Just Got Engaged? 5 Things to do Right After Your Proposal

Welcome to your fiance era! You just got engaged and we couldn't be more excited for you. That sparkly new ring on your finger probably still feels surreal, and you're likely getting bombarded with questions from well-meaning friends and family: "Have you set a date?" "Where's the wedding?" "Can I see the ring?!"

Before you get swept up in the whirlwind of wedding planning, take a deep breath. We've helped hundreds of brides navigate this exciting journey, and we've learned that taking these five steps early on can make everything smoother (and way more enjoyable).

Roost Photography

1. Actually Enjoy Being Engaged

This might sound super obvious, but hear us out. The pressure to immediately start planning can be intense, but this engagement period is so special and a time you won’t get to experience again. Take a few weeks to just be engaged. Go out to dinner to celebrate, call your loved ones with the news, and savor this milestone before diving into spreadsheets and vendor meetings.

Some couples find it helpful to have a "planning-free" period right after the engagement, whether that's a week or a month or more. Use this time to feel all that excitement build and to be present with each other before the real work begins.

2. Have the Big Conversations

Before you start booking anything, sit down with your partner for some honest conversations about your shared vision. Talk about:

• Budget: What can you realistically spend? Will family be contributing financially? This number will shape every other decision.

• Guest count: Are you dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration? This affects your venue options and overall costs.

• Timeline: Do you want a long engagement to plan the wedding of your dreams, or are you hoping to tie the knot within the year?

• Style and priorities: What matters most to each of you? The venue? The food? The music? The dress? Knowing your priorities helps you allocate your budget wisely and to keep what's most important to each of you in the main focus of planning. 

Getting aligned on these fundamentals now will save you from difficult conversations later on.

3. Attend an Open House or Wedding show

One of the smartest moves you can make early in your engagement is attending a bridal open house or wedding show, where you'll meet dozens of vendors under one roof and start building your dream team without scheduling twenty separate appointments. Unlike massive convention-center wedding shows where you're shuffling through crowds, boutique open houses offer an intimate, curated experience where you can browse through racks of gowns, chat with stylists one-on-one, and meet hand-selected local vendors in a relaxed setting. We're hosting our own Open House on January 21st, 2026, and we'd love to see you there! You'll browse our latest collections, meet some of our favorite wedding professionals, enjoy refreshments, and take advantage of exclusive discounts or perks for brides who book during the event - it's the perfect way to check "find the dress" off your list while connecting with vendors who'll help bring your entire wedding vision to life.

4. Say Yes to the Dress (the best part!)

Here's where we might be a little biased, but trust us on this: don't wait too long to start dress shopping. Many brides think they need to have everything else figured out first, but your dress can take 6-8 months to arrive, plus you'll need time for alterations. The magic of finding your wedding dress early is that it actually helps shape your wedding vision. Once you see yourself in "the one," you'll have a clearer picture of your overall style, whether that's romantic and bohemian, classic and timeless, or modern and sleek.

Pro tip: Start browsing online to get a sense of what styles speak to you, then book your bridal appointment about 9-12 months before your wedding date. And yes, it's absolutely okay to go dress shopping before you've booked a venue! We recommend bringing just 2-4 trusted people to your appointments to keep the experience intimate and focused on your happiness.

5. Begin Building Your Dream Team

Once you have your venue and date secured, it's time to start booking your other key vendors. Photographers, caterers, florists, DJs or bands - the best ones book up fast, especially during peak wedding season (hello, summer Saturdays!).

Create a prioritized list based on what matters most to you as a couple. If you're foodies, maybe the caterer is your first call. If you're a music lover, perhaps you'll lock down your band right away. Research vendors whose style aligns with your vision, read reviews, and don't be afraid to schedule consultations with a few options before making your decision. Remember to get everything in writing and read those contracts carefully before officially signing anything.

Take It One Step at a Time

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but remember: you don't have to do everything at once. By tackling these five foundational steps first, you'll set yourself up for a planning process that's organized, intentional, and dare we say it—actually enjoyable. And whenever you're ready to find the dress that makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself, we're here for you. Because your wedding day should feel just as magical as the moment you got engaged.

Ready to start your dress journey? Schedule your appointment with us today and let's find your dream dress together.