You’re just engaged: it’s normal to feel overwhelmed

You will be surprised by one of the most searched questions after an engagement: “We just got engaged and I feel overwhelmed. Is it normal?” Yes. Completely. Being just engaged brings an entirety of feelings upon you as individuals and as a couple. Joy, pleasure, maybe even complete surprise if the proposal was an impromptu one. All amazing things to feel, alongside a little pang of confusion. 

Do you need to set a date immediately? Who should you tell first? Are there any steps you could forget about? Just breathe. Before doing anything else, remember this: you don’t need to have everything figured out right now. The engagement is the first, amazing step of your new life together. Live it with joy and anticipation and relish in the magnificence of this moment.

Just engaged, how to plan a wedding overseas

Timing is one of the main issues when you are just engaged and experience waves of anxiety. Is it too early to start talking about dates, venues and themes? Maybe so, maybe not. Just try to keep in touch with your partner about values and shared wishes. If you have always thought about a destination wedding in Tuscany, start aligning your expectations about it. “We just got engaged, now what?”. 

Before researching venues or vendors, talk openly about:

• Your dream destination in Tuscany.
• Wedding size (intimate vs. grand).
• Overall style (elegant, relaxed, formal, experiential).
• Guest experience and travel expectations.
• Budget comfort zone.
• Type of wedding (religious, civil, symbolic, mixed.

This alignment will simplify every decision that follows.

What to do after you get engaged: first crucial steps

As the initial excitement makes way for logical (but still very thrilling) decisions, your destination wedding planning should go more or less like this. Start creating a roadmap for you two, and try to leave relatives and friends out of the decision making at first. Their input will be valuable along the way, but right now your cohesion as a couple is more important. If you just got engaged, how to plan a wedding following both your heart and your mind?

Budget is probably the most irksome topic, so it’s best to immediately discuss it. Especially if you want a wedding in Italy, you should carefully plan travelling fares, venues, number of guests and destination wedding etiquette: do you pay for guests or not? Use a spreadsheet, a notebook and an online simulator to start addressing these issues. When you are comfortable enough, you can start sketching out an invite list, including people who are non-negotiable and more distant relatives and friends you can cut out if needed. Then, the real fun arrives: starting the planning itself.

Just engaged: wedding venue, wedding planner and more

If you are overseas and want to get married in Italy, we can’t stress the importance of a local wedding planner enough. My staff and I will not only be your eyes and ears in Tuscany, we will actively help get the wedding planned and fulfill your every request. You will want to feel an authentic Italian atmosphere on your special day, and we can ensure that by coordinating each vendor, helping find the right venue, planning the stay and transfer of each guest. 

We know many amazing wedding locations in Tuscany that will capture the essence of your love story. Romantic, elegant, formal or friendly, warm and unpredictable. When you are just engaged, a wedding venue could be difficult to choose, especially since you live in another country. We are here to ensure the perfect place will host your perfect day, making every moment unforgettable. We will also help coordinate photographers, decor, flowers, celebrants, catering and more. You deserve the most magical wedding, and you will have it.

What to do after getting engaged, frequently asked questions

Is it too early to think about a destination wedding just after getting engaged?

The ideal timeframe to secure the perfect spot for your dreamy Tuscan wedding is 12-18 months in advance. 24 months could not be too early if the venue is in high demand and/or your lists of guests and requirements are extensive. Even so, if you have less time on your hands, try and contact us all the same: we will do our best to give you a few options.

We just got engaged and I feel overwhelmed: is it normal?

Absolutely! Feeling anxious or overwhelmed right after getting engaged is normal. You are overjoyed, but there are many many things to do. This is why having a seasoned professional is key to ensure you and your spouse can relax and enjoy the preparations.

What are the first things to plan after getting engaged if we want to get married in Tuscany?

Start with setting a possible date. The first thing to plan after getting engaged, if you want to get married in Tuscany, is choosing the right wedding planner and venue. Both are in high demand depending on seasons and locations, so start browsing your options and asking estimates as soon as possible.

Should we choose the wedding venue right after getting engaged?

Not necessarily. If you choose to have a wedding planner in Italy, which we highly recommend, start there. Professionals with experience will carefully listen to your vision, dreams and wishes and put you in touch with the best locations in the area.

How soon should we start planning a destination wedding after getting engaged?

12 to 24 months in advance is the ideal destination wedding timeline to organize and coordinate vendors, invite guests and prepare yourself for the most special day of your lives. So starting early is always a good idea.

We just got engaged — how do we even start planning a wedding abroad?

First of all, choose a wedding planner in the area. They will not only help you navigate a culture and a series of vendors you are not familiar with, but also give you the best advice in regards to climate, locations and local traditions to incorporate.