It’s official—there’s a ring on your finger and your phone won’t stop buzzing. Between the “congrats” texts and questions like “When’s the big day?” and “Have you picked your venue yet?”, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed. Trust us—we’ve been there, both as a married couple and seasoned wedding industry pros. So, before you dive headfirst into Pinterest boards and dress appointments, here are the first three things you should do after getting engaged to set the foundation for a stress-free planning process.

01. Draft Your Guest List

It might not be the most glamorous part of planning, but starting with your guest list is essential. Why? Because nearly every vendor you contact—especially venues—will ask for a rough guest count. Knowing your number early will save you time and make venue scouting much more efficient.

Our tip:
You and your fiancé should each create a separate list of everyone you’d potentially invite. Then sit down together, combine the lists, and discuss any overlaps or cuts. San Diego weddings average around 120 guests, but your ideal number is whatever feels right for you, whether it’s 40 or 240.

02. Have the Budget Conversations

Before you start booking anything, it’s crucial to talk about the budget. These money conversations can feel a bit awkward, but being on the same page from the start will save a ton of stress down the road.

Start with these steps:

• Chat with both sets of parents (if they’re contributing) to understand their expectations and financial help.

• Decide how much you and your fiancé are personally comfortable investing.

• From there, draft a general budget breakdown (venue, photo/video, planner, dress, florals, etc.). You don’t need exact numbers yet, but ballpark figures help guide your vendor choices.

Check Your Calendar

Before reaching out to venues, you’ll need an idea of your timeline. How long do you want to be engaged? Are there any dates you need to avoid? Are you dreaming of a fall wedding or something sunny and summer-y?

Also consider:

• Weather patterns (see our quick guide below!)

• Vendor timelines (dresses can take 6–12 months to arrive)

• Your work schedules

• Family availability

SEASON	PROS	CONS
Spring (March-May)	Fresh blooms, moderate pricing	Rain risk, unpredictable weather
Summer (June-August)	Sunny skies, peak bloom	Higher costs, can get hot inland
Fall (September-November)	Mild weather, beautiful foliage	Popular season = more competition, rising rain chances in late fall
Winter (December-February)	– Guests will have holiday time Budget-friendly, easier holiday travel for guests	High chance of rain, colder temps—especially outdoors

Once you’ve tackled these three first steps, you’ll be in great shape to start reaching out to venues and planners. Want help keeping it all organized? Download our FREE Wedding Planning Guide—packed with vendor questions, a planning timeline, and more tools our couples swear by.

You’ve got this—and we’re cheering you on every step of the way!