First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! 🎉 You’re engaged! This is such an exciting time, and it’s totally okay if you’re feeling all the emotions—joy, excitement, maybe even a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you break down what you should do next, step by step. So, let’s dive into those first steps after getting engaged and the exciting journey of planning your wedding in Springfield, MO together!
Enjoy the Moment
Before you rush into planning, just pause and take it all in. This is one of those life-changing moments that you’ll want to remember forever. Call your closest friends and family, post that gorgeous ring pic on Instagram, and just bask in the happiness. The planning can wait a little while!
Talk About the Big Picture
Once you’ve soaked in all the joy, it’s time to start having those important conversations with your fiancé. What kind of wedding do you both envision? A huge celebration? Something more intimate? You don’t have to decide everything right now, but getting on the same page will help guide your decisions later.
Set a Budget
Weddings can add up quickly, so it’s important to set some financial boundaries. Talk about how much you’re willing to spend, whether the family will contribute, and what your non-negotiables are (like that dream venue or photographer 📸).
Pick a Date (Or a Season)
Selecting a wedding date is a key step. Consider seasons, weather, and the availability of important guests. Choose a few potential dates and be flexible, especially if you’re eyeing popular venues or vendors. Once you have a date or a specific timeframe, you can move forward with more detailed planning. Plus, everyone’s going to ask, “So when’s the wedding?” the minute you announce your engagement, so it’s nice to have a general answer ready!
Get Inspired
Now comes the fun part—dreaming! Grab a coffee, sit with your fiancé, and start scrolling Pinterest, wedding blogs, or Instagram for inspiration. Do you want a boho vibe, something more classic, or maybe a destination wedding? Save everything that catches your eye to create a vision board for your big day.
Create a Guest List (or Two)
The number of guests will influence a lot of other decisions, from venue size to catering costs. Sit down with your fiancé and start making two lists: must-haves (immediate family, close friends) and maybes (co-workers, extended family). This can be adjusted later, but it’s a great starting point.
Book Your Venue
Booking your venue is one of the most crucial steps in Orlando wedding planning. Popular venues can be booked up to a year in advance. Start your search early and visit multiple locations. Consider factors like capacity, location, ambiance, and amenities included in the rental fee. Head to our recommended vendor page for some of our favorite Springfield area wedding venues. Once you’ve found the perfect wedding venue, book it as soon as possible to secure your wedding date.
Hire Key Vendors
Hiring key vendors early ensures you get the best services for your wedding day. Key vendors include a photographer, videographer, DJ, and a day-of-coordinator. These professionals play a significant role in capturing and enhancing your wedding experience. Meet with potential vendors to discuss your vision and needs.
Getting engaged is such a thrilling time, but remember, it’s just the beginning. You’ve got time to plan, dream, and create the perfect wedding day that reflects your love story. So, breathe easy, take it step by step, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!
Complete Weddings + Events Makes Your Springfield Wedding Planning Simple
The Complete Weddings + Events team has collaborated with numerous event and wedding vendors that you might consider for your Springfield wedding.
With our expertise in photography, videography, DJ, photo booth, and coordination services, we are here to help make your wedding planning easy! After you’ve taken the time to celebrate your engagement, reach out to us and start tackling your wedding to-do list.
Waiting to start planning? No worries, head to our blog or Instagram page in the meantime for all things wedding to get you inspired!