Just Engaged? Here’s What to Do First | Spartanburg Wedding Planning Guide
- Laura Orndorff
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting seasons of your life. The congratulations start pouring in, the ring is sparkling, and suddenly everyone is asking, “Have you set a date?”
If you’re newly engaged and planning a wedding in the Upstate, knowing what to do first can make all the difference. Many couples searching for a Spartanburg wedding venue feel overwhelmed in the beginning not because planning isn’t exciting, but because there are so many decisions to make.
Located in Moore, SC, just minutes from Spartanburg, The Barn at Poplar Springs streamlines the wedding planning process from day one. As a purpose built wedding venue serving Spartanburg and the Upstate, the property is designed for efficient ceremony to reception flow, clear logistics, and guest accessibility. With structured layouts, dedicated parking attendants, and golf cart assistance, couples gain an organized, low-stress planning experience from the start.
Before you book vendors or start shopping, here’s how to approach your wedding planning in the right order.

What to Do First After Getting Engaged in Spartanburg
Before diving into details, pause and enjoy this season.
Celebrate with close family and friends. Take photos. Share your story. Engagement is not just a pre-wedding checklist it’s a meaningful chapter.
Then, sit down together and discuss:
Your overall investment range
Who may be contributing financially
Your ideal guest count
Your top three priorities (venue, photography, catering, etc.)
Having clarity in these areas early prevents stress later and helps guide every decision that follows.

Why Booking Your Spartanburg Wedding Venue Should Be Your First Decision
This is the step many couples try to skip and it’s the most important one.
Your wedding venue determines:
Your official wedding date
How many guests you can invite
Your overall aesthetic
The flow of your wedding day
Vendor options and logistics
In Spartanburg and the surrounding Upstate area, prime spring and fall dates often book 12–18 months in advance. Waiting too long can limit your availability and increase pressure.
Securing your venue first gives structure to the rest of your planning. Once you have your date and location, everything else begins to fall into place.

Touring a Wedding Venue Near Spartanburg, SC
When you tour a venue in person, the vision becomes real.
You can picture:
Where your ceremony will take place
Where guests will gather for cocktail hour
How your reception will feel once the music starts
Many couples looking for a private, refined setting near Spartanburg discover that venues just outside the city offer both convenience and a more intimate guest experience.
The Barn at Poplar Springs in Moore, SC, just minutes from Spartanburg, provides a thoughtfully designed wedding space that accommodates up to 150 guests. The property is dedicated to weddings and curated adult celebrations, offering a polished barn aesthetic paired with attentive guest experience details such as parking attendants and golf cart assistance for those who may need support with walking distances.
Touring early gives you the clearest understanding of what your wedding day could truly feel like.
When to Book Your Wedding Venue in Spartanburg
Most couples planning a wedding in Spartanburg book their venue 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for:
Spring weddings (March–May)
Fall weddings (September–November)
If you’re engaged during peak engagement season typically late fall through early spring touring venues as soon as possible gives you the best chance at securing your ideal date.
Even if your wedding feels far away, availability moves quickly.
Protect the Joy of This Season
Wedding planning should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Avoid comparing timelines.
Avoid outside pressure.
Focus on building your marriage, not just planning an event.
The couples who start with clarity especially by choosing the right Spartanburg wedding venue early often enjoy the entire planning process more.

FAQs About Planning a Wedding in Spartanburg
How soon should we book a wedding venue in Spartanburg?
Most venues in Spartanburg book 12–18 months in advance for popular seasons. Touring early gives you the best date options and planning flexibility.
What is the average guest count for weddings in the Upstate?
Many couples host between 100 and 150 guests. It’s important to choose a venue that comfortably fits your guest list while maintaining the atmosphere you want.
Should we book our venue before hiring other vendors?
Yes. Your venue determines your date and location, which directly impacts vendor availability. Securing your venue first provides structure for the rest of your planning.
Are there wedding venues near Spartanburg that offer a private setting?
Yes. Many couples prefer venues just outside the city for added privacy, scenic surroundings, and a more relaxed guest experience while still remaining convenient for local and out-of-town guests.
What should we look for during a venue tour?
Pay attention to:
Layout and flow
Guest accessibility
Parking logistics
Included amenities
How the space makes you feel
The right venue will feel aligned with your vision the moment you walk through it.

Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re just engaged and beginning your search for a Spartanburg wedding venue, now is the perfect time to schedule a tour.
Seeing a space in person turns planning into vision and vision turns into confidence.
Your engagement season deserves clarity, direction, and excitement from the very beginning.
If you liked this blog, please take a look at this one as well.
Ready to See It in Person?
We’d love to welcome you for a private tour. Walk with us across the covered bridge, through the venue, and into what could become the setting for your “I do.”
[Contact us here] to schedule your tour and let your wedding story begin at The Barn at Poplar Springs.
Planning your wedding now? Our team is here to help you!
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We hope the inspiration we shared is helpful to you and your wedding plans! For questions regarding this blog contact The Barn at Poplar Springs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email: thebarnatpoplarspringsfarm@aol.com or phone: 864-680-7757.
We look forward to hearing from you!

We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues. In every blog we write, we will include locally owned wedding venues who use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ways that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue; you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this* wedding venue map,* Carolina Country Weddings, Willow Creek Farm Contact, The Ma Maison Contact, Chapman Hill Contact, Topeka Social Contact, Blueberry Hill Wedding Venue Contact, Mayberry Meadows Contact, All 4 One Farms Contact


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