Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time filled with love, celebration, and, of course, some planning. While wedding planning can feel overwhelming, focusing on the essentials during your first month can help set you up for success. Here’s a step-by-step wedding planning checklist tailored for newly engaged couples in Springfield, Illinois.

Week 1–2: Celebrate and Get Organized

1. Take It All in and Celebrate!

Before jumping into planning, take a moment to soak in your engagement! Celebrate with your partner, family, and friends. Post that stunning ring photo, throw an engagement party, or have an intimate dinner with your closest loved ones.

2. Set Your Wedding Vision

Sit down with your partner and discuss your dream wedding:

• What kind of vibe are you going for? Romantic, classic, rustic?
• Will it be an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration?
• Discuss whether you’re envisioning a local Springfield venue or potentially expanding to the surrounding Illinois area.

Having a shared vision will make the planning process more collaborative and fun.

3. Start an Organization System

Whether it’s a physical wedding planner or a digital tool like Google Sheets or Trello, create a way to organize your ideas, budgets, deadlines, and to-do lists.

Pro Tip: Create a dedicated wedding email account. It’ll keep all vendor communications in one place and will be easy to manage.

Week 2–3: Get the Big Things Rolling

4. Set a Budget

Before you start booking or shopping, establish your wedding budget:

• Who will be contributing financially? (Have open and honest conversations with family members if needed.)
• Prioritize your spending—what are the non-negotiables for your big day? For some, it’s the venue; for others, it’s the food, photography, or entertainment.

Being clear about your budget early on will help narrow down your options and avoid overspending.

5. Draft a Guest List

Create a rough draft of your guest list. This will influence key decisions like venue size and catering needs. Don’t worry about exact RSVPs yet; this is just to estimate numbers.

6. Choose a Wedding Date (or a Few Options)

Decide on a wedding date. If your heart is set on certain Springfield venues, you might want to keep a few date options flexible in case your preferred date isn’t available.

7. Research and Tour Venues in Springfield

Springfield offers a variety of beautiful venues for every style:

• Romantic Garden Wedding – Pole Barn Chic has gorgeous grounds & beautiful flowers, plants and a romantic garden pond with fountain.
• Historic Charm – Consider Pole Barn Chic with historic features and modern amenities. 
• Modern Elegance – Pole Barn Chic has every modern luxury your heart desires!

 

Schedule tours, ask about pricing packages, and check for availability.

Week 3–4: Secure Your Dream Team

8. Hire a Wedding Planner (If Needed)

If managing all the details feels overwhelming, consider hiring a wedding planner. They’ll help you stay on top of schedules, negotiate with vendors, and bring your vision to life.

Local experts in the Springfield area, like [Planner Name], can provide guidance and share their connections with trusted vendors.

9. Book Key Vendors

To avoid missing out, prioritize booking these vendors early:

• Photographers & Videographers – Springfield has talented professionals who often get booked months (or even years!) in advance.
• Caterers – Decide if you want a formal sit-down dinner, buffet, or a more relaxed option like food trucks or barbecue catering.
• Bands or DJs – Entertainment is crucial for a fun reception, so secure your favorite local acts early.

10. Plan an Engagement Shoot

Before life gets too busy, schedule an engagement photo shoot! Not only does this give you beautiful photos to announce your engagement, but it also lets you connect with your photographer before the big day.

Pro Tip: Consider scenic Springfield spots like Lincoln Memorial Garden or the Illinois State Capitol for your engagement shoot.

Bonus Tips for Your First 30 Days

• Start Thinking About the Dress: You don’t have to find “the one” just yet, but start browsing for dress styles that suit your taste. Visit local shops like [Store Name] for consultations.
• Explore Springfield’s Local Vendors: From florists to bakeries, Springfield is filled with incredible talent. Supporting local vendors not only adds a personal touch but also makes planning much easier.
• Get Inspired: Whether it’s flipping through wedding magazines or scrolling Pinterest, find inspiration for colors, decor, and themes that fit your wedding vision.

Enjoy the Journey

The first 30 days are all about laying the foundation for your wedding day. Take it step by step, and remember, this is just the beginning of a beautiful celebration of love.

Need more help? We’d love to assist! Connect with us via our contact form or text "plan a wedding tour" to Audrey at 217.685.7389. Find more wedding images, video and inspiration on our Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. We look forward to hearing from you and can't wait to show you around Pole Barn Chic and discuss how our venue can host your once in a lifetime event, to perfection! Happy Planning