Just Engaged? Here Are The 5 Things You Should Do First

Congratulations on your engagement! 🎉

If you're feeling equal parts excited and overwhelmed right now, you're not alone. One minute you're celebrating with champagne, the next you're Googling "where do I even start with wedding planning?" at 2am.

Wedding planning can feel like a mountain to climb, but it doesn't have to be stressful. The key is knowing what to tackle first - before you fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole or get lost in a sea of vendor emails.

Here are the 5 most important things to do once you're engaged (straight from a venue owner who's seen it all):

1. Create a Dedicated Wedding Email Account

This might sound boring, but trust us - it's a game-changer. Set up a brand new email account specifically for wedding planning. Something like "smithwedding2026@gmail.com" works perfectly.

Why? Because over the next 12+ months, you're going to receive hundreds of emails from vendors, venues, florists, photographers, dress shops, and promotional newsletters. If all of that floods your personal inbox, you'll miss important messages and lose your mind trying to find that one quote from three months ago.

A dedicated wedding email keeps everything organised, searchable, and separate from your daily life. Both of you should have access to it, so you can stay on the same page throughout the planning process.

Bonus tip: Use this email for all your wedding-related accounts - venue bookings, registry websites, planning apps, everything.

2. Set Your REAL Budget (With a Buffer)

Let's talk money - because this is the foundation of every other decision you'll make. Sit down with your partner (and anyone else contributing financially) and have an honest conversation about what you can actually afford to spend. Not what you wish you could spend, not what that influencer's wedding cost - what's realistic for you.

Here's the critical part: Once you know your maximum budget, set your working budget 20% lower.

If your absolute max is $50,000, plan as if you only have $40,000 to spend. That $10,000 buffer will save you when the "little extras" start adding up - and they always do. That stunning invitation upgrade, the late-night food truck, the extra hour of photography, the upgraded bar package... it all adds up faster than you think.

Remember: There's no "right" budget for a wedding. Whether you're spending $15,000 or $150,000, what matters is that it's money you can comfortably afford and that you're spending it on things that truly matter to you both.

3. Make Your Guest List

Grab a notebook (or open a spreadsheet if that's more your style) and write down everyone you want to invite. Don't edit yourself yet - just brain dump every name that comes to mind.

Your partner's childhood best friend they haven't seen in five years? Write it down. Your mum's entire book club? Write it down. Your dad's golf buddies? Write them down too.

Once you have your massive dream list, you can start making decisions:

• Do you want an intimate celebration with your closest 30 people?

• A mid-sized gathering of 80-100 guests?

• Or a big party with 150+ of your favourite people?

  
  

There's no wrong answer here - but this number will guide literally every other decision you make. Your guest count determines:

• What size venue you need

• Your catering costs

• Your seating arrangements

• Your stationery budget

• Even whether certain venues are an option for you

  
  

Pro tip: Create an A-list (must-invite) and a B-list (would love to invite if budget/space allows). This gives you flexibility as you nail down your budget and venue capacity.

4. Find and Book Your Venue

Once you know roughly how many guests you're inviting and what you can afford to spend, it's time to find your venue. Why is this step so high on the list? Because your venue is the foundation everything else is built on. You can't book your photographer until you know your date. You can't plan your styling until you know your space. You can't finalise your catering until you know your venue's requirements.

Here's what to consider when venue hunting:

• Capacity: Can it comfortably fit your guest count?

• Location: Is it accessible for your guests? Do you need accommodation nearby?

• Style: Does it match the vibe you're going for?

• Inclusions: What comes with the venue? Tables, chairs, coordination, preferred vendors?

• Availability: Do they have your preferred date (or season) available?

• Budget: Does it fit within your budget, including all the extras?

  
  

Our advice? Visit venues in person before making any decisions. Photos are great, but there's nothing like walking through the space, standing where you'll say your vows, and imagining your day there. (And if you're looking for a stunning estate venue in Victoria with beautiful gardens, on-site accommodation, and a venue manager who genuinely cares about your day... well, we might know a place. wink wink 😉)

5. Lock in Your Key Vendors

Once your venue and date are confirmed, it's time to move quickly on your essential vendors. The best ones book up fast - especially for peak wedding season (we're looking at you, autumn and spring).

Your top priority vendors:

Photographer & Videographer

These are the people who will capture your memories. You'll have your photos forever, long after the flowers have wilted and the cake has been eaten. Don't compromise here. Meet with them, look at full galleries (not just the highlight reels), and make sure you genuinely like them as people - because they'll be by your side all day.

Caterer

If your venue doesn't include catering, this needs to be locked in early. Food is one of the things your guests will definitely remember, so choose wisely. Do tastings, ask about dietary requirements processes, and check references.

Coordinator/Planner

Even if you think you can DIY your wedding, consider at least a day-of coordinator. Someone needs to manage the timeline, wrangle vendors, handle emergencies, and make sure you're not stuck directing traffic on your own wedding day. This investment is worth every penny for your peace of mind.

Stylist/Florist

They'll transform your venue from a blank canvas into your wedding vision. If styling and florals are important to you, book these pros early - especially if you're getting married during peak season.

Pro tip: Ask your venue if they have a list of preferred or recommended vendors. They've worked with these people before and know who delivers quality and who's reliable. It takes so much guesswork out of the process.

The Bottom Line

Wedding planning doesn't have to be overwhelming if you tackle it in the right order. Start with these five foundations, and everything else will fall into place so much more easily.

Remember: this is supposed to be fun! Yes, there's logistics and budgets and decisions to make, but at the heart of it, you're planning a celebration of your love with the people who matter most to you.

Take it one step at a time, communicate openly with your partner, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Ready to start your venue search?

We'd love to show you around Leonards Hill Estate and chat about your wedding vision. Book a tour here or get in touch - we can't wait to meet you!

Leonards Hill Estate is a private estate wedding venue in Victoria, perfect for intimate celebrations and larger gatherings alike. Our beautiful grounds, on-site accommodation, and experienced venue management team make wedding planning easier.