Congratulations, you’re officially getting married! Now that you are more settled in and ready to start the planning, it’s time to put it in high gear! Before you dive into the world of venues, dresses, and cake tastings, here are the first five thing to do after he gets down on one knee!

1. Set Up a Wedding Email Address

This one sounds kind of silly but trust us when we say it WILL change your life! As you start reaching out to vendors and getting their information, it will start to get very hectic if it is getting all mixed in with your personal emails, and the last thing you would want is for these emails to get lost in the sauce! So, set up a dedicated email address for all things wedding-related. This will keep your personal inbox clutter-free and make it easier to find important details when you need them.

2. Budget Talk

Creating a budget may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s so important that you set a budget. Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about your budget. Determine what you’re comfortable spending and where you want to spend more or less of your budget. Setting a budget early on will save you so many headaches down the road and help so much with your decision-making process.

3. Discuss Your Vision

Every couple has a unique vision for their wedding day, so take the time to discuss your preferences and priorities. Talk about the style of wedding you both envision, whether it’s grand, intimate, a destination wedding, or something in between. Discuss your vision early on and that will set the tone for the entire planning process and will make that you’re on the same page when making any decision throughout the planning process.

4. Create a Draft Guest List

While it might be tempting to start looking at venues or trying on wedding dresses right away, creating a draft guest list should be one of your first steps. The number of guests you plan to invite will impact your choice of venue AND overall budget. Begin by compiling a list of family and close friends. This will provide a solid foundation for many other decisions to come.

5. Hire a Wedding Planner

Planning every detail out is very overwhelming. Hiring a wedding planner eliminates that stress completely! You get to enjoy your engagement and not have to worry about all the little things.