You’re Engaged – Now What? - Salty Oak Photography

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First things first… Congratulations!

You’ve said “yes,” you’ve got the ring, and you’re riding the high of one of the most exciting moments of your life. So… You’re Engaged – Now What? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the endless to-do lists and advice flying at you from all directions. But don’t stress—I’m here to help guide you through those first steps with ease (and a little fun).

Let’s break it down together.

1. Celebrate! 🥂

Seriously, take a moment to just celebrate. Pop some bubbly, have a fancy dinner, or share your news with family and friends. Whether it’s a big party or a cozy night in, this is your time to soak in all the love and excitement.

And when you’re ready to go public, post that dreamy photo of your ring (and that smile!) on social media. Trust me, everyone’s going to go wild with excitement for you.

2. Dream Big

Okay, now that the initial celebrations are done, sit down with your partner and dream a little. What does your perfect wedding day look like? Is it a big, formal event? A small, cozy gathering? A backyard vibe, or maybe something totally out of the box?

This is the fun part—no wrong answers, no stress—just the two of you figuring out what feels right.

3. Let’s Talk Money

I know, I know. Budgeting isn’t exactly romantic, but trust me, it’ll save you a ton of headaches later. Decide what you’re comfortable spending and figure out your priorities. Maybe photography is your non-negotiable (I might know a gal 😉), or maybe it’s having the most epic food and drinks.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help if family members want to chip in—it’s all part of the conversation.

4. Start Your Guest List

This part can feel a bit tricky, but don’t overthink it right now. Just start with the people you can’t imagine not being there. It’s okay if your list evolves over time—this is just to give you a rough idea of how big your wedding will be.

5. Pick a Date (or at Least a Season)

If you’ve got a special date in mind, go for it! But if not, think about what season feels the most “you.” Love those cozy autumn vibes? Or maybe spring feels more romantic? Once you have a season, you’ll be able to narrow down venues and other big decisions.

6. Lock in the Big Stuff

Now we’re getting to the nitty-gritty. Start booking those major players—venue, photographer, and celebrant. These vendors tend to book out quickly, so it’s a good idea to secure them early.

P.S.: Choosing your photographer is a BIG decision. You’ll want someone who feels like a friend, captures your vibe, and helps the day run smoothly. Let’s chat if you’re still looking—I’d love to help!

7. Pinterest, Baby!

This is your green light to spend hours scrolling Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs. Save all the ideas you love, and don’t worry about how it all fits together just yet. This is your time to get inspired!

Quick tip: Don’t feel like you have to follow trends. Your wedding should be a reflection of you, not what’s popular on social media right now.

8. Take Care of You 💕

This one’s important: while you’re busy planning, don’t forget about your relationship. Maybe it’s a date night, binge-watching your favorite show, or even premarital counseling if that’s your thing. The wedding is just one day—your marriage is forever.

9. Have Fun With It!

I know wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but remember, this is all about celebrating your love story. Things might not always go perfectly, and that’s okay. At the end of the day, you’ll be married to your favorite person—and that’s what matters most.

Ready to Start? Let’s Chat!
As a wedding photographer, I’m here to make your day as stress-free and magical as possible. From creating timelines to capturing every special moment, I’ve got your back.

If you’re ready to start planning (or just need someone to gush about your engagement with), let’s connect. I’d love to hear your story and help bring your dream day to life!