Bridal Blog

No couples need added stress to their wedding planning efforts, especially these days. You may have had to reschedule your wedding, more than once. Or perhaps you planned a more intimate affair, and are now gearing up for a large-scale reception. Now you’re struggling to find a wedding venue with a Saturday open anytime soon.

And then, you get an email from your bridal store telling you your wedding dress will be shipped four weeks later than planned.

Ugh.

Many couples are feeling the post-pandemic (can we call it that yet?) strain on their wedding plans. Despite the news headlines, shortages and shipping delays are taking many couples by surprise.

We have the rundown on how the current economic woes may affect your wedding plans, and what you can do about it.

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We recently spoke with Alexandria Gold-Haws about her and her husbands unique wedding venue in the Texas Hill Country – Elm Pass Woods.

Elm Pass Woods is best known for creating Wedding Festivals for their unique and adventurous couples. This creative take on a wedding reception means plenty of fun, laughs, and memorable moments.

Read more to hear about what makes Elm Pass Woods, and its owners, so special.

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What’s one key ingredient in a great wedding reception? Food, glorious food!

No one wants to serve (or eat!) a la Rubber Chicken at their wedding. You want food that has both style and substance. Something that can be unique and fun, but palatable for the masses.

It’s a tall order. And considering that catering will no doubt be one of the big ticket items in your wedding budget, it’s something you want to get right.

So let’s talk catering choices, challenges and how to get the most from your tasting!

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Wedding traditions are a great way to bring substance and meaning to your wedding ceremony and reception.

But for every meaningful and sweet wedding tradition out there, there’s just as many that seem outdated and frankly, tired. We have the run down on wedding traditions that are, thankfully, beginning to fade.

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Neon signs are becoming oh-so-trendy at wedding receptions and we are so excited about this trend. Neon wedding signs range from the sentimental to the humorous, can be customized and reusable, and add an edgy, festive flair to wedding reception decor. 

We’re showcasing some great neon wedding signs, and how to use them in your wedding.

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You want your wedding day to be perfect.

You have the vision, you’ve done the planning, you expect it to be flawless. Just like your bridesmaids.

And yet, after this Reddit post went viral about a bride kicking her bridesmaid out of her wedding over a haircut, we got to thinking. 

Exactly what is too much to ask of a bridesmaid?

Read on to hear some of the crazy requests brides have made of their bridesmaids, and some solid advice on getting what you want, without being a Bridezilla. 

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August signals the end of summer, and the end of summer bridal events.

We have your recap all the best open houses in August and the wedding professionals you need to know. Missed an August event but ready to head out in the next couple months? Check out our Events Page for upcoming happenings!

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The ultimate jump-start on your wedding planning? The Bridal Extravaganza of course. Couples from all over Austin joined us for a day of fashion, sweet cake samples, savory catering, pumping DJ’s and so much more. The Bridal Extravaganza is the largest Bridal Show in Austin and helps couples from all over the area in planning their wedding. Missed the fun? Check out the recap here and plan to join us at the next show, January 8th & 9th.
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Wedding trends for 2021 and 2022 are all about drama, drama, drama. Bold colors. Dramatic decor. Big entertainment.

Beauty trends are following right along.

If you’re a bride heading down the aisle this fall, it’s time to finalize your beauty look. The final details on hair and makeup will be the crowning touch of your total wedding style.

We’ve gathered up the coolest beauty trends for weddings this fall for you to incorporate in your ultimate wedding look. Use the trends for your wedding day, or any of the parties and showers leading up to the ultimate event.

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Finding the right Austin wedding venue is an important early step in planning your wedding. You’ll want to review several wedding venues in advance, and choose two to five to visit in person.

If you’re looking for a great Texas Hill Country venue in an incredible setting, look no further than Texas Old Town.

We recently spoke with them to talk wedding trends, what makes Texas Old Town unique, and favorite travel spots!

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Autumn is upon us and though we may still be waiting for the air to get crisp and breezy, couples planning their 2022 weddings are shopping now for wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses and suits for him or her.

Your wedding is a reflection of who you are as individuals, and as a couple. And the styles you wear at the wedding, and events leading up to the reception, perfectly showcases who you are.

We went through all the current wedding fashion trends for 2021 and picked out the best bets for your fall wedding.

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There’s no doubt about it, Texans are proud of their home State. And couples in Texas, or those returning there for their wedding, love to show off what makes the Lone Star State special. 

Most likely your out of town guests are as fascinated by Texas as you are. And incorporating a bit of Texas into your wedding can connect them to local culture and make your wedding uniquely special for your guests.

No matter if you’re hosting your wedding at an elegant downtown ballroom or at a ranch in the Hill Country, there are so many different ways you can add a little, or a lot, of Texas into your wedding.

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The Bridal Extravaganza is coming September 12th at the Palmer Events Center!

There’s no other area wedding show that has more ways to save money on your wedding than the Bridal Extravaganza. We’ve listed all of our money-saving specials and tips on how to maximize your savings. Learn all the ways to save here!

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Lawn games are making a big appearance in weddings these days! From a few games during cocktail hour to a full-scale competition during the wedding reception. Check out our tips on how to incorporate lawn games into your wedding, and read about a few of our favorites.

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Fall is nearly here and that means wedding show season! If you’ve never been to a wedding show before, or you went to one but felt completely unprepared, we’ve got your inside information on how to get the most from your wedding show visit. So download your wedding planning app, grab those sneakers, and get planning!

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Wedding cakes are beautiful, classic and never go out of style. But if you’re looking for something new and unique for your wedding, consider one of these wedding cake alternatives. From new types of cakes to completely different dessert options, we have nine wedding cake alternatives for you to discover.

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Ok to be fair we’re not doing every character in Mean Girls. We’re sticking to the ladies (mostly) and as much as we’d like to imagine Trang Pak (most likely to make out with your Uncle) and Amber D’Alessio (keep her away from hot dogs) as bridesmaids, we’re calling out primary plastics and a few other favorites here.

Read on to see how we imagine the Mean Girls character will behave as chosen bridesmaids.

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Kick your bachelorette party up a notch by making it a destination experience!

Certain party destinations spots will first spring to mind. Vegas. Miami. Cancun. But we’ve got a list of bachelorette party destinations you need to add to your list. Read on to see the locations you didn’t think of, and exactly why you need to.

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We haven’t seen a wedding trend cake this popular or stylish since the naked wedding cake craze of 2016 and the cupcake rage of 2009.

Embroidered wedding cakes are being spotted at weddings large and small for the last year and we’re in love. These vibrant and festive wedding cakes are bringing an extra punch of style to weddings in South Texas and beyond.

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You know Vegas. You’ve done New Orleans. Miami seems…overrated. If you’re looking for the best bachelor party destinations, we’ve got ideas. 

For discerning bachelors, it’s time to think beyond the party-in-a-box, go-to bachelor destinations and trips. Check out our recommended locations and ideas to create your own epic guy’s weekend.

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July in Texas not only brought a heat wave but a wave of wedding events as well.

We have the rundown on the happenings from celebrations to gown sales to wedding venue open houses. When it comes to planning your wedding, these events make the journey all the more fun. Read about all the July activities and learn more about upcoming events.

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Your wedding planning will primarily revolve around your reception. Getting the perfect decor. Having amazing food. Hosting the ultimate party.

However, your wedding ceremony is truly the centerpiece of the day, and “The reason we all have gathered here…” 

Whether long or short, your wedding ceremony can be memorable and engaging for your guests participating in the day’s celebration.

With so many options to include in your wedding ceremony, you’ll have some decisions to make. Don’t wait too late in the process to design your perfect ceremony. And start by reading here on how to do it.

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For most couples, choosing your Austin wedding venue is the first step in planning your wedding. The venue sets the stage for the mood, scope and feel of your wedding. 

When couples are selecting their wedding venue, certain questions immediately come to mind. Size of the venue, location, ceremony options and catering needs. But don’t stop there! 

There are certain details in your wedding venue contract you need to make sure you understand. These details can impact your ease of planning, stress levels and even if your chosen venue can be sold out from underneath you! Read on to learn what you need to know.

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Your wedding party helps with the details, gives you support, and overall makes your wedding planning process just that more enjoyable. The fun parties, the trips, the matching robes – you want it all. And you want it with the right people.

Deciding on who you should invite to be in the wedding party isn’t rocket science. Still, you need to take your time and consider the overall dynamics.

So before you start planning your adorable bridesmaid invitation gifts…read on for information on all you need to consider.

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Planning your summer wedding in Texas means taking into consideration the heat. And many Texas couples still love hosting their ceremonies and receptions outdoors. 

We’ve gathered up the bridal beauty trends for 2021 and picked out the best looks for summertime weddings in Texas.

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The heat is up and as summer sizzles, couples getting married in summer 2022 are thinking through their options. And we gathered up the latest trends and the the looks from Fashion Week 2021 to break down the best looks for your summer wedding.

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You’ve begun to envision your perfect wedding, and finally narrowed down your wedding venue choices. Both look the part and have great amenities. The primary difference? One wedding venue has their own catering, the other venue uses outside catering.

We have five things to consider when deciding between off premise and on premise catering.

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In the parade of decisions that need to be made surrounding your wedding, planning hotel accommodations can often cause unexpected stress.

For most couples, this is the first time they’ve worked with a hotel to coordinate a large group of guests. The contractual details and terms may be confusing, or you may have incorrect assumptions on how the process works.

Your wedding coordinator may or may not handle the coordination of overnight accommodations. If not, you’ll need to chart those waters yourself. 

And we’ve got all the details on what you need to know, and what questions to be sure to ask.

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It’s the night of your wedding reception. All the plans have finally come together. The execution, flawless. The food and drinks have been consumed. The dance floor is winding down.

It’s time to make your exit.

This is your last look for your wedding. The final shot to wrap up the night.

What’s it going to be?

From bubbles to sparklers to saber archways, your options range from the traditional to the unexpected. We’ve got a few ideas to ensure your final departure is memorable and photo-ready.

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Planning a wedding reception? Kick it up a notch with a wedding weekend filled with excursions, fantastic food and plenty of time to kick back. In our last installment of alternative wedding receptions, we bring you the wedding weekend.

Wedding weekends can take your nuptials to the next level. Instead of memorializing the “big day,” a weekend affair gives you multiple opportunities to have fun, make memories and celebrate. And did we mention all the outfits?

There are additional logistics and considerations when planning a three day affair. But don’t worry, we have the lowdown on how to make this type of wedding a success.

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The ultimate jump-start on your wedding planning? The Bridal Extravaganza of course. Couples from all over Austin joined us for a day of fashion, sweet cake samples, savory catering, pumping DJ’s and so much more. The Bridal Extravaganza is the largest Bridal Show in Austin and helps couples from all over the area in planning their wedding. Missed the fun? Check out the recap here and plan to join us at the next show, September 12th.
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If you head to Tik Tok for wedding ideas and advice (or follow Buzzfeed, the Today Show, Insider, etc) you’ve likely seen the epic and now viral video of San Antonio bride Lisa Torres. In the video she shows off the letter she included in her bridesmaid proposal box detailing out her expectations and potential costs, right down to the mandatory bachelorette trip to a resort in Mexico.

The comments on the video range from applause to ridicule, with some commentators being shocked that bridesmaids should have to pay for anything themselves.

However, if you’ve ever been a bridesmaid before being a bride you know the costs and time commitments can get hefty. We’re here to give you the rundown on what Lisa got right, and how to set your own expectations for your bridesmaids and still be friends by your wedding day.

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This month we’re talking about alternative types of wedding receptions, and a wedding cocktail party reception is next on our list. Think late-night-after-party-rooftop party, where the drinks are flowing, the music is on point and you and your guests dance the night away. Thinking of a pre-dinner cocktail affair? We’ve got tips on that too. Keep reading to hear how to pull off a successful wedding reception, cocktail party style.

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When it comes to Texas, rustic Hill Country weddings will always be a unique experience for you and your guests. Taking the best of Texas’s beautiful landscape and ambiance and adding charming venue options, these wedding venues are ideal for that classic Texas wedding feel.

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Your eyesight may not be the first thing you think of when preparing for your wedding day, but for many couples this may be the perfect opportunity to invest in your health and beauty. Westlake Eye Specialists not only provides LASIK surgery among other types of surgery, but Lid Rejuvenation and Botox, helping you look your best for the day. We sat down with them to learn a little bit more about their business.

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Brunch – it’s not just for bridal showers anymore!

As Saturday nights are booking up for both short-term and long-term dates, couples are looking at alternative options for their wedding reception. Brunch weddings make for an excellent alternative. It’s inherently festive, and can bring garden-party vibes to your wedding reception. Your brunch wedding reception can be elegant and sophisticated, or relaxed and cheerful. We have all the details on how to make a brunch wedding reception flawless.

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Finding the right wedding minister can sometimes be an afterthought in the midst of your wedding planning. But one sit down with Nancy with I Pronounce You and you’ll know you’re in the right place. Read on to find out Nancy’s favorite new wedding trend (it’s hilarious!), how her company is different and all the services I Pronounce You provides.

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The Texas Wedding Guide is the only local wedding magazine that covers Austin, San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country and we recently released the latest issue! Our 2021 issue is choked-full of wedding know-how, inspiration and loads of wedding professionals to get to know. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Wedding Guide and start planning. Read on to see some of the magazine highlights.
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We love to get to know the people behind the wedding professionals! This week we had the opportunity to sit down with Dale from Chapelle de Mouton, one of the Hill Country’s beautiful wedding venues. This Mediterranean-styled Hill Country wedding venue is a truly unique location for your wedding. Read on to see the pics, learn more, and get to know some fun facts.

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Ready to get wedding planning? Head to the biggest and best bridal show in Austin – the Bridal Extravaganza! The show is the perfect place to meet wedding professionals, get inspiration and win big with Cash for Contracts, prizes and more. So join us June 6th from Noon – 5PM at the Palmer Events Center.

No tickets yet? Avoid the line and purchase in advance with our online ticket portal.

Keep reading for more information and our best tips!

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Looking for that true Texas atmosphere at your wedding?  We are taking a venue tour this week of the area’s Ranches & Resorts. We have the run down to get you started on your wedding venue search.

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Once your wedding date is announced and planning begins in earnest, you’ll frequently get asked one question many times – What are your wedding colors? 

The question may be common, but can elicit stressful feelings. Your overall wedding design hinges on choosing the perfect color scheme. 

But don’t stress. We have your step-by-step guide on how to choose your wedding colors.

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Wedding planning got you overwhelmed? Take a break and bust out the margaritas! It’s Cinco de Mayo and we have your last-minute party recipes and ideas to create a fun evening where wedding plans are NOT allowed to be discussed.

So grab your fiance for a date night, or your bridesmaids for a break and enjoy the festivities. We have three mini-party ideas to make it a memorable night.

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Love the Hill Country views but looking for a bit of elegance? This week we’re bringing you Hill Country wedding views that are each unique in their own way. From modern, architectural design to Italian elegance, read more to find your perfect wedding venue.

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Saturday night wedding? Perhaps not. With so many weddings rescheduled, Saturday evenings are becoming crowded. Whether your preferred venue is not available, or you’re just ready to do something original, we’re bringing you a new series on alternative wedding receptions. You get all the fabulousness of a great event, without the well-worn ceremony/dinner/dancing/cake reception scenario.

Ready to rethink your wedding reception? This week we’re starting with a High Tea Wedding.

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The money you spend on your wedding catering is often one of the largest investments you’ll make in creating your event. And even though your guest list may have shrank, that doesn’t mean your wedding should have any less flair. 

Weddings are trending formal and fancy, with a post-pandemic lust for glamour. Add some style and glam through your catering professional. Here’s how!

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Looking for a free, essentials one-stop phone app to plan and organize your wedding? We got you. The Texas Wedding Guide app is loaded with features and syncs seamlessly to TexasWeddings.com and your Wedding Portal, letting you access your dashboard any place, any time, on any device. 

Here’s a few of the many features of the wedding planning app.
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Finalizing the guest is a wedding planning task that simply can’t be ignored. With many guest lists still being trimmed and eyes always on the budget, the ideal guest list is important. Wondering how to choose your guest list? We have all the essentials here.

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If you’re a couple who love romantic vibes and historic ambiance, a mansion or manor house may be the ideal location for your wedding. Roaming gardens, vintage furniture and throw back to elegance vibe all make these venues the perfect choice. 

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No final bridal look is complete without deciding on your make-up and hair options. From romantic to sleek, your choices are wide but there’s only one final look that will be perfect for you. We’ve rounded up the latest trends to get you started.

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