The 9 things to do as soon as you get engaged

You’ve got engaged! Yay! Now what? Once you’ve phoned everyone you need to phone, updated your insta and popped a bottle of fizz it’s time to sit down to some serious wedding planning.

Relax, Auntie YSW has you covered.

1. Set your budget. Before you start the Pinterest board of dreams set a realistic budget with your OH. Better to have any awkward chats now with family too so you know where you stand on things like if they will be contributing. Our top tip? Start a Google Sheet to keep track.

2. Go engagement ring shopping. If the proposal didn’t involve a big sparkler (and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s best to choose these things yourself), book in some appointments to try some on or even book a consultation to have a bespoke ring designed just for you.

3. If you’re not already, start following Your Scottish Wedding on social media. We’ll keep you up to date with everything you need to know, including countdowns, wedding inspiration and plenty of gorgeous pictures from newlyweds who have already said “I do”.

4. Make your guestlist. It might seem super early to do this, but you really need a good idea of how many guests you plan on having before you can start deciding on a wedding venue. It’s also good to set out early if your wedding be child friendly or not.

5. Shortlist venues. Not sure where to start with the venue hunt? Head to our Find Your Supplier section of the website to discover Scotland’s wedding venues. Remember to consider any feature you want your dream venue to have like whether you want accommodation and minimum guest numbers.

6. Choose your wedding party. One of the cutest parts of planning; asking your bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man and maid of honour! Well, you need your besties to help get planning from the start so choose your bride tribe early!

7. Decide on the type of ceremony. Whether you go for a registrar, church wedding, humanist celebrant or interfaith: there are so many options. Start your research early and decide which type of ceremony suits you as a couple. It’s good to book in early to take away any stress at a later date!

8. Choose your venue. Once you’ve decided just where you’re holding your ceremony and reception that’s a huge thing ticked off your list and you’ll be able to relax into the rest of the planning. Now’s also a good time to send out Save the Dates to give guests plenty of time to take time off work, book travel and arrange childcare.

9. Buy wedding insurance! If the pandemic has shown us anything it’s that protecting your wedding against unforeseen circumstances is more important than ever.

For our full wedding countdown and more handy hints and tips head to the Be Inspired section here