What do I do now I’m Engaged? From taking a ring selfie to narrowing down the guest list, here are 18 things to do to kickstart your wedding planning process.

This is the moment you've been waiting for. Oh my! You have an engagement ring and you're getting married! It's so surreal, yet definitely happening, and like it or not, the hours, days, and weeks following that proposal are guaranteed to be a whirlwind.

There are so many things to think about, so many people to contact and so much to get done. Don't be overwhelmed. You have plenty of time to plan the rest of your lives but if you're like most newly engaged people, you'll be itching to share the news with all your friends and dive into the actual wedding planning part head first.

Pinterest boards, bridal magazines, blogs, wedding dress shopping, venue hunting… the list goes on and on. Years of watching wedding movies couldn't have prepared you for what's to come (trust us, it's entirely different). While the average engagement lasts a year to a year-and-a-half, there are certain things you'll want to get done straight away — no matter how long you plan on being a fiancé.

So, where do you get started? There's no strict order to follow, as long as you tackle the immediate to-dos. Committing the rest of your life to the love of your life is scary and amazing, with all the best kind of stress. However, it's a major milestone, and planning a wedding together is the icing on the cake.

What to Do When You Get Engaged

CALL YOUR FAMILY

And your siblings and best mates too (unless you are keeping your engagement under wraps for a while). The last place they should have to hear about your new status is on social media, so give them each a call and tell them the big news. Chances are, Mum and Dad already know what's going on and have been waiting by the phone, patiently waiting for confirmation.

GET A MANICURE

Your hands will be in the spotlight for the next couple of weeks, which means your manicure best be looking on point. Or, if you're going for the natural look, make sure your nails are clean and shaped. Otherwise, friends will be focusing more on your chipped nails than your gorgeous engagement ring. Not good…

POST AN ENGAGEMENT RING SELFIE

A picture is worth a thousand words, right? If you're ready to share with the world that you're engaged, open up Instagram! Take a ring selfie or a sweet pic of you and your fiancé to share the love. Even better—if the actual proposal was caught on film, you’ll have captured that natural look of surprise. And don't forget to make it Facebook official!

ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Round up some of your best friends, family and go out for a celebratory drink, or have a special solo date night if that's more your style. You're engaged! And that's definitely something worth toasting.

GET YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING INSURED

We know, we know — it's not exactly the most romantic or exciting thing in the world, but it could wind up saving you thousands in the long run. When added as an extension to your house insurance policy, it's surprisingly inexpensive.

TAKE A BREATHER

Don't jump into wedding planning right away! Take a week or two to let the news really sink in and to just savour the moment. Trust us, you'll have enough stress over the next twelve (or so) months to last you a lifetime.

THINK ABOUT A WEDDING DATE

The most desirable wedding dates and venues get booked far in advance, so if you're hoping to get hitched in the next year or two, it's a wise idea to start thinking about dates now. Find out what works for both your families and if there are any potential conflicts.

RESEARCH WEDDING VENUES

Remember: You can't book a date until you've nailed down your dream venue! Do some research online first, or maybe you already have a place in mind and can call to get additional information on pricing and availability. There are so many outstanding wedding venues in Kent, and we are based in Hop Farm, Paddock Wood which is home to a beautiful venue with acres of space for your guests with all the facilities you need.

DETERMINE YOUR WEDDING SIZE

Whether you're having a traditional big wedding, or keeping it fairly small, being on the same page from the start is hugely important. Get your family's input if it matters to either of you or if they'll be footing the bill. Once you've agreed on a rough guest count and budget (we'll get to that next), you can then commit to a venue.

DISCUSS A WEDDING BUDGET

Money talks, but unfortunately, no one likes to talk about money. It can be, well, awkward. However, before you can really move forward with any of your big wedding commitment, the discussion will need to be had. Be it between you and your spouse, or you, your spouse, and the parents…

GATHER WEDDING INSPIRATION

Create a Pinterest board, Google Doc, save photos on Instagram, or create a folder on your computer to compile imagery of your favourite wedding elements. Keep it to yourself just for organisational purposes, or share with your wedding planner, mum, friends, fiancé, and whoever else to view and contribute.

CHOOSE WHO WILL BE IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY

How many bridesmaids or groomsmen do each of you want? Do one of you (or both) want a ‘bridesman’ or ‘groomslady’? Will you have a maid of honour or best man? No matter what, you need to discuss these things before one of you starts popping the question to family and friends.

GET IN TOUCH WITH WEDDING SUPPLIERS

If you're considering bringing a professional planner on board to help with logistics and décor, ask around for references and do a little online research, then set up some interviews. At The Kent Wedding Centre, we have some outstanding wedding suppliers who can help you plan every element of your big day. From photographers and caterers to entertainment and florists – browse them all right here.

RELAX!

Do something fun, just the two of you. Mini golf, bowling, ice skating, a trip to the beach — whatever floats your boat and brings out the child in you both. Wedding planning can be insanely stressful from the get-go, so try to find the humour in things and take some time to laugh, reconnect, and remember why you're getting hitched in the first place.

We know just how stressful it can be to plan a wedding, and that is why we have curated the best wedding services in Kent right here at the centre. Its like a wedding fair that is running all the time! Pop in anytime and browse our huge range of wedding dresses, bridesmaids, and groom suits alongside all the suppliers you will need to create your dream wedding day!