the sofa, champagne in hand, replaying the proposal story over and over again.

Whatever you do, let it sink in. You’ve just said “yes” to a shared future, to partnership, and to building a day that will celebrate your love in all its uniqueness.

So before you open Pinterest or start comparing venues, allow yourselves to be in the glow of this new engagement bubble. It’s fleeting and precious — and you deserve to enjoy it before any planning begins.

Share the News with Your Loved Ones

Once you’ve had your private moment, it’s time to share the joy! Call your families, meet your friends, or plan a small celebration to make the announcement in person. Watching everyone’s reactions — the happy tears, the hugs, the “finally!” exclamations — makes it all feel so wonderfully real.

You might also want to mark the occasion with an engagement photoshoot. It doesn’t have to be formal or overly posed; even a relaxed walk somewhere meaningful — perhaps by the sea, in your favourite café, or near your home — can create beautiful, authentic memories. Those photos often end up being some of your favourites, taken in a moment when it’s all just beginning. An engagement shoot is also a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and connect with your photographer before the wedding day itself.

This is such a joyful time — one filled with excitement, anticipation, and a sense of “we’re really doing this.” Enjoy every reaction, every message, and every toast to your future together.

Define a Preliminary Budget

Now that you’ve started to imagine the day, it’s time to look at the numbers — not to limit your dreams, but to make them possible.

Start by talking openly about what you’re both comfortable spending and how you might divide the budget. Will you contribute equally? Will family help? Having these honest conversations early on sets the tone for smooth planning ahead.

Then, think about priorities. What matters most to you both? Maybe it’s the venue and food, or perhaps photography and florals hold more emotional value. Defining your top priorities ensures that your spending reflects what truly matters.

You don’t need to have everything figured out — this is just about setting parameters. A preliminary budget will help you make decisions later with clarity and confidence.

If you’re unsure where to begin or want practical guidance on how to spend wisely, I’ve written another post that breaks it all down step by step — How to spend your wedding budget wisely. It’s full of useful insights to help you make the most of every penny while staying true to your vision.

Start Dreaming and Shaping Your Vision

Now comes one of the most enjoyable parts — imagining what your wedding might look and feel like.

Once you’ve talked about your budget, sit down together and start sharing ideas. This is where Pinterest boards can become your best friend! Create a shared board and start saving images that catch your eye — not just for dresses or décor, but for mood, lighting, colours, and emotions. Over time, you’ll notice a pattern emerging that reveals your shared style.

Think about what kind of experience you want for your guests (and yourselves). Is it a weekend celebration in the Scottish Highlands? A chic city gathering in Edinburgh? A relaxed countryside wedding filled with local touches? There’s no right or wrong answer — only what feels authentically you.

This is also a great time to draft your first guest list. You don’t need exact numbers, but it helps to know whether you’re imagining 40 guests or 140. The guest count will influence your venue search, catering options, and even your budget distribution.

Dreaming together at this stage is one of the sweetest parts of the journey — it’s where your ideas begin to take shape and your day starts to come alive in your minds.

Decide How You’d Like to Plan Your Wedding

Once you have your vision and a general idea of your budget, it’s time to decide how you want to approach the planning itself.

Do you want to do it all yourselves — researching, booking, coordinating — or would you prefer to have a professional by your side to guide you through it all?

If you decide to plan your wedding on your own, your first priority should be finding and securing your venue. Your venue often determines your date and sets the tone for the rest of your celebration. Many venues in Scotland, especially castles and exclusive estates, book up well in advance, so this is a great place to start. Once your venue is confirmed, you can move on to booking your photographer, caterer, and other suppliers.

If you’d rather work with a wedding planner, your next step is to find the right one for you. Every planner has their own approach, personality, and area of expertise. Take the time to meet a few and see who feels like the best fit. It’s not just about their portfolio — it’s about chemistry.

For me, it’s always about connection. I believe planning a wedding is such a personal process, and you should feel comfortable, understood, and supported every step of the way. My role is to bring your ideas to life while keeping things organised, calm, and beautifully cohesive — so you can focus on the parts that truly make your heart flutter.

And Most of All… Enjoy the Journey

It’s easy to get swept up in checklists and timelines, but pause often and remember why you’re doing this — to celebrate your love, surrounded by the people who mean the most to you.

Planning a wedding isn’t just about one day; it’s about the months leading up to it, the anticipation, the small moments you share while imagining your future together. There will be laughter, decisions, and likely a few unexpected twists — but they all become part of your story.

And if at any point the process starts to feel overwhelming, remember — you don’t have to do it all alone. This is exactly where having a wedding planner can make such a difference. With someone experienced by your side who knows the process inside out, you can focus on the fun parts — cake tastings, flower selections, colour palettes — while leaving the logistics, timelines, and troubleshooting to a professional.

It’s about peace of mind and presence. With a planner, you can actually enjoy your engagement, confident that your plans are being handled with care and expertise. From “yes” to “I do,” you deserve to savour every single moment.

Ready to start turning your ideas into a real plan? Get in touch to book your free consultation — I’d love to hear your story and help you start this exciting adventure.

And if you’re still undecided about planning your wedding yourself or getting the help of a wedding planner, check out my post about Should you hire a wedding planner.