Newly Engaged: Your Step-by-Step Guide for What to Do First (before you start booking everything)

There’s a sparkly new ring on your finger, your inbox and notifications are blowing up, and suddenly your For You Page is all about wedding inspo. We know it is tempting to dive head first into booking vendors, buying dresses, and building mood boards, but there’s a smarter way to start your planning journey.

Let’s take a deep breath and avoid the overwhelm. We’ll walk you through step-by step just exactly what to do first after getting engaged— so your wedding planning feels full of excitement—not chaotic.

1. Celebrate First (Before You Get Strategic)

Before you start Googling venues or scrolling Pinterest for bouquet ideas, take time to soak it all in. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Whether it’s an intimate celebration for two or a surprise party with friends, mark the occasion in a way that feels special to you.

Try this:

• Take engagement photos (even if they’re casual)

• Write each other a letter about the proposal day

• Pop champagne and toast to the journey ahead
  
  

These little moments become the memories you’ll carry with you when planning gets stressful later on.

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Flock Photography

2. Talk About Your Big Picture Vision

You’ve said “YES!” Once the exhilaration has settled, it’s time to talk about the what, why, and how of your wedding day. Skip the to-do list for now and focus on your shared vision as a couple.

Key Questions to Discuss Together:

• What kind of vibe do we want? (Elegant, relaxed, destination, rustic, backyard, glam, boho…)

• Do we want something small and intimate, or a big event full of family and friends?

• What feeling do we want our guests (and ourselves) to leave with?

• Are there any traditions that are really important to us? Any that we’d just as soon skip?

• Do we want to be involved in every element of planning, or do we want someone else to handle the details?
  
  
  

This isn’t about locking in decisions right now. It’s about getting your vision aligned so you don’t plan a wedding that reflects Pinterest trends more than your relationship.

Backyard wedding with guests in casual attire

3. Set Your Budget (This Is Critical)

Budget is the number one factor that will help you determine your guest list, venue, vendor team, and overall design. Fact— every couple has a budget, whether conservative or all out luxury. And here’s a spoiler alert: weddings cost more than most couples expect.

Here’s how to start:

• Determine who’s contributing to the fund (you, your parents, others)

• Decide on a total budget and a reasonable buffer

• Research average costs in your area or the area where you plan to get married (they can vary a lot!!)

• Allocate your budget by what’s most important to you— an amazing venue, photography to capture the moments you’ll cherish, food. (Note that your Venue + Catering usually adds up to about 40–50% of the total budget.)
  
  
  
  

Pro Tip: Focus spending on what matters most and reduce costs in areas that don’t make your eyes light up.

4. Choose a Rough Timeframe or Season

You don’t need an exact date yet, but choosing a general season of the year or month will help you start checking venue availability and plan around weather, travel, or other important life events (like your little sister’s graduation).

Questions to Ask:

• Do we want to get married in 6 months, 12 months, or longer?

• Is there a meaningful date or season for us?

• Are we open to weekdays or off-season weddings to save money?
  
  
  

Bonus: Popular months like May, September, October tend to book up fast, so starting early gives you more vendor options.

5. Draft Your Guest List (At Least Roughly)

You don’t need the full spreadsheet with mailing addresses yet, but your guest count impacts everything: venue size, catering budget, rental needs, and more. And while your mom, BFF, and second cousin twice-removed will have an opinion, the only opinion and decision that really matters is yours.

Start by building three columns:

• Must-have guests (close family, ride-or-dies)

• Nice-to-have guests

• Optional guests (plus-ones, coworkers, distant relatives)
  
  

Pro Tip: Don’t stress about final numbers yet—just get a sense of scale.

6. Start Researching and Exploring Venue Options (But Don’t Panic-Book)

Once you know your guest count, vibe, and budget, you’re ready to start looking for venues. Your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding and often eats the largest slice of your budget pie. Most couples visit at least 4 to 6 venues before finalizing a decision.

Tips for Touring Venues:

• Ask what’s included (tables, chairs, rentals, day-of coordination?)

• Inquire about backup plans for bad weather—having a rain plan is a must if you intend on an outdoor ceremony!

• Ask how long you get access to the venue

• Get clear on setup and breakdown policies; who is responsible for clean up of the venue

• Ask about vendor policies— are you required to hire vendors only from a preferred list, or is it an open vendor policy

• Don’t be afraid to ask for a sample contract
  
  
  

Avoid this mistake: Booking a beautiful venue without understanding how much extra you’ll need to bring in- and pay for (think: lighting, restrooms, staffing, etc.).

7. Research and Book Key Vendors Early

Once you have your venue and date are confirmed, it’s time to lock in the most in-demand vendors. These often book up 12–18 months in advance.

Book These First:

• Photographer/Videographer

• Wedding Planner or Coordinator

• Catering Team (if not provided by venue)

• Entertainment (Band or DJ)
  
  

  Then move onto florals, rentals, hair and makeup, stationery, etc.

Pro Tip: Ask vendors who they love working with—referrals can help you build a cohesive dream team.

8. Get Organized (Without a 500-Tab Spreadsheet)

While some people just love a good Excel sheet, most of us aren’t quite into that. You don’t need a complicated wedding binder or 12 trendy apps, but you do need a system that works for you.

Try This:

• Set up a dedicated email for wedding stuff (e.g. thefuturemrandmrs@gmail.com)

• Use a shared Google Doc or digital white board

• Bookmark vendor websites and inspiration

• Keep contracts in one easy-to-find folder
  
  
  

There are plenty of tools, but consistency is more important than complexity.

9. Don’t Forget the Legal Stuff

Depending on your state or country, you may need to plan ahead for:

• Marriage license wait times or expiration windows

• Blood tests (rare, but still required in some areas)

• Officiant rules and registration

• Name change steps (if applicable)
  
  
  

Tip: Add legal to-dos to your calendar so you’re not left scrambling a week before the wedding.

10. Stay Focused on What Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in seating charts and signature cocktails, but the best weddings aren’t about perfection—they’re about being present and creating memories. Don’t get swept into doing everything just because it’s expected.

Keep coming back to this simple question:

“Does this feel like us?”

The most unforgettable weddings are the ones where the couple is happy, relaxed, and connected with each other and their guests—not the ones with the most post-worthy flower wall.

More Tips— What Not to Do Right Away

Avoid these common mistakes couples make after getting engaged:

• Booking vendors before choosing your venue

• Announcing your date before locking anything in

• Letting other people’s opinions run the show (remember what I said about that second cousin twice removed?)

• Assuming DIY always saves money

• Buying all those expensive decorations because someone is having a sale

• Trying to do everything at once
  
  

Planning a wedding is a marathon, not a sprint. And there’s no prize for doing it the fastest.

Final Thoughts—

Getting engaged is truly magical—but it can quickly turn to overwhelming if you don’t pause and prioritize. Starting with a solid foundation and vision that sets you up for a wedding that’s not only beautiful, but also meaningful, full of joy, and speaks to who you are.

So take a deep breath in. Celebrate. Get aligned with your partner.

Then start building the wedding day of your dreams—with clarity and intention.

Want more tips or need help with planning? Follow us on Instagram @rusticandmoreweddingdecor

Wedding Cake Trends 2026: Styles, Flavors & Creative Alternatives

Mini cupcakes with dried blood orange, pistachio, berries, and lemon-rosemary. Baker: Bae’s Bakery, Louisville KY. Photo credit: Claudia Scheiderich

Your wedding cake is more than just dessert—it’s a centerpiece, a statement, a memory captured, and a sweet reflection of your style. In 2026, couples will be leaning into cakes (and creative alternatives) that wow in both design and flavor. Whether you’re going for bold and modern or minimal and elegant, these cake trends offer plenty of inspiration to personalize your big day.

1. Statement-Making Designs

Forget simple white frosting—2026 cakes are all about personality. Expect bold colors, dramatic textures, and sculptural designs that double as works of art. Some of the most popular looks this year include:

• Palette knife frosting for a painted, textured appearance

• Pressed edible flowers for an organic, romantic vibe

• Monochrome minimalism using smooth fondant in bold colors

• Geometric tiers and asymmetric layering for a modern twist

The wedding cake has become more than just dessert. Many couples are using their cake as a statement piece, an extension of their decor theme, bringing in inspiration from their invitations, floral designs, or even their outfits.

Tiered wedding cake in bold yellow monochrome topped with flowers in vibrant colors

2. Flavor Trends That Break the Mold

Couples are saying goodbye to vanilla-vs-chocolate decisions and getting creative with flavor combinations that reflect the season or their heritage. Trending flavors in 2026 include:

• Think fruit—whether dried fruit adorning cakes or tangy lemon zest added to fillings and forstings

• Something spicy— chili laced ganache, hot honey drizzles, and jalapeño jam filling

• Salted caramel with chocolate ganache

• Pistachio cake with white chocolate and raspberry filling

Many couples are requesting different flavors for each tier to give guests more options—and to indulge in their own favorite flavors.

3. Alternatives to Traditional Cake

More couples are opting to say ”no thank you” to traditional tiered cakes and the traditional cake cutting. Some couples are opting for a more private moment with personal sized cakes and opting to wow their guests with interactive desserts, passed dessert shooters, or fun and creative dessert displays

• Mini desserts: Think cupcakes, custard shooters, macarons, individual pies, and mini tarts

• A small cake at each table, which can double as part of the centerpiece

• Tiered cheese wheels paired with fruit and honey for savory lovers

• Dessert grazing tables that include a little of everything

• Throwbacks to childhood (but elevated) with items like gelatin, gummies, and oh yes— ice cream!

This approach works especially well for couples with dietary needs or those who want a mix of gluten-free, vegan, or allergy-friendly options.

Bite sized brownies with a buttercream swirl and gold sugar sprinkles

4. Personalization and Meaningful Touches

2025 weddings were all about intentionality and that trend will continue into 2026. Couples are personalizing their cake designs in thoughtful ways, such as:

• Adding sculpted figurines of the couple or furry friend

• Mirroring decor design with intricate touches like lace and pearls

• Vintage touches that have meaning—a cake cutting set that belonged to parents or grandparents

Custom bride and groom figurines atop a small wedding cake with vintage style piped icing

5. Presentation is Everything

How your cake is displayed matters just as much as how it looks and tastes. Popular 2025 trends include:

• Elevated cake stands with florals or fabric draping

• Ambient lighting or candles to spotlight the cake

• Custom backdrops for cake-cutting photos

• Displaying mini desserts on a tiered tower or vintage furniture

White tiered wedding cake with piped details and red rose arch backdrop at a Beauty and The Beast themed wedding.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re envisioning a bold statement cake or a whimsical dessert table, the trends in 2026 are all about creativity, personality, and interaction with your guests. Work with your baker to create something that not only tastes incredible but also tells your story.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the (cake) box—this is your moment to make something sweet and unforgettable.

Interested in learning more about our cake and dessert stand rental options? Visit rusticandmoreweddingdecor.com