What to Do Right After You Get Engaged (Philadelphia Edition)
You said YES! First things first, soak it in. This moment only happens once, and you deserve to savor every second. After you’ve popped the champagne, stared at your ring 30 times, and called your closest people, you might start wondering… What now?
As a Philadelphia wedding planner, here’s my insider guide to the very first steps to take after getting engaged, with a Philly-focused twist.
1. Take a Moment to Celebrate
Before diving into planning, enjoy being engaged. Grab cocktails in Center City, take a stroll through Rittenhouse Square, or schedule a fun engagement shoot in Old City. This is your moment, don’t rush past it.
2. Talk About Your Vision (and Budget)
Every great wedding starts with a conversation. Sit down with your partner and discuss:
The type of celebration you want (classic ballroom, modern loft, garden estate, museum wedding, etc.)
Guest count
Priorities
Budget range
This helps you make smart decisions from the start—especially in a popular wedding city like Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.
3. Choose a Season (Philly Weather Matters!)
Philly’s wedding seasons each have personality:
Spring: Cherry blossoms at Fairmount Park, mild temps, popular dates fill early.
Summer: Longer daylight, vibrant outdoor photos.
Fall: Peak foliage, crisp weather, and Philly’s busiest wedding season.
Winter: Cozy, romantic, and often more budget-friendly.
Identifying your season helps narrow down your venue options right away.
5. Hire Your Wedding Planner
A planner is one of the very first vendors you should lock in, ideally even before your venue or right after you choose it.
A Philadelphia wedding planner will help you:
Create a budget and timeline
Navigate local venue and vendor options
Coordinate venue tours
Make recommendations that fit your vision
Handle logistics so you don’t feel overwhelmed
Plus, planners often have relationships with top Philly vendors which helps keep the process smooth and enjoyable.
5. Start Touring Venues Early
The Philadelphia area has no shortage of stunning wedding venues—from industrial-chic spaces in Fishtown to classic elegance in one of the many ballrooms.
Popular venues book 12–18 months out, especially Saturdays during busy season like Spring and Fall. Some of my local favorites that are worth a tour include:
Pro tip: Be open to Fridays or Sundays (or maybe even weekdays: Mondays through Thursdays) —you’ll have more availability and can often times save some money.
6. Book Key Vendors Early
In Philly’s competitive market, top vendors get booked fast. Prioritize key vendors (or what I like to call your “big player” vendors) first:
Caterer & Bar Services
Photographer/Videographer
DJ/Band
Florist
Hotel Accommodations & Transportation
If you’re planning a 2026 or 2027 wedding in Philadelphia, starting your vendor inquiries early will give you more options and better pricing.
7. Create Your Wedding Website + Engagement Announcement
Once your date and venue are set, share your excitement! Your website can include:
Your love story
Engagement photos
Travel info for out-of-town guests
Hotel accommodations nearby
Important FAQ’s
and more!
Pro tip: Philly hotels often fill up quickly during graduation season (May), major sporting events, holidays and big convention weekends—so book your room blocks early.
8. Begin Thinking About Your Engagement Photos
Get your engagement session scheduled with your photographer to make sure you take advantage of your preferred season for photos. Some iconic Philly area photo locations:
Merchant Exchange Building
Art Museum Steps
Rittenhouse Square
Elfreth’s Alley
Race Street Pier
Ridley Creek State Park
Rodin Museum Gardens
Valley Forge Park
Love Park
Longwood Gardens
Broad Street with City Hall in the background
Your photographer and wedding planner can help you pick a spot that feels authentically you.
9. Enjoy the Journey
Try not to get caught up in the pressure of wedding planning. Philadelphia offers so many great experiences, tastings, venue tours, dress shopping opportunities, and more.
Remember: this is the season you’ll look back on forever. Enjoy it.
Ready to Start Planning Your Philadelphia Area Wedding?
If you’re newly engaged and don’t know where to start, I’d love to help you navigate the process. From choosing the perfect venue to designing a day that feels like you, my team and I are here to make wedding planning stress-free and unforgettable.
Let’s start your dream wedding journey.
Happy Planning,
<3 Naticia
