10 Things to Do Right After You Get Engaged (A Scottish Wedding Checklist) 

Congratulations — you’re engaged!
Whether it happened during the festive season, on a beach holiday or over a cosy night in, this is one of the most exciting moments of your life. After the initial celebrations, many couples quickly realise they’re not quite sure where to start. 

To make things easier, we’ve created the ultimate Scottish wedding checklist,  including expert tips and venue inspiration from two of Ayrshire’s most loved wedding destinations: The Gailes Hotel & Spa and The Waterside Hotel. 

Let’s get you started on your journey to “I do”. 

1. Celebrate the Moment (and Tell Your Loved Ones!)

Before diving into planning, take time to enjoy the moment. Pop some bubbly, take photos, share the news with close family and friends, and soak it all in. You’re only newly engaged once! 

2. Get Your Ring Insured

It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Make sure your engagement ring is properly valued and insured, especially if you’ll be wearing it every day. 

3. Have the Big Conversation: What Kind of Wedding Do You Want?

Before researching venues, sit down together and talk about the style of wedding you envision. Consider: 

• Indoor or outdoor ceremony? 

• Classic, modern, or coastal? 

• Large celebration or intimate gathering? 

• Spring/summer or autumn/winter? 

• Daytime or Twilight wedding? 

This clarity helps guide every decision you make next. 

4. Set a Realistic Budget

Your budget will shape your venue, guest list, suppliers and timeline. Many couples find it helpful to create three numbers: 

• Ideal budget 

• Flexible budget 

• Absolute maximum 

This makes conversations with venues much easier later on. 

5. Choose Your Wedding Venue — The Most Important Decision

Your wedding venue determines your date, guest count, style and overall experience. 

Whether you dream of a modern Ayrshire wedding with beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony options, or a romantic coastal wedding overlooking the sea, SimpsInns has two standout venues loved by couples: 

The Gailes Hotel & Spa (Irvine) 

Perfect for couples looking for a stylish, contemporary wedding venue with exceptional flexibility. 

Why couples choose The Gailes: 

• Stunning outdoor wedding pavilion with fixed seating for 200 

• Elegant Lagavulin Suite for ceremonies up to 240 people & wedding receptions 

• Beautiful Rooftop Conservatory for more intimate vows (up to 100 guests)  

• Exclusive Talisker Bar for drinks receptions 

• Luxury accommodation with 40 bedrooms and stunning penthouse suite 

• Si! Spa for pre-wedding pampering 

Explore The Gailes weddings: CLICK HERE

 

The Waterside Hotel (West Kilbride) 

Ideal for coastal romantics dreaming of a wedding by the sea. 

Why couples choose The Waterside: 

• NEW beachfront wedding bandstand  

• Manicured gardens with private walkway to the beach and an incredible backdrop for ‘I Do’s’ 

• Newly upgraded Kyle Suite for up to 240 guests 

• Beautiful Ailsa Lounge for ceremonies & receptions 

• Exclusive Lochranza Bar for reception drinks 

• Private Kyle Suite entrance and exclusive use of this area of the hotel for your big day 

• Incredible sunset photography over Arran 

Explore Waterside weddings: CLICK HERE 

6. Book a Venue Show-round Immediately

Engagement season is incredibly busy, and the best dates fill up quickly. Arrange show-rounds at your shortlisted venues as soon as possible. Look out for appointment or showcase days where you can see the venue fully dresses for a wedding.  VIEW EVENTS 

TIP: View venues at the same time of day you hope to marry if you can, especially for Twilight weddings or sunset ceremonies. 

7. Draft a Guest List

You don’t need your full list yet, but you do need a rough idea of size. This helps venues determine the best ceremony and suite options for you. 

8. Choose Your Wedding Date (Or a Preferred Month)

Many couples secure their venue first and then select their date based on availability, especially at popular venues like The Gailes and The Waterside. 

If you’re flexible, consider: 

• Weekday weddings (increasingly popular and often better value) – at SimpsInns we offer midweek discounts on our wedding menus 

• Twilight weddings for a chic, modern vibe 

• Spring/summer outdoor ceremonies 

• Autumn/winter for cosy indoor celebrations – at SimpsInns we also offer a winter discount 

9. Start Exploring Photographers, Bands, Florists & Suppliers

Once you have your date and venue, suppliers should be next. The best Scottish wedding suppliers book up 12–24 months ahead. 

Both SimpsInns venues can recommend trusted photographers, florists, stylists and entertainment. VIEW WEDDING SUPPLIERS 

10. Create a Wedding Email & Start a Planning Folder

A small tip that makes a big difference: 

• Create a “wedding-only” email 

• Start a shared folder for documents, moodboards and contracts 

• Use Pinterest or Instagram to save inspiration 

This keeps everything organised from day one. 

Ready to Start Your Wedding Journey? 

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury Ayrshire celebration at The Gailes or a romantic coastal wedding at The Waterside, our experienced wedding teams are ready to help you plan the perfect Scottish wedding. 

Book your private show-round: 

• The Gailes Hotel & Spa → BOOK HERE 

• The Waterside Hotel → BOOK HERE 

Your dream day starts here.