Engagement Checklist: Everything to Do (and Skip) After Saying Yes

So, you’re engaged. First and foremost, congratulations! This is such a special and exciting time and this engagement checklist is designed to keep you floating in that blissful bride-to-be bubble, no matter if the proposal was an intimate moment in your kitchen or a big public surprise with champagne and flash photography.

And while it might be tempting to spiral into venue hunting and wedding Pinterest boards within 24 hours, let’s take a beat. Before diving headfirst into full-blown wedding planning mode, here are a few things to do post-engagement that are fun, meaningful, and actually helpful— without totally overwhelming you.

Keep scrolling for your engagement checklist and find out what to do right after you say yes.

Take a Moment Together— Just the Two of You

The most important task on the engagement checklist? We think so. Yes, it’s exciting. Yes, everyone wants to know the story. But before you post or text or call anyone, take a minute to soak it in. Whether that means a celebratory dinner, a cozy night in, or popping champagne just the two of you, this is your moment. Enjoy the high.

Snap a Few Cute Photos (for the Group Chat… and the Gram)

You’re glowing, the ring is sparkling, and you’re officially the main character. Snap a few photos while the moment is still fresh, even if they’re casual selfies. You’ll want those first memories saved for later, and if you’re sharing the news online, you’ll already have that “just engaged” pic locked and loaded.

Announce However You Want To

No matter if you’re all about a coordinated Instagram carousel or keeping it low-key, there’s no right way to announce your engagement. Some couples wait a few days (or weeks!) to tell people. Others FaceTime their families right away. Do what feels right and don’t feel pressured to make it public before you’re ready.

Need inspiration? Try:

• A soft launch ring photo with a cheeky caption
• A carousel with proposal pics and a subtle “forever starts now”
• A simple ring and handhold shot with no caption at all. Iconic.

Insure Your Ring

This is the least sexy part, but it’s important: get your ring insured ASAP. You can usually add it to your renter’s or homeowner’s policy, or purchase standalone jewelry insurance. Peace of mind is truly priceless.

Clean Your Nails (Because Close-Up Season Has Arrived)

Everyone will be asking to see the ring. If you haven’t already, consider a mini mani moment. It doesn’t need to be a full set— just a quick clean-up, some polish (or even press-ons), and you’re photo-ready for all the inevitable hand shots.

Bask in the “Just Engaged” Energy

You don’t have to start planning right away. Really. Give yourself permission to be engaged, not just “engaged and already planning the seating chart.” This is such a special phase full of excitement, champagne toasts, and dreamy daydreams. Let it be fun.

Talk Big Picture, Not Details

When you are ready to start talking wedding, start with the big stuff: the general vibe, the season, the guest count range, the location. These convos help you start dreaming together without jumping straight into a spreadsheet.

Try asking:

• Do we want a big wedding or something small?
• City, country, coast… where are we thinking?
• Are we aiming for this year, next year, or just “whenever”?

Celebrate with Your People

Whether it’s an engagement party, a family dinner, or a spontaneous hangout with friends who bring champagne and cheese boards, celebrate however feels right for you. It doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. It just needs to be joyful.

Start a Shared Notes App, Not a Binder

We love a good Google Doc, but when it’s early days, a shared Notes app or Pinterest board is a low pressure way to save ideas, links, venues, and vendors you might want to circle back to. You don’t need to commit to anything— you’re just gathering vibes.

Remind Yourself: There’s No One Right Way to Plan a Wedding

You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. Whether you want to elope next month or spend two years planning the ultimate garden party celebration, it’s your wedding. And it starts now.