Engagement season is here, and with it comes the joyful, sparkly chaos of "We’re engaged!" texts, video calls, and a thousand questions about the wed…
Engagement season is here, and with it comes the joyful, sparkly chaos of "We’re engaged!" texts, video calls, and a thousand questions about the wedding. Before your inspiration reel saves stack up and someone inevitably asks about the date, take a breath. There's beauty in this small window between yes and your first planning spreadsheet!
To help you get started, we're sharing joy-centered, grounding-first steps that help set the tone for the entire wedding experience. Say yes (again) to focusing in on the practical and meaningful for modern couples like you who want presence over pressure!
Photo: Alekon Pictures
Give yourselves a pocket of time (even if it's just a couple of hours) to enjoy the moment privately. Your next chapter begins now, and you and your beloved are the main characters in this love story of yours. Treat it as such!
Why does this matter? In our hyperconnected world, news spreads instantly the second we hit share. Protecting the first chapter of your engagement from outside opinions helps you savor the memory, stay grounded, and start your wedding story on your own terms.
Photo: In Lieu In View Photography
Once you’re ready to celebrate with others, share in a way that feels aligned with your personalities, not just what’s expected of you.
Photo: Molly Lichten from this gingham engagement session on Tidewater and Tulle
Before you talk about budgets or venues, talk about the engagement and wedding vibes you dream about. What do you want this experience to be?
This conversation becomes the compass for your entire planning journey. Communicating this now helps reduce overwhelm, make decisions easier, and keep you from falling into the Pinterest-pressure trap.
Struggling for words? Try asking each other these to start:
“What are three things most important to us?”
“What do we want guests to remember?”
“How do we want to feel on the morning of our wedding?”
"What’s not us?”
Having the vibe check conversation now also naturally leads into budget talk later on, but the biggest bonus is that your shared values are driving the discussion rather than stress, particularly when you go to make your wedding guest list.
Photo: Megan Rei from this downtown engagement session on Tidewater and Tulle
Engagement photos are amazing, but they’re not the only option. Choose whatever fits your season of life, comfort level, and most importantly, your personalities. (And if you are doing engagement photos, we have your next read about how to choose the best engagement session location for you!)
Photo: Lanie Garcia from this rustic picnic proposal session on Tidewater and Tulle
This is when Pinterest boards, saved Reels, and (not so humble brag) Tidewater and Tulle inspiration can shine, but lightly. No pressure. No 10,000 pins.
This helps transform the wedding from a massive project into a meaningful collaboration with you, your partner, loved ones, and your wedding team.
Photo: Colibri from these engagement ring box ideas on Tidewater and Tulle
Your engagement memories becomes a future treasure. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a voice memo, or a quick journal entry, capturing your joy now will matter later, especially if you need a reminder why you and your partner are creating your dream day together.
Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links are partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.
To help you get started, we're sharing joy-centered, grounding-first steps that help set the tone for the entire wedding experience. Say yes (again) to focusing in on the practical and meaningful for modern couples like you who want presence over pressure!
1. Celebrate the Moment Before You Announce It
Give yourselves a pocket of time (even if it's just a couple of hours) to enjoy the moment privately. Your next chapter begins now, and you and your beloved are the main characters in this love story of yours. Treat it as such!
Why does this matter? In our hyperconnected world, news spreads instantly the second we hit share. Protecting the first chapter of your engagement from outside opinions helps you savor the memory, stay grounded, and start your wedding story on your own terms.
IDEAS FOR YOU TO SNAG
• Take a few photos or videos just for yourselves, and avoid sharing these on social media.
• Do something simple and sweet, like a walk, a cozy meal, or a clink of glasses at home.
• Set boundaries on when you want to tell people. Joy expands when you aren’t rushed.
2. Share the News Intentionally (Not All at Once)
Once you’re ready to celebrate with others, share in a way that feels aligned with your personalities, not just what’s expected of you.
MODERN IDEAS FOR SHARING
• FaceTime your inner circle first; it deepens connection and avoids hurt feelings.
• Consider your announcement style. Soft-launch, bold reveal, or something creative and DIY? Whatever it is, make it you.
• If you want professional photos later, don’t stress about posting immediately. The algorithm doesn’t care, and your engagement is timeless.
3. Talk About What You Want Your Wedding To Feel Like
Before you talk about budgets or venues, talk about the engagement and wedding vibes you dream about. What do you want this experience to be?
This conversation becomes the compass for your entire planning journey. Communicating this now helps reduce overwhelm, make decisions easier, and keep you from falling into the Pinterest-pressure trap.
Struggling for words? Try asking each other these to start:
“What are three things most important to us?”
“What do we want guests to remember?”
“How do we want to feel on the morning of our wedding?”
"What’s not us?”
Having the vibe check conversation now also naturally leads into budget talk later on, but the biggest bonus is that your shared values are driving the discussion rather than stress, particularly when you go to make your wedding guest list.
4. Capture the Moment Your Way
Engagement photos are amazing, but they’re not the only option. Choose whatever fits your season of life, comfort level, and most importantly, your personalities. (And if you are doing engagement photos, we have your next read about how to choose the best engagement session location for you!)
OUR CURRENT FAVORITE JOY-CENTERED IDEAS BEYOND TRADITIONAL PHOTOS
• A cozy at-home session documenting your everyday life
• A short video message to your future selves
• A DIY announcement using your Cricut machine (and in case you need a starting idea, this Cricut proposal project could be so cute for an announcement!)
• A celebratory date with a disposable or Instax camera
• A simple ring selfie (or no rings at all – your commitment is the real announcement, friends!)
5. Start Gathering Inspiration (Lightly + Purposefully)
This is when Pinterest boards, saved Reels, and (not so humble brag) Tidewater and Tulle inspiration can shine, but lightly. No pressure. No 10,000 pins.
MENTALLY SUSTAINABLE INSPO HABITS
• Create one shared private board with only your top favorites
• Pin feelings, not specific stuff (e.g., “joyful backyard vibe,” “colorful florals,” “modern romance”)
• Follow on social media the vendors or creators you genuinely connect with
This helps transform the wedding from a massive project into a meaningful collaboration with you, your partner, loved ones, and your wedding team.
Bonus Tip: Document Your Engagement Story
Your engagement memories becomes a future treasure. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a voice memo, or a quick journal entry, capturing your joy now will matter later, especially if you need a reminder why you and your partner are creating your dream day together.
Looking for Wedding Style Ideas? Shop These Inspiring Looks!
Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links are partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.
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