What to Do After You Get Engaged
- insightmediamgmt
- Nov 7
- 7 min read
You said yes. Now what?
The question’s been asked, the ring’s on your finger, and the news is out. You’ve probably been floating somewhere between tears and laughter, with a phone full of messages, a hand that won’t stop sparkling, and a brain that can’t quite settle on where to start.
That’s okay. You don’t need to have it all figured out yet. This is the start of something beautiful — and it deserves to be savored.
Here at Chapman Hill, we’ve seen hundreds of couples in this same moment: glowing, overwhelmed, excited, and ready to take their first steps toward forever. So, we put together a thoughtful checklist to help you move through this new season with ease, grace, and maybe a little less stress.
Step 1: Celebrate. Really Celebrate.
Before you jump into planning, stop and soak it in. Take time to be engaged — to celebrate this brand-new chapter before the whirlwind begins. Plan a dinner with family. Pop a bottle of champagne with friends. Take a weekend getaway, even if it’s just a short drive to somewhere quiet. So often, couples rush straight into wedding mode and forget to enjoy the sweet in-between — that stretch of time where it’s all still sinking in.
At Chapman Hill, we love this stage because it’s when the excitement is fresh and the possibilities are endless. Some couples even come here for an engagement photo shoot or a small celebration before their big day, marking the start of their story in a setting that feels timeless and peaceful.
Photo: Christi's Candids
Step 2: Share the News
Once you’ve told your closest family and friends in person (or at least over the phone), it’s time to share the news however feels right for you. Some couples go big with an engagement announcement photoshoot. Others post a casual snapshot and let the caption say it all. There’s no wrong way to do it — it’s your moment.
If you plan to have engagement photos taken, consider scheduling them at a meaningful place like Chapman Hill. The property’s natural beauty, soft light, and open fields make it perfect for capturing that just-engaged glow. Plus, if you end up choosing Chapman Hill for your wedding venue, your engagement photos and wedding day will have a beautiful, connected story.
Step 3: Get Your Ring Sized and Insured
It’s not the most romantic step, but it’s an important one. Take your ring to be professionally sized if needed, and add it to your insurance policy (or consider a separate jewelry policy).
You’ll thank yourself later — especially if you’re as excited to show it off as most newly engaged couples are.
Photo: A&E Videography + Photography| Florals: Florals by Sophia Lynn
Step 4: Talk Big Picture
Before you dive into numbers and details, have an open conversation with your fiancé about what you both want.
Think big picture:
Do you want a small, intimate wedding or a big celebration?
Indoors or outdoors?
Local to Jefferson, Georgia, or a destination?
How soon do you want to get married — this year, next year, or later?
This isn’t the time to make final decisions — it’s just about getting on the same page. Knowing what kind of wedding you both envision will make the next steps feel less overwhelming.
Step 5: Set a Rough Budget
It doesn’t have to be exact, but you’ll want to get a general sense of your budget before you start touring venues or hiring vendors.
A few things to consider:
Will family be contributing financially?
What are your top priorities (venue, photography, food, flowers, etc.)?
Are there any non-negotiables for you both?
At Chapman Hill, we always recommend starting with your priorities and working out from there. The venue often sets the tone — both aesthetically and financially — for the rest of your planning. Once you have that anchor, the rest becomes much easier to map out.
Step 6: Choose a Venue
This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make early on, because your date, guest list, and vendors often revolve around it.
When you’re visiting venues, pay attention to more than just how it looks — pay attention to how it feels. Do you feel comfortable there? Can you picture your guests laughing, mingling, and dancing? Does it feel like a reflection of who you are as a couple?
Chapman Hill is one of those rare places that feels both elegant and down-to-earth. Nestled in the heart of Jefferson, Georgia, it has that peaceful, countryside calm that makes guests instantly feel at ease. Couples often say the venue feels like home the moment they arrive — which, in our book, is the best sign of all.
Pro tip: Book your venue early. Chapman Hill (and other popular Georgia venues) tend to fill up quickly, especially during spring and fall.
Photo: John & Kym Creative Co.
Step 7: Draft a Guest List
It’s not the most exciting part, but it’s necessary — and it can get complicated faster than you’d think.
Start with your must-haves (immediate family, closest friends) and build from there. It helps to talk through your priorities as a couple: do you want a big celebration with everyone you know, or something smaller and more personal?
Remember: your guest count affects almost everything — your venue size, catering, seating, even floral budgets.
And if you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels relaxed and meaningful, Chapman Hill’s layout makes it easy to accommodate both small gatherings and larger groups without losing that cozy, family-like atmosphere.
Step 8: Take Engagement Photos
You don’t need to rush, but scheduling a shoot a few months after your engagement helps you capture that glow while it’s still fresh.
Choose a setting that fits your story. For many couples, Chapman Hill’s wide-open spaces, sun-drenched fields, and natural backdrops create the perfect blend of romance and simplicity.
Engagement photos are also a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day — and to start envisioning how your love story might look in your venue space.
Step 9: Start Researching Vendors
Once you have your venue and date, it’s time to start connecting with vendors. Start with the ones that book up the fastest: photographer, planner or coordinator, and caterer.
Look for people who understand your vision and make you feel at ease — those are the vendors who’ll help your day flow smoothly. Many couples find it helpful to ask their venue for recommendations, since established venues like Chapman Hill often work closely with trusted local professionals who already know the layout and logistics.
Photo: Anne Harrison Photography Event: The Pink Social
Step 10: Plan Something Just for the Two of You
Wedding planning can take on a life of its own — full of to-do lists, budgets, and outside opinions. Before it becomes all-consuming, schedule something that reminds you what this is all about.
Take a weekend trip. Have a date night where you don’t talk about wedding planning at all. Visit your venue again just to walk the property and imagine your day.
At Chapman Hill, couples often come back between booking and their wedding day for that exact reason — to reconnect with the space and each other, without all the pressure of logistics. It’s grounding, and it helps you stay focused on what truly matters.
Step 11: Consider an Engagement Party
If you want to celebrate your engagement before wedding planning gets too hectic, now’s the time. It doesn’t have to be formal — a simple gathering with family and friends is enough.
Chapman Hill has hosted engagement parties, bridal showers, and even proposal celebrations, and it’s always a joy to see couples start their story here. The venue’s layout makes it easy to host something intimate but memorable — the kind of event that feels like a deep breath before the big day.
Step 12: Take a Breath and Enjoy the Season
The truth is, you don’t have to do everything right away. There’s a lot of noise out there about timelines and checklists, but every couple’s journey is different. Your engagement isn’t just a waiting period — it’s its own chapter. It’s where you start imagining your marriage, your home, your future.
So, in between booking vendors and answering questions, give yourself permission to slow down. Sit on the porch. Daydream together. Visit Chapman Hill for a walk through the fields, or watch the sunset just to see what it’ll look like on your wedding day. You’ll only be engaged once. Let it be as meaningful as the day you say I do.
A Gentle Reminder
No matter how you move through this season — fast or slow, big or small, traditional or totally your own — this is the start of your story.
At Chapman Hill, we’re honored to be part of that. We’ve seen countless couples arrive newly engaged, nervous and excited, and leave feeling peaceful and certain that this is where they’ll begin their forever.
And that’s the best part about this place — it holds the beginning, the middle, and everything in between.
So take your time. Celebrate your yes. Dream your dreams.When you’re ready, Chapman Hill will be here — ready to welcome you home.
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Chapman Hill 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.
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