The First 8 Things To Do After Getting Engaged...According To An Ontario Wedding Photographer

AKA: You just said “YES!”… now what?!

Okay bestie… breathe. You’re ENGAGED!!! You just stepped into your Bridal Era and I’m already screaming, crying, throwing confetti for you. Whether it happened under twinkle lights, on a mountain, or in the kitchen on a random Tuesday night, this moment is BIG. Before you spiral into 12,000 Pinterest tabs, here are the actual first 8 things to do — in an order that keeps things fun, organized, and drama-free.

1. ✨ Soak it the heck in

Before anything else… give yourselves time to be just engaged. Pour the champagne, take 900 selfies, giggle every time you look at your ring, and enjoy the bubble. There is zero rush. This stage is magical and it deserves attention.

2. 📣 Tell your inner circle (before you hard-launch it)

Your parents, your best friends, your siblings, your ride-or-dies — tell them first. Not because it’s “proper,” but because it’s way more fun to FaceTime your bestie and watch her scream than to have her find out on Instagram.

3. 💍 Get your ring insured (seriously!)

Not glamorous, but absolutely necessary. Add it to your home or tenant insurance or set up a stand-alone policy. It’s simple, inexpensive, and will save you from heartbreak if anything ever happens.

Bonus point: Grab a cute ring dish or holder so you have a safe “home base” for it.

4. 📸 Start a shared inspiration board

Pinterest, Google Drive, Notion — pick your vibe.Start collecting ideas for:

• venue aesthetics

• outfits

• florals

• photography styles

• colours

• timelinesYou don’t need a fully curated vision board yet, just a “this feels like us” place to start. And yes… this is where you can spiral (in a fun way).

  
  

5. 🗓️ Talk about your priorities & rough timeline

Not a formal planning meeting — more like a cozy “let’s dream about it” moment.

Chat about:

• What matters most (photos, food, vibes, guest count, location, party energy, etc.)

• Approximate time of year

• Whether you want full-day or something more intimate

• If travel/destination is on the table

This isn’t about making decisions yet — it’s about making sure you’re on the same page.

6. 💸 Have the budget conversation early

This one’s important, and future-you will thank you for doing it now.Figure out:

• What you’re comfortable spending

• Who’s contributing

• What your non-negotiables are

• What parts you want to invest in (psst… photography is often #1 or #2 for couples 😉)

A clear budget from the start makes every other choice so much easier.

7. 🏛️ Start researching venues

Venues book FAST — like, faster-than-you-think fast — especially in Southern Ontario.Research a few options that match:

• Your aesthetic

• Your budget

• Your guest count

• Your preferred season

Get a shortlist ready before touring. Once you find the one, everything else (like photography!) can fall into place.

8. 📸 Inquire with your dream photographer early

If you’re drawn to modern, true-to-colour, emotional, candid photography… hi, hello, that’s where I come in 🫶

Photographers often book 12–18+ months in advance, and once your venue/date is confirmed, it’s the perfect time to reach out. Even if you’re still choosing a venue, chatting early gives you a head start and lets you secure someone you actually vibe with instead of whoever is left.

Final Thoughts

Getting engaged is one of the most special chapters of your life — and it shouldn’t feel stressful or overwhelming. These first eight steps help you celebrate, get aligned, and build the foundation for a wedding day that feels like you.

And hey… if photography is high on your priority list, I would LOVE to walk through this season with you.

✨ Inquire here: https://www.quinnwalshphotography.com/ ✨

Let’s make some magic.