Besides simply enjoying this time of post-engagement bliss, there are a few other essential activities during this time that make this exciting step more than a change in title, but a start to an incredible journey together.

Ahhh, getting used to that new ring on your finger, the giddy feeling that you share when you get to spill the news with your closest friends, and that feeling of absolute content and bliss as you look into the eyes of your soon-to-be husband or wife–if you’re newly engaged, here we give you our big virtual congratulations hug and shed a few happy tears. We are SO excited for you to start this exciting new journey where you can focus on celebrating you and your unique love story, and everything good that comes along with it.

When the time comes, you definitely will have a surge of emotions–from bliss and excitement to hints of anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed–and it’s all completely natural. It’s a huge change from being in a relationship for a long time, to becoming a fiance, then a bride or groom-to-be, and we think that the best way to curb any uneasiness you may have, is with a clear idea of what you should do during your engagement.

Here’s our ultimate “just engaged” checklist:

Take some time to just indulge in your post-engagement bliss

This may be obvious, but take this first one seriously! Take as long as you want (we mean this!) to let your engagement just be your own for a second. Don’t feel pressured to let every single person know immediately, and just let yourself be fully present and revel in the beauty of this once-in-a-lifetime moment. You’ll look back and be thankful that you both had this time to yourselves.

Share the good news with your family, closest friends, and then everyone else

Once the time feels right, share the news with your family, then the friends who are like family, and then everyone else. Take the time to call your closest family and friends–and don’t underestimate how important even a short phone call will mean to them!

Get your engagement ring size and insured

If your ring is the perfect size cause your partner was sneaky and did the research–congrats! If you’re like the majority of people who may have gotten the wrong size, go and get it sized ASAP from your original jeweler! Though your hand may feel like something’s missing for a few weeks, it’s totally worth it to have peace of mind that your ring won’t be slipping anywhere!

Choose your wedding party (if you want one) and plan an engagement party with them (in the future!)

No pressure on having a wedding party (either way you’ll have your closest friends and family along for the ride!), but if you’re thinking about an engagement party and want help planning for it (or want it thrown for you entirely), this would be the time to think about who you want in your wedding party.

Think about when you would want your wedding

You will inevitably get people asking “When and where are you going to get married?” more than a couple of times throughout your engagement, but just know that you can take as much (or as little) time as you want to be engaged!

That being said, it’s good to be on the same page about a timeline with your partner. If you want to follow a typical timeline (getting married a year, to a year and a half after the proposal), make sure both of you are on board so you can start doing the initial planning steps for your big day!

Find a wedding photographer and take engagement photos!

This is good practice for your special day!! Book a photographer for your engagement photos that you’re really interested in booking for your wedding day, and vibe it out! If the photographer makes you feel comfortable, natural, and takes amazing shots, you’ve found the one!!

Take in all the inspo and refine your wedding style

Pinterest lovers, this one’s for you! Take the time to search up different wedding styles, and decide on what design speaks to you and your partner’s love story. Whether it’s modern, boho, or a rustic style, your future planner will thank you for taking the time to seek out what you both already like, and they can work on refining the final design for you!

Set a date, and start bookin’

If you’ve completed all of those steps, it’s time to get the party started! Lock in the date at your venue, and feel accomplished because you know you’ve completed one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during the planning process. If you’re waiting, just sit back, relax, and take in every moment of your engagement!