Congratulations — you’re engaged! 💍 Whether it was a private moment just for the two of you or a surprise surrounded by family and friends, this is such a special season worth soaking in. Once the champagne glasses are empty and you’ve replayed the proposal story a dozen times, you might find yourself wondering… what now?
Here’s a simple roadmap for what to do after you get engaged — including when to start thinking about your wedding invitations!
1. Take Time to Celebrate
Before you jump into planning mode, pause and savor the moment. Share the news with your loved ones, take engagement photos, and maybe even plan a small celebration. This season flies by, and it’s worth enjoying every minute before the to-do lists begin.
2. Talk About Your Vision and Budget
Once the excitement settles, sit down with your partner and discuss what kind of wedding you both envision — big or intimate, local or destination, formal or relaxed.
From there, outline a realistic budget and decide which areas matter most to you (venue, photography, florals, stationery, etc.). Having this foundation early will make every decision smoother.
3. Secure Your Date and Venue
Your venue will determine your date — and sometimes even your style. Once you’ve locked that in, other pieces start falling into place. With a confirmed date, you’ll be ready to book key vendors and start your invitation timeline.
4. Start Thinking About Your Wedding Style
Now comes the fun part — defining your aesthetic! Create a Pinterest board or moodboard filled with colors, textures, and inspiration that reflect your vision.
Your stationery designer (hi, that’s me!) will use this to craft an invitation suite that truly sets the tone for your day — from your Save the Dates all the way to your menus and day-of details.
5. Send Save the Dates
Save the Dates typically go out 6–8 months before your wedding (or earlier if it’s a destination celebration). This gives your guests time to plan and builds excitement for what’s to come.
If you’re still finalizing details, a semi-custom design is a beautiful and quick option to get something elegant in the mail while you continue planning.
6. Book Your Key Vendors
In addition to your stationery designer, reach out to your photographer, florist, planner, and other priority vendors as early as possible. The best ones book up quickly — especially during peak wedding seasons!
7. Begin Your Invitation Design Process
Once you have your venue, color palette, and overall theme, it’s the perfect time to begin designing your invitations. At Mads Studio & Co, I offer both custom and semi-custom wedding suites — so whether you have a fully developed vision or want something timeless and ready to personalize, we’ll create invitations that beautifully reflect your story.
8. Enjoy the Journey
Wedding planning can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s also such a special time in your life. Celebrate the small milestones along the way — from your first dress fitting to seeing your names in print on your invitation suite. You’re creating something meaningful and memorable, and that’s worth savoring.
Ready to start your stationery journey?
Explore our semi-custom collection or inquire about a custom design experience to begin creating your dream invitations.