What to Do After the Valentine’s Day Proposal: A Guide for Newly Engaged Couples

Valentine’s Day proposals are undeniably romantic, but now that the ring is on your finger, what comes next? As a wedding venue, we know that the journey from “Yes!” to “I do” can be as exciting as it is overwhelming. After such a special proposal, it’s time to start planning the next big steps in your engagement.

We’ve got your back! From finding the perfect venue to planning the engagement party, here’s everything you need to know about what to do after your Valentine’s Day proposal. Let’s dive into the details:

1. Take a Moment to Celebrate

First and foremost, congratulations! You’ve just said “Yes!” to a lifetime of love. Take some time to soak it all in before you jump into the planning process. Whether it’s a quiet dinner for two or sharing the news with close friends and family, allow yourself to bask in the excitement of this special moment. Once you’re ready to dive into the wedding planning whirlwind, these tips will help guide your next steps.

2. Start by Finding Your Dream Venue

One of the first things to do after the proposal is to begin looking for the perfect wedding venue. The venue will set the tone for your entire celebration, so it’s important to find a place that reflects both of your personalities and styles.

Tips for Finding Your Venue:

• Set a Budget: Before you start searching, know how much you’re willing to spend. Wedding venues can vary greatly in price, so having a set budget will help narrow down your options.
• Choose Your Date: Do you want a summer wedding or a cozy winter celebration? The time of year will affect your venue search, as some places may be booked months in advance. Start by considering your ideal wedding season, and be flexible if needed.
• Consider the Guest List: How big or small do you want your wedding to be? Some venues specialize in intimate gatherings, while others can accommodate large celebrations. Think about the atmosphere and how many guests you want to invite.
• Location is Key: When selecting your venue, location matters. Make sure it’s convenient for your guests to get to, and consider whether it fits the vibe you want—whether that’s a rustic barn, a grand ballroom, or a scenic garden.

Bonus tip: Book early! Wedding venues often book up quickly, especially if you’re aiming for a popular date or season. Once you have your heart set on a place, be sure to secure your reservation.

3. Send Out Engagement Announcements

Once the ring is on your finger, it’s time to share your happy news with friends, family, and the world! While social media posts are common, you might want to send out formal engagement announcements to make the moment feel even more special.

Tips for Engagement Announcements:

• Create a Custom Design: Many couples choose to design their own engagement announcement cards. You can include your engagement photos, your love story, and details of the proposal, such as where and how it happened.
• Mail Out Traditional Announcements: If you’re looking for a classic touch, sending out physical announcements can be a great way to share the news. You can also choose to send them to immediate family and close friends who may not follow you on social media.
• Use Social Media Wisely: If you’re ready to shout your love from the rooftops, Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms are perfect for sharing your engagement. Be sure to include a caption that captures the excitement of your proposal and invite loved ones to celebrate with you.
• Personalize Your Message: Whether it’s formal or casual, your engagement announcement should reflect who you are as a couple. From cute, fun phrases to heartfelt messages, make it yours.

4. Plan Your Engagement Party

After the proposal and sending out your announcements, the next big step is planning the engagement party. This is an opportunity for you and your families to come together and celebrate the first milestone on the road to your wedding.

Tips for Planning an Engagement Party:

• Pick a Theme: Whether you go with a formal dinner, a casual backyard BBQ, or an elegant cocktail party, your engagement party should reflect your personalities. Consider a theme that’s fun and fits with your style as a couple.
• Consider a Date: Typically, engagement parties are held a few weeks after the proposal. Aim for a date that gives your loved ones time to plan and attend. Don’t forget to consider other family events or holidays.
• Venue Considerations: Just like with the wedding, the location of your engagement party is key. If your venue is already booked for the wedding, you might want to keep the engagement party there as well. Alternatively, hosting it at home or at a local restaurant can add a more intimate touch.
• Keep It Casual or Go Big: Engagement parties don’t need to be as extravagant as the wedding itself. Keep it simple, or go all out with a lavish celebration. Either way, it should be a reflection of what feels right for you as a couple.
• Personal Touches: Incorporate personal touches into the event, such as a slideshow of photos or a guestbook where friends and family can leave their well wishes.

5. Keep Track of Your Timeline

The wedding planning timeline can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down step by step will make it more manageable. Create a checklist that includes all the major tasks—setting a wedding date, booking your venue, choosing a photographer, selecting your bridal party, and so on.

Having a timeline will also help you stay on top of important tasks, such as sending out save-the-dates and finalizing your guest list.

Conclusion

Your Valentine’s Day proposal is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey. From choosing a venue to sending out engagement announcements and planning an engagement party, each step is an opportunity to create memories you’ll cherish forever. Embrace the excitement of this time, take it one step at a time, and remember, you’re in for a wonderful adventure as you head toward your wedding day!

So, take a deep breath, celebrate the love you share, and start planning the wedding of your dreams. We’re here to help you every step of the way—let’s make magic happen!

Wild Rye KC Ranch is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Here are a list of our favorite venues from across the country. Please check them out.

Barn at Bradstreet Somos Family Weddings & Events Evermore Ridge Black River Lodge Legacy at Serenity Farm