Austin is an incredible city to get married in! From the huge variety of wedding venues to some incredible vendors, Austin really has it all. As an Austin Wedding Photographer, I often get asked by my newly engaged couples some of the best tips I have for planning a wedding here. Whether you are a local, or a couple planning a destination wedding in Austin, wedding planning can be overwhelming! So today I want to share my top 5 tips for planning a wedding in Austin.
Do Research On Your Date
Before you start to pick a wedding date, make sure to check the calendar for big citywide events! Events like SXSW in the spring or ACL in early October can cause a lot of challenges if you decide to plan a wedding during that time. Wedding hotel blocks are harder to come by, traffic can be terrible, and certain vendors may be unavailable. If you are looking at a weekend where there is a large citywide event, I suggest venues outside of Downtown Austin, in the suburbs, or Hill Country. There are some gorgeous venues outside of Downtown Austin, that are still a short drive or Uber (although I recommend chartering a bus for your guests from your hotel!).
Hire A Planner
This is my number one tip for any bride getting married in any location. This is not something you want to do alone! Weddings are complicated events! There are so many details, including navigating choosing a date, venues in not just the city, but the surrounding Hill Country and suburbs. And don’t forget all the things you might not think about! Like rain backup plans, tent rentals, and transportation for your guests.
Not to mention the value of you being able to relax and know that your vision is coming to life while you get ready and hang out with your favorite people! I can’t even tell you how many brides I have heard fielding phone calls about where to put the escort cards or that the flowers are not exactly what they planned as they were supposed to be getting into their wedding dress. Hiring a planner can ensure that not only does every detail get planned out and double-checked, but that you can enjoy the day.
Do Virtual Tours of Venues
Picking a venue is hard. Especially in this season of life where you might not be able to see it in person. But don’t worry friend! My Wedding Scout is an incredible new service, where you can do virtual tours of the main venues in Austin (without getting out of your PJ’s!). This is perfect for out-of-town couples since you can instantly see venues without waiting to travel. Their virtual tours are cinematic quality films, that show you every single detail. Plus, it’s free to use! They even have pricing information on the venues, so you can see how much to budget.
Hire your Most Important Vendors Quickly
One of my biggest tips? Start booking early! Hire your most important vendors ASAP. Top vendors, like venues, photographers, and planners, book out quickly, around 9-15 months before the big day. If you are certain about booking a vendor, don’t wait! The last thing you want is to email them ready to reserve your date only to hear back that they are booked.
Do things your own way
We are obsessed with a lot of things in Austin. Tacos + margaritas just being two of them. We are also obsessed with doing things in a unique way that shows off who you + your partner truly are. Do you like to eat at food trucks? We have ones that will come + park at your venue. Want to have a wedding cake-shaped piñata during your reception filled with dancing props? Yes, we do that here too. No matter what your dream wedding looks like, you can do it here in Austin! I love when couples really customize their wedding to be authentically them.
No matter where you chose to have your wedding here in Austin, you are sure to fall in love with the city. If you are looking to find the perfect venue, make sure to view my blogs on the Top Austin Wedding Venues!
