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Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @villa_antonia Photography: @lyndsay_photography Catering/Bar: @austincatering Cake: @michellespatisserie Florist: @bellesoulflorals DJ: @hyperhythm Hair/MUA: @urbanbettysalon Rentals: @premiereeventstx Late Night Snack: @dominos Transportation: @ lux.limo .atx | @atxclassiccars

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @villa_antonia Photography: @alyssajaraephotography Florist: @nativebloomfloral DJ: @dartcollective Catering/Bar: @austincatering Hair/MUA: @divineweddingsatx Rentals: @premiereeventstx | @tablemannerstx | @beelavishvintage Dance Floor: @mikesdancefloorrentals Transportation: @aroundaustin Getaway Vehicle: @atxclassiccars Cold Sparks: @sparksandco_ Marquee Letters: @alphalitaustin

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @villa_antonia Photography/Videography: @annahailephoto Florist: @goldendreamsflorals DJ: @dj.farjad Catering: @sterlingeventsaustin Cake: @michellespatisserie Hair/MUA: @hairxmua_bynatalie Rentals: @premiereeventstx

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair |@eventsbymal Venue: @theaddisongrove Photography: @mainsqueezephotography Florist: @nativebloomfloral DJ/Band: @thepremieraustindjs Catering: @vestalscatering Hair/MUA: @bonitabrides Rentals: @premiereeventstx

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @prospecthousetx Photography: @bhuvanadhineshphotography Florist: @monarchfloralsatx DJ: @djtej Mariachi: @relampagomariachi Catering: @nagas_chettinad Cake: @whiskandtwirl Mangonada: @dulceandsaltyco Hair/MUA: @lolabeautyatx Rentals: @monarcheventatx Staffing: @stallwortheventservices Content Creator: @contentbyclarice Bride: @chips_n_celsa

Weddings are beautiful, emotional, and joy-filled celebrations—but they’re also a whirlwind. After months (sometimes years) of planning, your big day finally arrives, and it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, constantly moving from one moment to the next. One of the most common regrets we hear from newlyweds? “We never actually sat down to eat.” That’s why we always recommend scheduling a private dinner with your fiancé during the wedding reception—just the two of you. It may sound simple, but carving out this small window of intentional time offers major benefits you’ll be grateful for long after the last song plays. 1. You Actually Get to Eat It sounds obvious, but many couples end up nibbling at best during their reception. Between greeting guests, coordinating photos, and hitting the dance floor, food often becomes an afterthought. A private dinner ensures you both have a moment to sit down, breathe, and enjoy the delicious meal you carefully selected. You spent time tasting the menu and choosing your favorite dishes—don’t miss out on experiencing them! 2. It Grounds You in the Moment Your wedding day is one of the fastest days of your life. A private dinner lets you step out of the spotlight, reconnect, and reflect on the fact that you just got married . It’s a meaningful pause—a moment of quiet gratitude in the middle of the celebration. Imagine clinking glasses together and saying, “We did it,” without distractions or interruptions. That memory will stay with you forever. 3. It’s a Built-In Buffer for the Reception Flow Logistically, this quiet time serves an important purpose. While your guests begin their meals, you and your partner are tucked away, sharing yours in peace. Then, once you’ve eaten, you’ll be full, refreshed, and free to walk the room and greet guests without trying to multitask between bites and conversations. This flow feels natural, relaxed, and allows you to actually connect with your people—rather than feeling like you’re sprinting table to table. 4. You Get a Moment Just for You The entire day is about the two of you, yet you’ll spend most of it surrounded by everyone else. This private dinner becomes a rare moment to be alone together as newlyweds. You can talk, laugh, take it all in, and enjoy a few minutes that are just yours. After all, these are the kinds of memories that make the day feel real. Pro Tip: Ask your planner to set up a small sweetheart table in a quiet room or tucked-away corner. Make sure your catering team brings your plated meals as soon as guests begin dining. You can even have champagne or a signature cocktail waiting. Keep it simple, cozy, and special. Your wedding day goes by in a blur—but taking a private dinner together slows it down in all the right ways. It’s a small decision that makes a big impact—and one we promise you won’t regret! Featured Wedding Vendor Team: Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @theaddisongrove Photography: @annafletcherphoto Videography: @photohousefilms Florist: @nativebloomfloral DJ/Band: @drywaterband Catering: @laperaaustin Hair/MUA: @stylesbyvero Rentals: @premiereeventstx Transportation: @flyridesatx

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons of your life—but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. If you're wondering who brings what, what you're actually paying for, or why your catering quote looks like half your budget, you're not alone. Let’s break it all down, vendor by vendor, so you know exactly what to expect—and what to plan for. Don't forget to cross check our blog about the average wedding Austin wedding vendor cost, which also includes recommended gratuity! Photography by Hyde Park Photography 1. Venue: What’s Usually Included Most venues include tables and chairs as part of your rental, which helps eliminate a big rental cost. That said, every venue is different, and some may have limited inventory or require you to rent specialty items elsewhere. Other common venue considerations: Some require use of in-house catering and bar services (which can be convenient, but may limit outside vendor choices) Set-up and tear-down of tables/chairs may or may not be included—always clarify or check your contract! Hotels provide A LOT so check your contract to see what they allowed as far as outside vendors coming in (cake, desserts, specialty foods, etc.) Photography: Anna Haile | Venue: Villa Antonia 2. Florist: More Than Just Flowers Your florist often supplies more than bouquets and centerpieces. Typically included: Candles for tables (votives, pillar candles, etc.) Small bud vases or accent arrangements Floral arches or aisle markers for ceremonies 💡 Pro tip: Always ask if they include candle holders and if they'll light the candles, or if that's something that is your planner or caterer's responsibility. Photography: Maura Jane Photography | Venue: Inn & Spa at the Loretto; Santa Fe, NM 3. Catering: 40% of Your Budget—Here’s Why Catering is more than food—it's the full dining and drink experience. That’s why it often takes up around 40% of your wedding budget . Here’s what’s usually wrapped into that price: Menu creation, food prep, staffing (servers, bussers, chefs) Bar service (bartenders, mixers, ice) Rental coordination : Many caterers manage ordering these essentials: Plates, flatware, glassware Linens and napkins Service trays, beverage tubs Stages, dance floors, additional lighting + drapery, oh my! 4. Rental Companies: What You May Need If your venue or caterer doesn’t provide it, you may need to rent: Extra tables, chairs, cocktail tables Linens, napkins, chargers Lounge furniture or ceremony arches Tents, heaters, lighting Dance floors or stages Some couples also rent specialty flatware or colored glassware for that Pinterest-perfect look. 5. Cake Baker: It’s Not Just the Cake Your cake baker brings the dessert—but not always the stand! In most cases: Cake stands must be rented separately, either from the baker or a rental company Delivery and setup may be an extra fee Specialty décor like florals or toppers need to be coordinated with your florist or planner 🎂 Don’t assume anything—if you have a vision for your cake display, clarify what’s included and what you’ll need to supply. Don't forget to add on some spare blooms from your florist or bring your own cake topper! Photography: Brooke Couch | Cake: Austin Catering 6. DJ: Sound Setup + Vibes Most DJs are a one-stop shop for music and announcements. Typically, they provide: Speaker setups for ceremony and reception Wireless microphones (for vows and speeches) Playlist creation and on-the-fly music control Dance floor lighting (if included in their package) 🔈 Just be sure to ask if they’ll cover the cocktail hour if it's in a separate area—some DJs may only have enough equipment to set up two different areas; indoors and outdoors. 7. Band: Live Energy + Emcee Duties A band brings the party, but the logistics can get a little more complex. Bands generally: Perform during the reception Act as emcees for key moments (like toasts or introductions) However, they often charge extra if you want: A smaller group or instrumentalist for the ceremony Additional speaker setups for multiple spaces (ceremony + cocktail hour) 8. Bar Service: What to Know If your venue doesn’t offer in-house bar service, you’ll need to bring in: A licensed bartending team (most of the time an independent company or provided through your catering team) Alcohol (Ask if it's sourced by your food/beverage team or if you are expected to bring it in, and if you bring it in just know that a lot of the liquor stores will work with you and your menu to help you with your selections and have a reasonable buy-back policy!) Mixers, ice, garnishes, bar tools Coolers or portable bar setups (sometimes via rental company) If you're doing BYOB, make sure you check the venue’s alcohol policy and whether liability insurance is required. In Texas, all alcohol must be served by a licensed bartender. 9. Photographers & Videographers: Capturing It All Photographers come self-contained—they just need a timeline, shot list, and lighting awareness. They do not bring lighting for the ceremony or reception unless they specialize in studio-style setups. Videographers usually bring a full camera/audio setup, and most will place a lapel (lav) microphone on the groom or officiant to capture your vows clearly. Some use discreet boom mics or plug into the DJ's soundboard for cleaner audio. Always ask what their audio plan is—clear sound is half the magic in a wedding video. 10. Hair & Makeup Artists: Beauty Team Logistics Your glam squad needs: A well-lit room (preferably with natural light) Access to power outlets A clean table or counter space A getting-ready timeline to stay on schedule Make sure your venue or hotel suite is equipped with what they need, especially if you're having a larger bridal party. Photography by Camera Shi Final Thoughts: Clarity Is Everything Every wedding vendor brings something unique to your day—but the key is knowing what’s included and what’s not. When in doubt, ask! Never assume a vendor will bring something unless it’s in your contract. Working with a planner can make this much easier, as they’ll oversee vendor logistics, rental needs, and timeline coordination. The clearer your expectations are upfront, the smoother your wedding planning will be—and the better your day will run. Need help pulling it all together? Our team at Ashley Nicole Affair specializes in organizing all these moving pieces so you can actually enjoy the planning process and your wedding day. Let’s make your vision effortless.

Full Service Planning/Design: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @villa_antonia Photography: @hydeparkphoto Videography: @thatsamorefilms Florist: @fleuraffairco | @threemoonempress DJ/Band: @exodussoundco Catering/Cake: @austincatering Hair/MUA: @adoremakeupsalon Rentals: @premiereeventstx Cold Sparks: @thepremieraustindjs Glam Booth: @ashleynicoleaffair Bride: @emily_halal6 Groom: @willvanhoozer

f you're a pet parent, you already know — your furry friends are part of your family. So when it comes to planning one of the most important days of your life, why not include them in your celebration? Whether your venue isn’t pet-friendly, your pup gets nervous around crowds, or your cat simply prefers lounging at home, you still  have options for including your fur babies in your big day. At Ashley Nicole Affair, we’ve seen it all — from pets walking down the aisle to adorable cardboard cutouts that party right alongside the guests. Here are some of our favorite ways to honor your pets at your wedding! 🐾  Walk Them Down the Aisle If your venue allows pets and your furry companion is comfortable around people, having them be part of your ceremony is a beautiful and heartfelt gesture. They can: Walk down the aisle with a flower collar or cute tuxedo Be the “ring bearer” or “flower pup” Sit up front with your family members and witness your vows We’ve even coordinated “first looks” with pets, and the photos? Absolutely unforgettable. 🐶  Cardboard Cutouts for the Reception If your pet can’t physically be at the wedding — no problem! Life-size cardboard cutouts of your dog, cat (or even hedgehog — yes, we’ve done that!) can make a playful and personal appearance at your reception. You can place them: On the dance floor so it feels like they’re celebrating with you Near the bar with a custom “signature cocktail” sign named after them By the photo booth so guests can snap selfies with your fur baby Trust us — your guests will LOVE it, and it makes for such fun conversation starters. 🐾  Incorporate Them Into Your Decor & Details There are so many sweet ways to feature your pet throughout the wedding experience: Custom cocktail napkins or drink stirrers with their face or name Signature drinks named after them (“The Barkarita” or “Whisker Sour,” anyone?) Wedding favors with pet-themed packaging A custom cake topper that includes your pets Guest welcome signs that say “Welcome to our paw-ty!” 🐕  Hire a Pet Attendant Yes — this is a real thing! There are professional services that will bring your pet to your wedding, handle them throughout the day, and make sure they’re safe, calm, and photo-ready. That way, you get all the joy of having them there without worrying about logistics. Final Thoughts At Ashley Nicole Affair, we believe weddings should reflect your full love story — and that includes your pets. Whether they’re wagging their tail down the aisle or popping up as a cardboard cutout on the dance floor, there’s a way to include them that fits your style, your venue, and your pet’s personality. Need help bringing your pet-inclusive vision to life? Let’s plan it together.🐾💍 — Blog by Ashley Nicole Affair – Austin, TX & Destination Wedding Planners Follow us on Instagram @ashleynicoleaffair  for more ideas and behind-the-scenes cuteness!

Featuring Lauren & Noah’s Wedding at The Prospect House There are few moments at a wedding reception as electrifying and joyful as the hora . It’s that perfect mix of tradition, music, movement, and wild celebration—and at Lauren and Noah’s wedding at the beautiful Prospect House, it was unforgettable. As the band struck the first few energetic chords of “Hava Nagila,” the atmosphere shifted. Guests of all ages circled up, hands linked, ready to dance. Within moments, Lauren and Noah were lifted high above the dance floor on chairs, laughing and gripping tight (with a healthy dose of nervous excitement!), while the crowd swirled in a joyful frenzy below. Why the Hora Matters The hora  is more than just a high-energy dance. It’s a deeply rooted Jewish wedding tradition symbolizing community, unity, and celebration. The circling motion reflects the support and collective joy of the couple’s loved ones—it's a literal and metaphorical lifting up of the newlyweds by their community. For many couples like Lauren and Noah, incorporating the hora  is a beautiful nod to heritage and a way to honor family traditions. It brings generations together—grandparents, college friends, siblings, and little cousins—all partaking in a shared cultural moment that transcends words. A Moment Everyone Remembers Lauren’s radiant smile and Noah’s mix of exhilaration and disbelief as he balanced in his chair were some of our favorite captured moments from the night. Scroll through the gallery, and you’ll see the kind of joy that can’t be staged—pure, contagious, and unforgettable. At Ashley Nicole Affair, we love when couples embrace traditions that reflect their story. Whether it's the hora , a tea ceremony, or a dance from your family’s roots, weaving in cultural moments adds meaning and magic to your day. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like watching the bride and groom fly high while the crowd below cheers them on. Planning Your Hora Moment Thinking of including the hora  in your own wedding? Here are a few quick tips: Tell your planner and band or DJ in advance  so the timing and music transition feels seamless. Make sure your chairs are sturdy (and grippable!) —we've got chair backs and strong arms covered. Encourage participation —this is the time for everyone to jump in, no rhythm required! Lauren and Noah’s wedding reminded us how timeless traditions create timeless memories. The Prospect House was the perfect backdrop for a night full of love, laughter, and lots of lifting. Ready to plan your own meaningful wedding moment? Let’s chat—we’re here for the modern couples who love a good tradition. Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @prospecthousetx Photography: @tandvphotos Videography: @newroadproductions Florist: @nativebloomfloral DJ/Band: @emeraldcityband Catering: @sohocateringandconsulting Cake: @michellespatisserie Hair/MUA: @luxbeautyandbridal Rentals: @quest_events Transportation: @elegantlimousine

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair | @eventsbymal Church: @saintmarycathedral Venue: @thelinehotel Photography/Videography: @jingalingphotography Florist: @fleuraffairco | @threemoonempress DJ/Band: @moontowerentertainment Cake: @michellespatisserie Hair/MUA: @katyreddellbeauty Rentals: @premiereeventstx Photo Booth: @ashleynicoleaffair Transportation: @texaseventshuttle

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair | @timeless_soiree Venue: @eventsatthearlo Photography: @taydanay Videography: @lonaweddings Florist: @wildpoppyflorist DJ/Band: @exodussoundco Catering/Bar: @peachedtortillacatering Cake: @susiecakesbakery Hair/MUA: @lolabeautyatx Rentals: @moontowerrentals | @quest_events | @premiereeventstx Lighting: @alphalitaustin Rentals | Photo Booth: @altared_weddings