Just Engaged? Here’s What to Do in the First 30 Days (featuring a local Columbus County wedding venue, tips + inspo).
- Christine
- Apr 25
- 5 min read
So… you said YES! 💍 First of all — congratulations! You're engaged, glowing, and probably staring at your left hand every five minutes (as you should). Whether your proposal was a total surprise or perfectly planned, the first 30 days after getting engaged are a whirlwind of excitement, emotions, and a little bit of planning magic. Here’s your go-to guide for what to do in that sweet, sparkly first month after you get engaged with some local Columbus County Wedding venue inspiration.
1. Celebrate the Moment 💕
Before anything else, soak it in. Pop champagne, take a thousand ring selfies, and celebrate with your people. Whether it's a dinner with close family, a big engagement party, or just a cozy night in, this is a major milestone — don’t rush past it.
2. Get Your Ring Insured 💍
It’s not the most exciting task, but it’s super important. Call your insurance company and add that sparkler to your policy. An engagement ring is an investment that you want to be sure to protect. The unforeseen does sometimes happen and rings can get lost or theft may occur . Insurance give you peace of mind = priceless. To get your ring insured you will probably need:
An appraisal (usually from a jeweler)
A receipt or proof of purchase
Photos and a detailed description
Info on where and how the ring will be worn/stored
3. Talk Big Picture with Your Partner
Before you get deep into planning, sit down and dream out loud together. What kind of wedding do you both imagine?
Big or small?
Local or destination?
Formal or relaxed?
This convo sets the tone — and keeps you both on the same page from day one.
4. Set a (Rough) Date or Season
You don’t need to know the exact day yet, but narrowing it down to a season or month will help with venue hunting and vendor availability. Think about weather, family schedules, and any sentimental dates you love. Here's some wedding info for each season for Columbus County wedding venues. Keep in mind that these may vary slightly based on your location.
Spring: Pros, It naturally feels like new beginnings which is kinda perfect for a wedding
Flowers galore: Peonies, tulips, ranunculus—it's peak floral season
Mild weather: Not too hot or cold in most places
Fresh seasonal colors: Soft pastels and greenery feel just right
Longer days: More natural light for photos and outdoor ceremonies
Summer: Pros, It's bright, fun, and full of energy
Great for outdoor weddings: Beaches, gardens, rooftop parties
More guests are available: School's out and vacation time is easier
Golden hour magic: Long, dreamy evenings for perfect lighting
Tons of dress/style options: Think flowy gowns, sundresses, and destination wedding vibes
Fall: Pros, It's cozy romantic and earthy
Stunning foliage: Nature provides a free backdrop in red, gold, and orange
Perfect temps: Cooler air makes tuxes and long gowns more comfortable
Seasonal comfort food: Think pies, apple cider, and hearty dishes
Rich color palettes: Deep jewel tones, rusts, and moody hues photograph beautifully
Winter: Pros, it's the season of elegance & magic. Winter weddings often feel more intimate
Venue discounts: It’s off-season for many venues and vendors
Unique decor: Snow, candles, fireplaces, twinkle lights—it’s basically built-in ambiance
Festive energy: Everyone’s already in a celebratory mood around the holidays
Dramatic fashion: Velvet suits, long-sleeved gowns, faux furs—very luxe
5. Create a Budget
Yep, this is where things get real. Sit down with your families (if they’re contributing) and figure out how much you can spend — and how you want to allocate it. This will help you prioritize what matters most to you both.
6. Draft a Guest List
Even a rough list will help determine the size of your venue and how your budget will stretch. Start with VIPs, family, and close friends — the rest will fall into place later. An approximate guest list may be needed as you research wedding venues and narrow down your venues based on their allowed guest count.
7. Start Researching Local Columbus County Wedding Venues
The venue sets the vibe for the whole wedding, and dates can book up fast. Look into venues that match your style, size, and season — and start scheduling tours. If you’re local, The Cellar at Grapefull Sisters Vineyard is a stunning spot with rustic charm and vineyard views that’ll totally steal your heart. 🍇💒 Visiting venues an important step near the top of the list as your wedding venue may allow outside vendors of your choice, may be all inclusive or may have a list of allowed vendors from which you can choose.
Photo: Nicholas Gore
8. Get Inspired (But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself)
Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, wedding blogs — there’s inspiration everywhere. Start curating a vibe that feels you. But try not to go overboard (too early) — the details will evolve as you plan.
9. Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
If planning isn’t your thing — or you just want help making the vision come together — start researching planners in your area. Many offer partial planning or even “month-of” coordination options. Trust us, they’re worth it.
10. Take Time for Each Other
Wedding planning can take over quickly. In the first month, make sure to have non-wedding moments too. Go on a date. Watch a movie. Talk about literally anything besides your guest list. Keep the focus on what this is really all about: your love story.
Bonus: Start a Wedding Email
It’s a small step, but a total lifesaver. Create a shared email address just for wedding stuff — vendors, RSVPs, contracts, all in one place = organized bliss. There are many bound or online planners that can help you start tackling all the details and will help keep you organized
Photo: Nicholas Gore
Final Thought: There’s no “perfect” way to start planning your wedding — just your way. The first 30 days should be full of joy, connection, and little steps toward your big day. Take your time, trust your gut, and enjoy the journey. The best is yet to come. Have questions or need help getting started with a Columbus County wedding venue? Drop them in the comments or head to my contact page — We love helping couples bring their vision to life!
The Cellar 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 and 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 exceed 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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