10 Things to Know Once You Get Engaged

You proposed or accepted the proposal... now what?

While there's likely a lot on your mind – from the new things you'll learn about being engaged to the main questions you'll have after saying "yes" – we've gathered some of our best advice for engaged couples

wedding engagement shoot photo taken by amy anaiz photography
Photo: Amy Anaiz Photography

If you're recently engaged, congratulations! We're excited to be a part of your planning process as you find inspiration and make the decisions that will lead to your picture-perfect wedding day. 

Being engaged is an exciting time full of planning, congratulatory events, and bliss; however, there are some things that you'll have to iron out before you walk down the aisle. While there's likely a lot on your mind – from the new things you'll learn about being engaged to the main questions you'll have after saying "yes" – we've gathered some of our best advice for engaged couples, as well as tips from wedding professionals and real couples

Discover 10 things you may want to know after getting engaged, below:

What You Need to Know After You Get Engaged

1. Learn What Not to Do

Before you do anything (besides calling your parents and close friends, of course), find out what not to do after getting engaged.

2. Find Out What No One Will Tell You

3. Discover How to Announce Your Engagement

Decide how you're going to announce your engagement. Tell your parents, siblings, and closest friends in person or over the phone first, and then decide how you're going to share on social media.

4. Look the Part

Be prepared! There's nothing more fun than finally being able to buy the things engaged people buy. From ring boxes to wedding organizers, find out what to buy once you get engaged

5. Get Answers to Your Wedding Questions

After saying "yes" to one of the most important questions of your life, you likely have a lot of questions of your own. Discover this wedding planner's answers to six popular questions after getting engaged.

engagement shoot ideas for chicago what to know when you get engaged

Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; From Post: Romantic Engagement Shoot Around the City of Chicago

6. Celebrate!

First things first, throw an engagement party! Since engagement party guests may think they're invited to the wedding, be sure to have your guest list mostly figured out beforehand.

7. Look For & Hire a Photographer

Hire your wedding photographer and ask about an engagement shoot. Many photographers and newlyweds suggest that you get engagement photos taken to practice for the wedding, have memorable images of the happy time, and incorporate them into your save-the-date cards.

8. Learn How to Take Care of Your Ring

Now that you have a beautiful sparkling diamond on your finger, it's important to learn how to take care of your engagement ring

9. Communicate with Your Spouse-to-Be

Since you and your spouse-to-be will soon be married, it's important to discuss some topics that you may not have covered while you were dating – one of the biggest being details about your finances, money language, and spending habits. 

10. Learn From Married Couples

Get advice! Ask your family, friends, and coworkers to share their experiences about being a bride- or groom-to-be. For more advice (and if none of your friends are engaged), get advice from past brides featured in the pages of Inside Weddings and on InsideWeddings.com.

For more tips, find out how to handle invasive questions after you get engaged, discover expert ways to make your wedding memorable, and learn tips on throwing a winter engagement party. View hundreds of real weddings here, and gather inspiration from our photo galleries.