He Proposed- Now What?

5 Brides Share What They Did First After Saying “Yes!”

The ring is on your finger, your heart’s still racing, and your phone is blowing up with "Congratulations!" texts. You’re officially engaged, and it's one of the most exciting moments of your life.

But once the initial glow starts to settle, the question hits: “Now what?”

Do you call a planner? Start a Pinterest board? Set a date? Everyone seems to have an opinion. That’s why we asked real brides from Lagos to the UK to share the first thing they did after getting engaged.

Their answers? Honest, inspiring, and full of helpful insights.

1. “I Took a Week Just to Enjoy the Moment.” — Fisayo, UK to Lagos Bride

“I didn’t do anything for a week. I just soaked it all in. No planning, no pressure. My fiancé and I went out to celebrate, we told close friends and family, and that was it. There’s so much to do, but I’m glad I paused to be present first.”

Takeaway: You don’t have to rush into planning. Give yourself time to just feel the joy.

2. “We Set a Budget Before Anything Else.” — Tolu, Abuja

“We were tempted to set a date immediately, but my sister, who's been there before, convinced me to first decide what we could actually afford. So, my now-husband and I sat down, looked at numbers, and agreed on our wedding budget. It made everything so much clearer.”

Takeaway: A clear budget = clear decisions. It sets the tone for every vendor conversation that follows.

3. “I Booked My Photographer — Fast!” — Ada, Port Harcourt

“I already had a list of vendors I loved on Instagram. So once we had a month in mind, I reached out to my top-choice photographer. I’m glad I did — she was already getting booked up!”

Takeaway: Vendors book up quickly, especially the good ones. If you have a favorite, reach out early.

4. “I Downloaded a Planning Toolkit” — Lara, Lagos

“I didn’t have a planner yet, and I knew I wanted to do most of it myself. So I downloaded a DIY wedding toolkit to stay organized. Having a checklist, timeline, and vendor sheet from the beginning kept me sane.”

Takeaway: Whether or not you’re hiring a planner, a solid planning tool (like our i-Plan!) keeps everything on track.

5. “I Called a Coordinator to Talk Through Options.” — Zainab, Birmingham to Lagos Bride

“Planning from abroad is no joke. I knew I didn’t need full-service planning, but I wanted someone on ground I could trust. I reached out to a coordinator, and she helped me figure out what kind of help I really needed.”

Takeaway: You don’t have to do this alone, and you also don’t need a full-service planner to get expert help. A consultation can go a long way.

So… What Should You Do First?

Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

• Celebrate, you’re engaged! Soak it in.

• Talk Budget + Guest Count before anything else. Get on the same page with your partner.

• Set a Rough Timeline – Choose a month or season.

• Decide How You Want to Plan – Full planner? DIY with support? Day-of Coordinator?

• Start Researching Vendors Early, especially your venue, photographer, and caterer.

You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone

At Elle Wedding Services, we support brides at every stage, whether you just got the ring or you're counting down to your big day. From vendor scouting to day-of coordination and our i-Plan toolkit for DIY brides, we’re here to make your journey smooth and joyful.

Ready to start planning smart? Let’s chat or explore our services.