Holiday Engagement Season: What to Do First (And What Can Wait)

Holiday engagement season is officially here. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, engagements seem to happen everywhere—living rooms, candlelit cabins, snowy backyards, and family gatherings filled with happy tears.

If you’ve recently said yes, congratulations! 🤍 And if you’re feeling excited and slightly overwhelmed? That’s completely normal.

At Dairyland Bach Co., we see this every year. Newly engaged couples feel pressure to start planning immediately—but the truth is, not everything needs to happen right away. Here’s what to focus on first during engagement season—and what can absolutely wait until the confetti settles.

What To do first

Take a breath (Seriously)

Before you do anything else, pause. Enjoy being engaged. Tell your people. Celebrate quietly, loudly, or somewhere in between—but don’t rush into planning mode just yet.

Engagement season comes with a lot of outside noise. Everyone has opinions, timelines, and questions. You don’t need answers right away. The first thing to do is simply enjoy this moment.

Talk About the Big Picture Together

Once things slow down a bit, sit down with your partner and talk through the basics:

• Do you envision a big wedding or something more intimate?

• Are you thinking local, destination, or somewhere in between?

• What feels most important to both of you?

This conversation matters far more than picking colors or venues. Getting aligned early makes everything else easier later.

Set a Rough Budget Range

You don’t need exact numbers yet, but having a general budget range helps guide future decisions. Talk honestly about priorities—what you’re willing to spend more on and what matters less.

This isn’t about limiting your vision; it’s about planning with intention instead of stress.

Decide on a General Timeline

You don’t need a date on the calendar right away, but having a rough idea—next year, two years out, summer vs. winter—helps narrow your focus.

This also gives you breathing room. Engagement season doesn’t mean planning season has to start immediately.

What can wait (Despite what everyone says)

Booking Everything Immediately

You do not need to book all your vendors the week you get engaged. Outside of popular venues during peak seasons, most decisions can wait until after the holidays.

January is a great time to plan—when things are quieter and you can think more clearly.

Picking Colors, Themes, and Tiny Details

It’s tempting to dive into Pinterest right away, but décor details don’t need to be decided yet. Your style will evolve as you plan, and that’s a good thing.

Focus on the feel of your day, not the aesthetic checklist.

Bach Weekends (Yes, even that)

Bachelorette planning doesn’t need to happen during engagement season. There’s plenty of time for that—and it’s better planned once wedding timelines are clearer.

Save the group chats for later. Enjoy being newly engaged first.

A Gentle Reminder During Engagement Season

Holiday engagement season is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming fast. You don’t need to have everything figured out before the new year. Planning works best when it’s thoughtful, not rushed.

At Dairyland Bach Co., we believe the best celebrations—weddings and bach weekends alike—start with intention, clear communication, and giving yourself permission to slow down.

Enjoy the season. The planning will still be there when you’re ready. 🎄

🤍 XOXO, ALy

Newly engaged or planning ahead?

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