Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life. Between celebrating with family and friends and staring at your ring every five minutes, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement.

But once the celebrations settle, most couples have the same thought:

“Okay…where do we actually start?”

Wedding planning can quickly become overwhelming if you jump straight into Pinterest boards and vendor enquiries. The best way to start is by focusing on a few key foundations that will guide every decision you make moving forward.

Here are the first 10 things I recommend couples do after getting engaged.

1. Draft Your Guest List

Before you book anything, it’s important to have a rough idea of your guest numbers.

Your guest list will influence some of your biggest decisions including your venue, catering costs and overall budget. It doesn’t need to be perfect yet, but creating an initial list will help you plan realistically.

2. Set Your Budget

Your budget is the backbone of your wedding planning.

Sit down together and discuss what you’re comfortable spending, whether family will be contributing, and how you want to prioritise your spending. Having a clear budget early on will help you make confident decisions later.

3. Decide Your Top 3 Priorities (Each)

This is one of the most valuable exercises you can do early in the planning process.

Each of you should choose three elements of the wedding that matter most to you - whether that’s photography, food, music, styling, or the overall guest experience.

When decisions start piling up (and they will), these priorities will help guide your choices and keep your budget aligned with what matters most.

4. Start Your Venue Search

Your venue is usually the first major booking couples make.

Your guest numbers, preferred location and wedding style will all influence which venues are the best fit for your day. Once your venue is secured, many other elements of your wedding will begin to fall into place.

5. Send Save the Dates

Once you’ve secured your venue and wedding date, it’s a good idea to send out save the dates, especially if you’re planning a peak season wedding or have guests travelling from interstate or overseas.

This gives everyone plenty of time to keep the date free.

6. Secure Your Celebrant (or Church)

Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day.

Whether you’re planning a religious ceremony or working with a celebrant, it’s important to book this early so you can start discussing the type of ceremony you’d like to create.

7. Book Your Photographer and Videographer

Your photographer and videographer are often booked well in advance, particularly for popular dates.

These vendors capture the memories you’ll keep forever, so it’s worth taking the time to research styles, portfolios and personalities to find someone who feels like the right fit.

8. Consider a Wedding Coordinator

Many couples assume they can manage everything themselves, until the final weeks of planning become overwhelming.

Having a wedding coordinator or planner can make a huge difference in bringing everything together smoothly and ensuring you can actually relax and enjoy the day.

10. Book Your Entertainment

Music plays a huge role in the atmosphere of your wedding day.

Whether you’re planning live music for your ceremony, a band for your reception, or a DJ to keep the dance floor full, entertainment vendors often book out early, so it’s worth securing them sooner rather than later.

Need More Support? Download My Wedding Planning Starter Kit

If you’re feeling excited but slightly overwhelmed by everything ahead, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I’ve created a Wedding Planning Starter Kit to help get you started with each stage of planning, so you always know what to focus on.