So much to plan! So much to do! You know you want to have your wedding in Austin, but the city is just one of many exciting decisions you’ll make along the way.
Don’t stress – we have your back. We’ve been working with brides in Austin and all around Texas for long enough that we have a lot of tips and advice to share with you around planning your Austin wedding. Let’s dive in!
Tips for Picking an Austin Wedding Venue
Let’s start with the venue! We recently put together a blog about the best wedding venues in Austin, so you can start there – then use these tips to narrow down which one will work best for you and your wedding plans.
Wedding Style
First and foremost, you need an Austin wedding venue that matches your style or theme.
You’ll have no shortage of stunning, beautiful venues to choose from – it’s almost overwhelming! But don’t just think about how gorgeous it looks. Think about how it’ll match the overall aesthetic you have in mind.
Going for country chic, fitting for any Texas wedding? A barn wedding is almost a given! Maybe you’re dreaming about a soft, floral elegance in your ceremony? Instead of a barn, a cozy chapel or a blossoming garden might be a better fit.
Indoor vs Outdoor Venues
When is your wedding going to take place? Depending on the temps and weather, an outdoor wedding in the middle of a scorching Texas summer might be less “sunny and bright” and more “sweaty and humid.”
Austin is also notorious for unreliable short-term forecasts, due to the region’s dynamic weather patterns. Even if you’re planning on an outdoor wedding, you might want to consider venues that offer indoor backup options in case of unexpected rain.
Guest Capacity
This one almost goes without saying, but we want to be thorough! Make sure the venue can actually accommodate the number of guests you’ve invited. Even if the venue looks large, it may have a more limited capacity when it comes to seating. Ask and confirm before making any commitments.
Amenities
High-speed wi-fi, clean restrooms, effective climate control (if indoors), ample parking for guests and vendors – these are the basic must-haves for any wedding venue! \
But what else should you look for? Other amenities could include:
- A bridal room or other private areas for the bride, groom, and others to take care of any necessary preparations
- Outdoor spaces like gardens or terraces. These are great for photoshoots, wedding cinematography, or simply a quiet place to take a breather away from the excitement.
- Transportation won’t be necessary for everyone, but shuttle services through the venue can be a lifesaver for some. Do guests need transportation between venues, from an off-site parking area, or from a hotel?
- Guest rooms can be an enticing amenity for destination weddings or events where you expect a lot of out-of-state friends and family. If you’re using a hotel as your wedding venue, the fact that they also offer rooms makes it incredibly safe and easy for guests to party all night without worrying about driving anywhere after.
Flexibility
Some venues allow you to pick any outside vendor you want for services like catering, rentals, florals, entertainment, or anything else. Others might only have a specific list of approved vendors – or require that you get those services, such as food or bar service, through them directly.
To some couples, this won’t matter. It’s certainly more convenient to lean on your venue for catering, bar service, rentals, and anything else you might want, rather than juggle half a dozen different vendors! But if you have your heart set on a specific caterer or other vendor, make sure they’ll actually be allowed to serve at your wedding.
Austin Wedding Vendors & Experiences
Other than the venue, what else should you consider while planning your Austin wedding?
Wedding Planner
Look for someone local! Wedding planners familiar with Austin will have connections with the best local vendors and can give you all sorts of valuable tips and advice.
Flowers
Think about seasonality when picking out flowers. Can they handle the Texas heat, especially in spring or summer? Texas is also home to so many native wildflowers, like bluebonnets, black-eyed Susans, and pink evening primroses, which are stunning and sure to stand up well in the weather.
Catering
This is Austin – Think beyond something standard or basic. What about a high-end BBQ caterer, like gourmet brisket mac? Sophisticated Tex-Mex? Super delicious. For something that doubles as food and entertainment, make-your-own food stations are always a hit among guests!
Photography
Find a photographer whose style matches your wedding aesthetic – whether that’s bright and vibrant, moody and artistic, or natural and rustic. Experienced local wedding photographers should be familiar with many of the local Austin venues, meaning they know the best angles and hidden gem locations for fantastic shots!
Videography
Wedding films capture the sound and movement of your wedding – the live band, the laughter, the sunlight glinting off hair and jewelry. A film embodies the energy of the day, not just the images!
Give us a call for this one! Reverent is the largest wedding cinematographer in Texas, specializing in high-quality storytelling that will truly stand the test of time. Wedding photography and videography last forever, so treat yourself!
Music/Entertainment
Austin is the live music capital of the world. Don’t miss this chance to splurge on a truly unforgettable experience! In addition to music, you can explore some unique wedding ideas like photo booths, face painting, or a mariachi band during cocktail hour!
Bar
Showcase some local flavor! Stock the bar with craft beers from some of Austin’s many breweries and distilleries, like Austin Beerworks, Live Oak, Tito’s Vodka, and Treaty Oak Distilling. Texas Hill Country has plenty of vineyards, too.
Wedding Favors
Texas-themed wedding favors are so much fun. Hot sauce, wildflower seed packs, custom trucker hats, adorable little potted succulents…. Really, just looking at these options and getting to pick out your favorites will be one of the best parts of planning your Austin wedding.
And Don’t Forget to Have FUN!
Getting everything just right for your super special day is no easy feat, but just remember: you don’t have to do everything alone. Lean on your wedding planner and vendors to do what they do best and offer the expertise they’ve spent decades honing. Your Austin wedding is all about YOU, and you should get to enjoy it! And then enjoy it again, any time you want.
That’s where wedding cinematography comes in! At Reverent Wedding Films, we capture the moments worth remembering so you can hit play and relive those special memories any time you want. We care about you, and our team is ready to serve! Curious to learn more? Reach out and let’s chat.
