Just Engaged? Here’s Exactly What to Do First When Planning a Wedding in Ireland

So you’re engaged – congratulations! Whether it was a total surprise or a long-awaited moment, this is a joyful milestone. But if your excitement is already being crowded out by questions like “Have you set a date?” or “When are you booking the venue?” – take a breath. You don’t need to do everything right away.

Here’s a no pressure, no-fluff  practical guide to what actually matters in the early days of planning a wedding in Ireland.

Don’t skip the celebration phase

Yes, you’ll plan a wedding. But first, take some time to just enjoy being engaged. Have a celebratory dinner. Call your people. Bask in the moment.

You don’t need a Pinterest board or a venue tour to make this milestone meaningful.

Have the big picture conversation

Before you make any decisions, talk honestly about what kind of wedding you both want:

• Big celebration or something intimate?

• Local venue or destination?

• One day or a full weekend?

• Legal, symbolic, or religious ceremony?

No pressure to lock anything in — the goal is alignment.

3. Define your priorities

What matters most to you both?

• An incredible setting?

• A focus on food and drink?

• A relaxed atmosphere for guests?

Knowing your values helps with every decision later.

💬 Related: Wedding Priorities: What Actually Matters Most?

4. Talk about money (early!)

Before making a guest list or venue shortlist, figure out:

• What can you comfortably spend?

• Is anyone else contributing?

• What’s your stretch budget?

📥 Download the Free Wedding Budget Checklist – it breaks down must-haves, upgrades, and sneaky extras.

💬 Also read: How to Set a Realistic Wedding Budget in Ireland

5. Write your guest list

You don’t need to finalise names — just get a number. Your guest count affects:

• Venue size

• Catering (and all the other!) costs

• Accommodation, transport, and more

Try sorting your guest list into three categories:

1. Non-Negotiables

2. People You’re Fond Of

3. Nice-to-Haves

💬 Related: Don't Invite Them: Who Not to Put on Your Guest List

6. Only then: begin the venue search

Now that you’ve outlined your vision, your budget, and your guest count — you’re ready to look at venues.

Going in too early leads to overwhelm or mismatched bookings. Instead:

• Filter venues by size and location

• Ask the right questions early

• Know what’s included (and what’s not)

💬 Read next: How to Narrow Down the Right Wedding Venue (Without Overwhelm)

A final thought

You don’t need to rush. There’s no such thing as “behind” when you’re engaged. Start when you are ready — and use tools that support clarity, not chaos. Once you’ve had the initial chat, this guide will help you go deeper into the practical decisions you’ll be making together.

✍️ Read: What to Talk About Before Planning Your Wedding: Key Conversations for Couples