Just Engaged? Plan Your St. Louis Wedding with These 10 Steps

 

Now that you’ve said “yes” and shared the big news, it’s time to begin planning your dream St. Louis wedding. Getting engaged to the love of your life is euphoric—an unforgettable moment filled with excitement, love, and anticipation for what’s to come. You’re wearing the newest badge of honor on your left hand, and it feels like the start of something extraordinary. This chapter in your life is about more than planning a day; it’s about creating an experience that reflects your unique love story. We have listed 10 steps that we know will help you have a great start to your wedding planning. 

1. Take Time to Celebrate St. Louis Wedding Engagement

Your engagement is a monumental milestone, and it deserves to be celebrated in style. It can be tempting to jump into all things planning, but believe me when we say, you won’t ever experience this feeling again. Relish the moment and find a celebration that speaks to you both as a couple.

For couples in St. Louis, here are three dining suggestions to toast to your St. Louis wedding engagement.

• Prasino (St. Charles): Known for its chic and eco-friendly approach, Prasino’s menu includes standouts like the savory short rib tacos and the beautifully crafted smoked salmon flatbread. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for an intimate celebration.
• Olive + Oak (Webster Groves): Known for its elevated American cuisine, Olive + Oak offers standout dishes like their famous O+O burger, tender steaks, and seasonal seafood options. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it’s perfect for celebrations. Their curated wine list and craft cocktails add an extra touch of sophistication. The plush décor and exceptional service add a touch of luxury without being over-the-top.
• Louie (DeMun): A neighborhood gem, Louie’s wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta dishes are always a hit. Pair them with a thoughtfully curated wine list, and you’ve got an experience worth savoring.

Pair your dining experience with a glass of celebratory champagne or one of their signature cocktails. These places aren’t just meals; they’re moments to savor. Feeling overwhelmed by options? Let’s discuss how we can help you plan a picture-perfect engagement celebration.

2. Talk About Your Vision

Your St. Louis wedding is a reflection of your love story, so it’s essential to define what that looks, feels, and even smells like. Sit down with your partner and dive deep into the five senses. How do you want your wedding to sound—the romantic strings of a quartet or a soulful live band? What scents should waft through the air—fresh florals, aromatic candles, or crisp, clean linens? Imagine how the textures feel—luxurious velvet table runners, crisp stationery, or the warmth of candlelight. These descriptive elements transform a vision into an experience and the intentionality of it creates memories for a lifetime.

Expert Tip: Create a mood board that represents the five senses you would want to experience. Pinterest is great to find inspiration, but remember your design should be unique to your love story and not someone else’s. Sharing these with your planner will help bring your dream day to life in a cohesive and intentional way.

Not sure where to start? Let’s chat about how we can help you craft a vision that truly reflects your story.

 

 

3. Set a Meaningful Budget for your St. Louis Wedding

Your wedding is an investment in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Start by discussing what’s most important to you, whether it’s an unforgettable venue, exquisite floral design, or a world-class culinary experience. Build your budget around these priorities, ensuring each dollar contributes to creating something exceptional.

When creating your budget, remember that it’s not just about allocating funds—it’s about making intentional choices that enhance the overall experience. For instance, a stunning floral arch might become the focal point of your ceremony and create unforgettable photos.

Expert Tip: Enlist your wedding planner early to provide insights into costs and help you allocate resources effectively. They’ll know where to splurge and where to save without compromising on quality.

4. Draft a Guest List

Your guest list will shape much of your wedding—from venue selection to catering. Begin with an initial draft, focusing on immediate family and close friends, and then expand to extended relatives and acquaintances. Keep the experience you want to create in mind when deciding on the size of your guest list.

The guest list also determines the tone of your event. Do you want an intimate gathering of 50 loved ones, fostering deep connections, or a larger celebration that feels vibrant and dynamic? Your choices here set the stage for the atmosphere of your big day.

Expert Tip: Your planner can guide you on balancing guest count with the intimacy and ambiance you envision. Ready to refine your list? Let’s discuss how we can help you shape the perfect guest experience.

 

5. Choose a Wedding Date

Selecting your wedding date is a milestone that sets everything into motion. Rather than simply choosing a popular season, think about how the timing fits into your larger vision. For example, consider how the natural light during golden hour might elevate your photos or how a specific time of year might pair beautifully with your design elements.

Expert Tip: Work with your planner to coordinate the date with your top vendors to ensure seamless availability. Let’s discuss how your timeline can align perfectly with your vision.

6. Hire a St. Louis Wedding Planner or Coordinator

This step is pivotal in elevating your wedding planning journey. Hiring a planner before booking your venue ensures that every decision aligns with your vision and logistical needs. A planner’s expertise will help you navigate options, refine your ideas, and make informed choices. From negotiating contracts to recommending vendors, their role is to simplify your experience and make it truly exceptional.

Why Hire Before Booking a Venue: Your planner’s insider knowledge of venues ensures you choose a location that complements your style, guest count, and unique requirements. They’ll also ensure your venue aligns with your vision and logistical needs, avoiding costly missteps.

A planner can also help you avoid common pitfalls, such as booking a venue that looks perfect on the surface but doesn’t have the capacity for your design or guest count.

Expert Tip: Ask your planner about past weddings and how they bring creative ideas to life. A collaborative relationship will set the tone for a seamless experience. Let’s connect and ensure your planning starts on the right note.

 

7. Research and Tour St. Louis Wedding Venues

Once you’ve hired a planner, start exploring St. Louis’s remarkable wedding venues to find the perfect space for your St. Louis wedding.. From the elegance of the Marriott Grand Crystal Ballroom to the chic charm of Verde on Cherokee, there’s a venue for every vision. Your planner will streamline the process by narrowing down options that match your style and priorities.

During tours, envision how the space will feel on your wedding day. Does the layout flow well for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception? Consider how the natural light, architectural details, and overall atmosphere contribute to your design.

Expert Tip: Ask about venue policies, such as preferred vendor lists or restrictions, to ensure alignment with your plans. Let’s tour your top venues together to find the perfect match.

8. Book Key Vendors Early

Securing your dream vendors is an essential step. From florists who design breathtaking installations to caterers who create unforgettable culinary experiences, your vendors bring your vision to life. Book early to ensure availability for your preferred date.

Expert Tip: Lean on your planner’s network to find vendors known for their exceptional quality and creativity. They can also ensure each vendor complements the overall vision. Ready to start assembling your dream team? Let’s make it happen.

9. Collaborate on a Wedding Website

Rather than creating your own wedding website, your planner can manage this for you to ensure consistency with your overall wedding design. The website becomes a polished communication hub for your guests, sharing event details, accommodations, and RSVP tracking.

Expert Tip: Use this as an opportunity to subtly incorporate your wedding’s theme and tone into your guests’ experience from the moment they log in. Let’s create a seamless, elegant digital experience for your guests.

 

10. Plan your St. Louis Wedding Engagement Photos

Commemorate this special chapter with an engagement session in one of St. Louis’s iconic locations, adding a personal touch to your St. Louis wedding story. Your photos should reflect your personality and style. These images will not only serve as cherished keepsakes but also enhance your save-the-dates and wedding website.

Here are a few trusted photographer recommendations:

• Rae Marcel: Instagram | Website
• Bennett Photo: Instagram | Website
• Christina Schmidt Photography: Instagram | Website
• Erika Rene Photography: Instagram | Website

Conclusion

Your engagement is just the beginning of a beautiful journey, and planning your wedding should feel as joyful as the day itself. With careful planning, expert guidance, and intentional decisions, you’ll create an unforgettable celebration that reflects your unique love story. Ready to take the next step? Let’s connect and start turning your dream wedding into a reality.