You’re engaged! Congratulations on this exciting time in your life. Now that you’ve said yes, it’s time to take the steps to planning your dream wedding day. The Springfield, Missouri area has tons to offer when it comes to venues, vendors, and unique wedding experiences. This is a complete guide to help you get started on planning your wedding day in the 417!

1.) Take time to celebrate

Before you rush in to wedding planning, take the time to soak it all in with your partner. Enjoy the excitement as you share your news with friends and family, and maybe even host an engagement party!

2.) Set your wedding date

Once the nerves have settled it’s time to begin discussing a date. While setting the date may seem like a small detail, it’s essential to start early. Many venues in Springfield can book up months (or even years) in advance, especially if you’re planning for peak wedding seasons like spring or fall. When choosing a date it’s important to consider these key things:

• Springfield Weather: Do you want an outdoor wedding? Sometimes in November it’s 80 degrees and sometimes it’s 20.
• Venue Availability: If you’re set on a specific venue be prepared to move your date to accomodate their schedule. Popular Venues book out up to two years in advance!
• Sunset times: If you’d like more daylight remember to set a date before Daylight Savings Time!

3. Set a Wedding Budget

Before you start booking venues or hiring vendors, sit down with your partner (and any contributing family members) to determine your wedding budget. Understanding how much you’re willing to spend will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending. Keep in mind that your budget will likely be divided among several categories, including:

• Venue
• Catering
• Photographer/videographer
• Wedding attire (dress, tux, alterations)
• Entertainment (DJ or live band)
• Decorations and flowers
• Invitations and stationery

4. Create Your Guest List

Creating a guest list is one of the first things you’ll need to do once you have a rough idea of your budget and venue options. A guest list will determine the size of the venue you need and give you a sense of how much you’ll spend on catering, seating, and other accommodations.

5. Choose a Venue in Springfield

Springfield, MO is home to a wide variety of beautiful wedding venues, each offering something unique. Whether you’re envisioning a rustic barn wedding, a garden ceremony, or a glamorous ballroom event, Springfield has the perfect venue for you.

Here are a few popular options:

• Juniper Gardens (Fieldstone and Hillside)
• The Venue at Shadow Rock
• The Atrium
• Sparrow Lane
• Spring Valley Events
• Big Cedar & Top of the Rock
• Industrial Grove

6.) Hire your Vendors (Photographer, Videographer, DJ, Caterer, etc…)

Now that you have a venue secured, it’s time to start thinking about the vendors who will bring your vision to life. You’ll want to hire professionals who are not only talented but also experienced in Springfield weddings. Some of the key vendors to book early include:

• Wedding Photographer
• Wedding Videographer
• Wedding Planner/ coordinator
• DJ
• Caterer
• Florist
• Desserts

Want to see our full list of our favorite vendors? You can check out our besties here!

7. Shop for Your Wedding Dress

Springfield has some fantastic bridal boutiques where you can find the wedding dress of your dreams. Start early, as many dresses require several months for ordering and alterations. Popular bridal shops in Springfield include:

• The Dress Bridal
• Gracie’s Bridal
• Normans Bridal
• Evermore Bride

8. Send Out Save-the-Dates

Once your venue, date, guest list is confirmed, and you’ve taken engagement photos, it’s time to send out save-the-date cards. This is especially important if you’re planning a wedding during peak seasons, or if guests will be traveling to Springfield from out of town. A beautiful Springfield-themed save-the-date or custom design from a local stationery shop like Gold Wedding Designs can set the tone for your wedding.

10. Register for Gifts

Create a wedding registry at a store or online (or both). Consider including a variety of price points to accommodate all guests. Some Missouri couples opt for local shops or experiences as part of their registry. Target and Dillards are two of our favorites!

11. Plan Your Engagement Party

If you want to celebrate with friends and family before the big day, an engagement party is a fun way to do it. You can host it at a local restaurant, at home, or at a small little venue like Suite 101 to make it extra special!

12. Research Marriage License Requirements

In Missouri, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license at a local county clerk’s office. No residency requirement exists, but you’ll need to bring a valid ID and have a fee (typically between $40-$50). The license is good immediately and for up to 30 days.

13. Book Your Honeymoon

After months of wedding planning, don’t forget about your honeymoon! Research destinations that fit your budget and interests. Whether it’s a relaxing beach vacation or a European adventure, it’s a great time to get away.

14. Send Invitations

Invitations should be sent out about 6–8 weeks before the wedding. You’ll want to make sure that you’ve finalized your guest list by this time.

15. Final Details

As the wedding date approaches, confirm all details with vendors (florists, DJs, etc.), finalize the seating chart, and arrange for any rehearsal dinners or brunches.

With years of experience and a passion for storytelling, I’ll be there to document every special moment, from the quiet, intimate glances to the lively celebrations. I’m known for my calm presence and attention to detail, so you’ll feel at ease and can truly enjoy the day while I capture the memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for authentic, timeless photos and videos that reflect the beauty of your love, I’d be honored to be part of your journey.