Without Breaking the Bank
In this digital age, it’s easy to get carried away looking at Pinterest, Instagram, or wedding blogs and think your wedding has to be unique and picture-perfect.
The good news is, you’re allowed to make it your own, and it doesn’t have to be expensive to do so.
For venues, check out local libraries and parks. For caterers, use a food truck instead of a traditional sit-down dinner. For a DJ, use a playlist from Spotify. Forget the programs, guest favors, and open bar.
The best advice we can give is to talk with family members and friends who have been through this before. Be open to their suggestions and opinions — you might be surprised at how many great ideas they have that will save you money!
Most importantly, remember this is just one day of one year in the rest of your life together. Have fun with it!
Is that even possible? The easy answer is yes. The long answer is that it is definitely possible. You just have to know where to look. We’ve found there are three places you should start your search for a unique, affordable wedding venue:
- Local churches and religious institutions: Sometimes, these locations have community centers or small halls attached that are incredibly affordable. These places can be a great way to celebrate your religion and the place you call home. Plus, if you’re planning on getting married in a church, it may be natural to use the same space for the ceremony and reception. Just make sure you ask about any restrictions they might have before committing to this route!
- Parks and conservation areas: Outdoor weddings can be great for casual couples who want an intimate setting with unique photo opportunities and lots of room for mingling between guests (if anyone in your party likes making weird dance moves). You’ll need a backup plan in case of rain, though—and depending on how far away from civilization your park or conservation area is, you’ll need a plan B that doesn’t involve hiking miles through a foot of snow (for example). However, if the weather’s nice, outdoor weddings can be perfect spring or summer memories!
- Fabulous restaurants: Finally, we come to our least original suggestion—but don’t let that dissuade you! Not every couple wants their big day held at some stuffy country club ballroom or convention center banquet hall—many prefer cozier spaces with more warmth and color than institutionalized settings offer. While renting out an entire restaurant might be expensive when looking locally, if you expand your search beyond local venues, there could be some excellent online options at more attractive prices!
from DFW Wedding Photographer
Let’s start with the basics – venues. Do you know how many unique places in North Texas where can host a wedding reception? There are so many great little spots that aren’t going to charge an arm and a leg.
These venues tend to run on the small side in terms of capacity, so look into some of the big ballrooms at hotels or other significant event centers if you’re looking for something larger. But for those of you bringing family together from all over the country (and world) and want an intimate gathering, I think these smaller wedding venues will do just fine!
The Rose Garden – Farmers Branch, TX | Seats up to 150 guests | $100/hour with a 2 hour minimum
Blue Heron Landing – Wylie, TX | Seats up to 350 guests | $250/hour for less than 75 guests
Little Wren Weddings – Rockwall, TX | Seats up to 60 guests | $1,000 – $3,750 venue fee | Ceremony Only for $250-$350 an hour
Here are a few local gems I found on a couple of Google searches, but there are many more hidden gems.
In downtown Hillsboro, the Eagle Historic Warehouse is within walking distance from the Court House. Offer a wide variety of rental items, two exposed brick walls, and a spacious getting-ready suite. It can hold 200 guests seated. It costs $1,850 to rent from 8 am to midnight.
1906, a hidden gem in Whitesboro, is a renovated church building originally constructed in 1906, and renovations were done in 2013. Restored stained glass windows, tin ceiling tiles, pine hardwood floors, and expansive and airy space with white-washed and grey pews for up to 180 guests. The basement, The Union Lounge, is two rooms where the soulmates and entourages to relax and get ready. For 10 hours of venue access for $4,900, or 5 hours of access for $3,200. They even have an elopement package for $1,750 for 40 Guests and 3 hours of venue access.
The Schoolhouse, a Dallas Historic Landmark, is different from the traditional ballrooms and rustic barns; it offers a unique and flexible venue with indoor and outdoor options. After being restored in 2019, with clean white walls, vintage details, architectural features, and plenty of natural light. It can hold 125 for a seated dinner or 175 for a cocktail reception, $ 6,250 for 10 hours of exclusive access, and an open vendor policy.
Stephanie April Photography is a DFW Wedding Photographer that believes in {Capture} Raw Emotions between Soulmates! Are you recently engaged? Congratulations! If you are looking for a bold and moody engagement + wedding photographer for your upcoming wedding, inquiry today! To arrange for a complimentary consultation to go over pricing and products.
For every first wedding booked for each month, they will get their collection wedding album upgraded.