Essential Do's and Don'ts for Choosing a Budget-Friendly DIY Wedding Venue in Texas
- Vivian Buesking
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Planning a DIY wedding can be both exciting and demanding. The choice of venue often sets the tone for your special day and can greatly impact your budget. Texas, known for its diversity and charm, boasts a wide range of venues that can fit different themes and wallet sizes. As a venue owner of Circle of Seven Ranch near Houston, Texas, I wanted to create a guide to highlight essential do's and don'ts to help you select the right budget-friendly DIY wedding venue in the Lone Star State.
Do: Set a Clear Budget
Establishing a clear budget is the first step in your wedding planning journey. Knowing how much you can spend will guide your decisions and help you focus on what’s feasible.
Consider including all potential expenses when figuring out your total budget. For example, if you plan for a ceremony and reception that seats 100 guests, you might budget approximately $5,000 to $7,000 just for venue costs. Don’t forget to estimate additional costs—such as catering, photography, florals, alcohol, decorations, and rentals. Also, be vigilant about hidden fees, like cleanup charges, which some venues might impose.
When trying to DIY your wedding, try to find a venue that allows you to bring in your own vendors, your own alcohol and that has decor available free of charge (like a "Borrow Closet") to try to keep your costs down.
Don't: Overlook Flexibility in Dates
Many venues offer significant discounts for off-peak dates or weekday celebrations. For instance, if you choose a Friday or Sunday rather than a Saturday, you might save 15% to 25% or more on venue fees. By keeping an open mind about your date, you can allocate those savings to other wedding essentials.
Here at Circle of Seven Ranch, we have seen many budget-minded couple opt for a date other than Saturday in order for them to stay on budget and still have the wedding of their dreams!
Do: Consider Unique Locations
Texas is home to a variety of unique, non-traditional wedding venues, such as charming barns, scenic wineries, and picturesque parks. These places are often more budget-friendly compared to typical banquet halls or high-end hotels.
By exploring local attractions or outdoor spots, you can discover venues that may not need elaborate decoration, as they have natural beauty that serves as an ideal backdrop for your DIY wedding photos.
Don't: Ignore Venue Restrictions
Reading the venue's contract is crucial in your decision-making process. Some venues impose strict rules about catering, alcohol policies, or decorating that could significantly impact your DIY vision.
For example, if your venue doesn't allow outside catering or has restrictions on alcohol types, you might incur additional costs. Read through your contract and make sure you understand all the venue's rules before signing. And if you have any questions, then ask!
Do: Factor in the Guest Experience
As you select your venue, consider what your venue can offer for your guest experience during your wedding day. Does your venue have areas for your guests to explore and enjoy? Selecting a venue that can enhance your guests wedding experience will help your DIY budget and create a more enjoyable event.
Don't: Rush the Decision
Selecting the perfect wedding venue is a significant choice that deserves careful consideration. Rushing this decision can lead to regrets.
Take your time to visit multiple venues and envision your wedding day at each site. Attend open houses or venue showcases can help you gain a better feel for the environment. A thoughtfully chosen venue that can foster your DIY wedding dreams can greatly enhance your wedding experience.
Do: Compare Venue Packages
Many venues provide different packages that include various amenities. Dedicate time to compare these options to identify which offers the best value. Though you are wanting a DIY wedding, keep in mind that you may not possibly be able to do everything. Decide what elements of your wedding you would like to DIY, and which might be too difficult or time-consuming to tackle.
Sometimes, investing initially for a comprehensive package can save you more in the long run, making it a wise investment.
I would like to share with you a blog from Here Comes the Guide about Texas' 25 Best Hidden Gem Wedding Venues. Though our venue is not on this list, I believe that every couple should do their homework in learning about various venues and how their venue will support a DIY wedding. I hope that if you are in the Houston area, Circle of Seven Ranch will make your list!
Don't: Forget to Figure in Rental Costs
While some venues offer an all-inclusive package, others may charge separately for essentials like chairs, tables, or audiovisual equipment.
Failing to account for these potential costs can lead to unexpected expenses. Always inquire about what is included in the rental price before you sign your contract.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your DIY Wedding Venue
Finding a budget-friendly DIY wedding venue in Texas doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By following these do's and don'ts, couples can make more informed decisions without straining their finances.
Stay organized and conduct thorough research. Maintain open communication with venue managers to clarify your needs and expectations. With some strategy and patience, you’ll find a venue that beautifully matches your vision while respecting your budget. Enjoy the planning process and remember that this wedding represents your love story! I hope that you find the venue that can give you the wedding of your dreams in your budget!
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Thank you for stopping by our blog! Circle of Seven Ranch is a family-owned wedding venue in East Bernard, TX, (near Houston, Texas) and we hope that you will consider supporting locally owned businesses!
We belong to a community of locally owned wedding venues, and we support each other. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our family! In an effort to support our small business community, we will feature small business wedding venues in each of our blogs.
Thank you for supporting locally owned businesses!
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