Just Got Engaged? Where to Start With Wedding Planning in the UK

You’re engaged - congratulations! 💍After the excitement settles and the ring selfies are posted, many couples are left asking the same question:

“What on earth do we do first?”

If you’re newly engaged and feeling excited but completely overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Wedding planning can feel like learning a whole new language overnight, especially when you don’t know where to start. The good news? You don’t need to have everything figured out right now.

This guide will walk you through the very first steps of wedding planning, helping you feel confident, calm, and in control from the beginning.

1. Take a Moment to Celebrate (Yes, Really)

Before spreadsheets, budgets, and venue tours, take some time to enjoy being engaged. This is a short and special chapter, and it’s easy to rush straight into planning mode.

Celebrate together, tell your loved ones in your own time, and allow yourselves to feel excited without pressure. Wedding planning doesn’t need to start the day after the proposal.

2. Talk About What Actually Matters to You

One of the most important (and often skipped) steps is having an honest conversation as a couple about what you want your wedding to feel like.

Ask each other:

• Do we imagine something big or intimate?

• Is the day more about family, friends, or the experience?

• What do we care about most - food, music, photos, atmosphere?

These conversations will guide every decision you make and help you avoid planning a wedding that looks good on paper but doesn’t feel like you.

3. Where to Start With Wedding Planning: Set a Realistic Budget Early

Budgeting might not be the most romantic part of wedding planning, but it’s one of the most important. Knowing roughly what you can spend will save you stress, disappointment, and awkward conversations later on.

Start by:

• Discussing how much you can comfortably afford

• Deciding whether family will contribute (and if so, how much)

• Researching average UK wedding costs to set expectations

Remember: a meaningful wedding isn’t defined by how much you spend. It’s about how intentionally you spend it.

4. Get a Rough Guest List Together

Before you can book a venue or set a date, you’ll need an estimated guest count. It doesn’t have to be perfect at this stage - just a realistic ballpark figure.

Your guest list affects:

• Venue size and availability

• Catering costs

• Overall budget

Sit down together and list your must-have guests first, then expand from there. This step alone can make planning feel far more manageable.

5. Choose a Season, Not a Date (Yet)

You don’t need to pick an exact wedding date straight away. Instead, think about when you’d like to get married.

Consider:

• Spring, summer, autumn, or winter?

• Any important dates to avoid?

• How flexible you can be with weekdays or off-peak seasons

Having a preferred season will make venue searching much easier and often opens up more options.

6. Start With the Venue

Your venue is usually the first big decision — and for good reason. Once it’s booked, many other details fall into place.

When researching venues, think about:

• Location and travel for guests

• Capacity

• Whether it’s all-inclusive or DIY

• Availability within your preferred season

Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts. If a venue feels right, you’ll know.

7. Don’t Feel Pressured to Do Everything at Once

One of the biggest myths about wedding planning is that everything needs to be done immediately. It doesn’t.

Create a simple checklist, take things step by step, and remember that you’re allowed to enjoy the process. There’s no “right” timeline - only what works for you.

Final Thoughts

If you’re newly engaged and feeling unsure where to start, remember this: every wedding begins with small, thoughtful decisions. You don’t need all the answers today - just a clear first step.

Wedding planning should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Start with conversations, not comparisons, and build your day in a way that truly reflects you as a couple.

You’ve got this 🤍