First of all, congratulations! You’re engaged! Take a moment, let it sink in, and celebrate. Pop the champagne, take a thousand photos of that ring, and share the news with your family and friends. But… what happens next? As a booking agency, we’ve seen it all. The excitement, the stress, the endless checklists. So we’re here to help you navigate these first steps with a little music-loving wisdom. Without further adieu, here’s what to do after you get engaged.
1. Enjoy the Moment
Seriously. Don’t rush into planning right away. Take a few weeks to just be engaged. Plan a fun date night. Talk about your dreams for the big day without any pressure. Share stories about how you first met or revisit the spot where you got engaged. Take time to celebrate with close friends and family before diving into logistics. This phase is fleeting, and it’s worth savoring every little moment. Trust us—there will be plenty of time for planning later.
2. Start Dreaming
What kind of vibe do you want for your wedding? A huge party? An intimate gathering? A rustic barn or a sleek city loft? Start pinning those ideas and saving inspiration.
3. Budget Time
Money talk isn’t always fun, but it’s necessary. Sit down together (and maybe with family, if they’re helping out) to create a realistic budget. Prioritize what matters most to you.
4. Think About Your Guest List
Who absolutely needs to be there? Draft an initial list so you have an idea of your headcount. It’ll help when making decisions about venue size and catering.
6. Lock in Your Venue and Date
Venues book up fast—sometimes years in advance. This is one of the first big decisions you’ll make. Your venue and date will determine everything else: your photographer, your caterer, and yes, your DJ.
6. Book Your Key Vendors Early
Wedding DJs, photographers, and planners are often booked a year or more in advance. If having an incredible dance floor experience is important to you (hint: it should be), don’t wait too long to secure your DJ.
7. Start Thinking About Music
Okay, we might be a little biased here, but your music matters—a lot. Think about the songs that mean something to you as a couple. What will you dance to for your first dance? Are there any must-play (or must-avoid) songs?
8. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (Yet)
Napkin colors? Chair styles? Don’t stress about those details early on. Focus on the big-ticket items first. Think about what will have the biggest impact on your day—like your venue, food, and entertainment. The little things, while fun, can wait until the bigger pieces are in place. Remember, no one will remember the exact shade of your table linens, but they will remember how your wedding made them feel. Prioritize experiences over tiny details, and everything else will fall into place.
9. Communicate with Each Other
Wedding planning can get stressful. Keep checking in with each other. Make sure you’re both on the same page and still having fun. Be open about your expectations and listen to each other’s concerns. If something feels overwhelming, take a step back and breathe. Remember, you’re a team, and this process should bring you closer, not drive you apart. Plan regular, stress-free breaks from wedding talk—sometimes a simple movie night or a walk together can reset your perspective.
10. Hire Professionals You Trust
This is key. You want vendors who make you feel confident and excited. When it comes to your DJ, you want someone who understands your style and knows how to keep the party going.
Why Booking Your DJ Early Matters
The DJ isn’t just someone who plays music. They set the tone for your entire reception. A great DJ can read the room, keep your timeline flowing, and make sure your guests are having the time of their lives.
When you book early, you’ll have your pick of the best talent. Plus, you’ll have time to plan all the little details—like your grand entrance song and that epic dance floor closer.
Don’t Forget: It’s Your Day
Trends are fun. Pinterest is overflowing with ideas. But at the end of the day, this wedding should feel like you. Whether you want a black-tie gala or a backyard BBQ dance party, make choices that reflect your style.
Engagement is such a special time. It’s exciting, emotional, and yes, a little overwhelming. But with the right mindset—and the right team of vendors—you’ll create a day you’ll never forget. We hope this list was helpful in helping you determine what to do after you get engaged!
So pop that champagne, start dreaming, and when you’re ready to talk about music, you know where to find us.
Here’s to love, laughter, and an epic dance floor!
