It's the best and the worst; it's that bittersweet feeling that your night is over, the last song is coming to an end, and all of your guests are outside of your venue while your getaway car awaits. The night has ended, but that doesn't mean you need to dodge your drunk friends with four sparklers in each hand! We compiled a list of unique and unforgettable send-off items that your photographer won't want to miss capturing! Here's a way to get creative and step outside of the sparkler box!​ PHOTO BY ART & HEIRLOOM DRIED LAVENDER If you want to keep it natural and look for a whimsical feeling and beautiful smell with your exit, consider dried lavender or dried flowers. You can purchase pre-filled sachets, or buy the dried buds in bulk and allow your guests to scoop their own into whatever vessel you choose. These can be purchased on Etsy or Amazon starting at $20 for 18 pre-filled bags! RIBBON WANDS Playful, colorful, and a pretty simple exit item; ribbon wands are a great way to celebrate! You can customize the rods with your wedding date, hashtag, names, etc., and the ribbons can be the same color as your flowers! Add some wedding bells and make it chime! Pricing starts at $25 for 50 on Etsy & Amazon, or it could be a fun DIY project for the bridal party to do! But even better, here they are ON AMAZON! PHOTO BY CAITLIN ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY BUBBLES An accessible, crowd-pleasing exit item that’s great for all ages (and doesn’t require any clean-up afterward!) These personalized mini bottles can also double as party favors, so your guests can blow your night away! Customized bottles of bubbles start at $20 for 100 on Etsy & Amazon. They are cost-effective, and you can purchase a stationary bubble machine to place by the door you are exiting out of for extra bubbles in your photos!​ FOAM + GLOW STICKS If you're planning on having a dance party at your reception, bring on the glow sticks for your exit item (especially if the party bus is taking everyone to an after-party!) Glow sticks come in all sizes - necklaces, bracelets, glasses, foam sticks, you name it. Amazon offers a wide variety of options to end the night on a bright note, or Etsy has the option to personalize your items. WHITE BALLOONS Float away in style with white balloons - either with or without LED lights. These create a wow factor photo opportunity. Helium balloons start at $10 for 100 on Amazon or go with LED-lit balloons from Etsy for $18 for 50. Don’t forget the helium tank, or make it easy on yourself, and have a local party store fill these for you beforehand. PHOTOS BY MOODYOGRAPHY ROSE PETALS Plan ahead and ask your florist to leave some extra bags of petals before they go. As your guests exit the evening, they can grab a handful and throw them as you go! PAPER AIRPLANES Need an activity for your wedding party to do together? Creating fun-loving paper airplanes for your grand exit is one of the cutest & most playful items we’ve seen because let’s be honest, it’s been a few years since we’ve folded an airplane! It gives you another chance to personalize your wedding items and offer a variety of colors; don't forget to test them out so your guests can make sure they all send you off by flying high! WATER GUN FIGHT We've seen it all, and in Texas, IT IS HOT! Having a daytime wedding reception, like Shandee? Cool off with these awesome water guns and let your guests laugh their way out of the reception! PHOTOS BY BROOKE TAELOR CHEER POMS Everywhere we go, people want to know, who we are, so we tell them! Cheer poms are a cheerful exit item that’s quick and easy to buy, hand out, and let your guests start cheering for the newlyweds! Amazon prices start at $10 for 12 items, and there’s a variety of color options to choose from! FOG Add some fog to any of the exit items we are talking about to elevate your grand send off one more step that nobody will ever forget! FLAGS/PENNANTS An assortment of cheers, hooray & congratulations pennants are unique celebratory statements that your guests can wave around as you head to your happily ever after! They can also serve as a party favor, place setting, name card so you can get double the use out of them at your reception! Etsy prices start at $50 for 100 of them, or get creative with your bride tribe during your bachelorette party hangover! PHOTO BY KEIRA HAND BELLS + WHISTLES You may have had to pull out all the bells & whistles to plan your wedding these days, so it is just as appropriate to pass those out for your grand exit! A variety of silver or gold bells and colorful whistles are one way to let everyone know that you tied the knot! Ringing bells are also perfect for that enchanting winter wedding. Wedding bells start at $50 for 25, and whistles start at $15 for 35. If you want to tie on a ribbon to them and personalize it with your wedding date or hashtag, they make a great ornament as a wedding favor! LANTERNS Releasing sky lanterns is a unique and romantic way to end the night. Trust us, your photographer will want to savor the moment as all your guests look up in the sky and whisper well wishes for the new couple. 20 for $60 is what these magical floating lanterns will cost you, and they will be worth every dollar and every memory. ​SMOKE BOMBS Want to end your wedding with a bang? How about a real colored smoke bomb exit in which you two, hand in hand, dash off in a cloud of colorful smoke? Talk about a WOW factor and an exit everyone will talk about. Of course, you’ll want to double-check with your venue, as well as inform your planner and photographer of the plans beforehand. With a variety of colors to choose from, these start at 3 for $40, and they make the BEST photographs! These are perfect for an elopement! COLD SPARK FOUNTAINS Let your guests take the night off and hire a professional like Big Dog Pyro to take care of the exit! Cold spark fountains are a safe and surprisingly non-flammable option, but make sure you leave it up to the professionals and check with your venue before you drive off into the sparkling abyss! PHOTOS BY MOODYOGRAPHY

Venue/Bar/Catering: Mattie's | Wedding Planner: Ashley Nicole Affair | Photography: Britni Dean Photography | Florist: Earl Grey Floral | Hair/Makeup: Lola Beauty | DJ: Premier Entertainment - Brandon | Bridal Gown: Blush Bridal Lounge | Cake: Cakes ROCK!!!

One of the most asked questions we receive about planning a wedding is, "What is considered the average cost for a wedding in Austin?" We wish we could give you a straight answer, but it varies quite a bit since every wedding is a custom event. Some people might want to splurge, while others want to cut costs. The cost of a wedding can change drastically based on different factors. The guest count, the day, the place, the vendors, are all examples of factors that can make quite the difference. It's your big day and your budget, so we polled all the most successful vendors in the Austin wedding industry to compile the averages for you. To help you decide how to spend your money, we have included explanations behind each price to illustrate how much behind-the-scenes work is actually put into the creation of a beautiful wedding. If you were to have a fully staffed wedding, with every possible vendor, your Austin wedding could cost you close to $45K, and here's why. BAND ​AVERAGE COST: $7,500 FOR A 8-10 PERSON BAND Highly talented musicians and their team provide music for your special day, but some people might not know what all goes into running a professional band. Factors you might not consider include insurance, gas, tour bus or trailer storage and upkeep, marketing and advertising, website management, promotional photoshoots, performance videos, and more. CAKE ​AVERAGE COST: $1,500 OR STARTING AT $7 PER PERSON Bakers must plan, shop, prep, bake, design, decorate, deliver, set up, and clean up. When it comes to running their business, they must perform administrative duties like communication, emailing, overseeing contracts, bookkeeping, managing inventory, etc. CATERING ​AVERAGE COST: $75-100 PER PERSON FOR FULL-SERVICE CATERING ​ Catering sales managers and the talented culinary team spend a lot of time researching, strategizing, cooking, tasting, selecting ingredients, and writing menus. Besides making the food, they must transport plates, utensils, serving utensils, serving trays, linens, heaters, platters, hot boxes, glassware, coolers, ice, trash cans, and more. Hiring a trustworthy team of professionals will also alleviate the burden of having your closest friends and family setting up and taking down tables and chairs. DAY OF PLANNING + COORDINATION AVERAGE COST: $1,900-$3,000 A planner spends countless hours answering emails, taking and making phone calls, conducting meetings, site visits, tastings, connecting with your vendors, putting together paperwork, navigating timelines, floor plans, and acting as a liaison between your family, friends, and guests. They will coordinate your rehearsal, assist the officiant with their speech, bustle your dress, plate up your dinner, keep you on your timeline, conduct your grand exit, pack up your belongings, and ensure your gifts make it home safely. DESSERTS ​AVERAGE COST: $5 PER PERSON, OR PER PIECE Making individual gourmet desserts takes a whole lot of time and labor that is put into meticulously decorating your wedding cookies. Whether or not you want to choose between a dessert station, just a cake, or both is definitely something to think about. DJ ​AVERAGE COST: $1,500 ​ DJ's are the emcee at your reception, they set the mood for every special moment, they get people up on the dance floor, and keep the crowd entertained. They also set up, test, and tear down their equipment while maintaining a level of professionalism that allows you to ease your mind so you can actually enjoy your reception. DJ’s invest several hours into the months, weeks, and days leading up to your wedding, customizing playlists to your requests and creating fun mixes. FLORALS ​AVERAGE COST: $5,000 Florists spend hours designing looks, ordering flowers, processing flowers, assembling arrangements, transporting arrangements, and setting up and breaking down at each wedding. They make your vision a reality by creating the recipe for your dream design, calling wholesalers to check the availability of the flowers you are hoping for, and sourcing and securing additional decor. There are also various supplies and to-do’s needed that add to the business costs, which can include vases, refrigeration, advertising, marketing, responding to inquiries, and setting up design appointments. HAIR & MAKEUP ​AVERAGE COST: $250 FOR BRIDE, $175 FOR BRIDESMAID/MOTHER A professional makeup kit is around $3,000, and a hair kit is $1,000, and the costs don’t stop there. There are expenses like insurance, gas, travel, licensing, continued education, general business expenses, etc. Hours are spent blending the perfect colors, styling, applying lashes, clip-in hair extensions, veils, headpieces, all to create that picture-perfect wedding look for the bride and bridal party. ICE SCULPTURES ​AVERAGE COST: $500 There are a wide range of ice sculpture designs to choose from, including personalization and monograms. Not only are the sculpture artists dealing with and designing the ice, they are masters of their display equipment, packaging supplies, delivery, and setup. The ice must be set up and displayed in such a way that it lasts the entirety of your reception. ​ LIVE MUSICIANS ​AVERAGE COST: $1,000 FOR 2 HOURS INCLUDING CEREMONY AND/OR COCKTAIL HOUR Whether it be for the ceremony, cocktail hour, or both, live musicians know how to set a mood. They have equipment considered the best of the best, take time to travel, time to set up, time to tear tear down, and put a lot of time and effort into honing their skill and personalizing the songs that are most important to the couple. ​ OFFICIANTS ​AVERAGE COST: $500 Besides time spent doing administrative tasks, officiants spend hours investing entirely into the couple. They learn about the couple, their story, their love, dreams of the future, traditions, vows, and any other extra customs specific to their ceremony. Officiants typically participate in the ceremony rehearsal the day before the wedding and act as the ringleader on the actual wedding day. PHOTOGRAPHER ​AVERAGE COST: $5,000 FOR 8 HOURS Photographers are tasked with taking photos of every special moment during your wedding day. Not only do they have to purchase the newest gear and editing software, but after the wedding is over, they still have to edit every single picture. It can often take a photographer over 40 hours to edit the photos from your wedding. PHOTO BOOTH ​AVERAGE COST: $1,000 A photo booth is a place where guests come together to create fun and lasting memories. There is a lot of high-end equipment that has to be purchased, taken care of, transported to and from reception venues, and let’s not forget the backup equipment just in case an accident strikes. They also can either set up your customized background in real life or as a backdrop on the camera. VENUE AVERAGE COST: $7,500 FOR A PRIME SATURDAY EVENING To run a venue, there are property taxes, rent, utilities, internet, landscaping, maintenance, insurance premiums, and administrative duties which must be paid regardless of if there are weddings or events booked. When there are events, there are additional costs such as venue cleaning, staff to set up and tear down tables, chairs, linens, and an on-site venue manager for the duration of the wedding. VIDEOGRAPHY ​AVERAGE COST: $4,000 Some costs a videographer has is insurance, music licensing, gear, computer systems, payment processors, software updates, data storage, travel costs, editing assistants, web designers, graphic designers, and shipping and packaging. There are also many hours spent after creating the film where videographers add the perfect soundtrack. Gear, cameras, tripods, lights, audio gear, microphones, audio recorders, even a drone are items your videographer has purchased to make your wedding video so magical. WITH MUCH LOVE, ​A PART OF YOUR LOCAL WEDDING COMMUNITY Vendor Credits: 2Tarts Bakery | Andie + Carrie Photography | Ashley Nicole Affair | Bambu Entertainment DJ | Carhart Photography | Christie Turner Floral Design | Film and Frame | Foxglove and Grace | Full Spectrum Ice | Huckleberry Wedding Films | Lone Star Oaks | Lyndsay Lyon Photography | Oh Happy Day Booth | PhotoHouse Films | Plush Party Band | Simply Delicious Custom Cakes | The Pictures Band | Two Souls Desire Featured Photographers: Captivating Weddings | Dani Quiroz Photography | Moodyography | Neva Michelle | The Crakes

​Photography: Moodyography | Venue, Catering + Bar: Hotel Ella | Planning + Rentals: Ashley Nicole Affair | Florals: Romantic Florals | Baker/Cake: Abby Jane Bakes | Hair & Makeup: Brittany Bell Makeup & Beauty by Faith

Venue: Hotel Ella | Wedding Planner: Ashley Nicole Affair | Photographer: Holly Marie Photography | Videographer: PhotoHouse Films | Musicians: Live Oak Trio | DJ: Austin's Best DJs | Faux Florals: Ashley Nicole Affair | Cake: Cakes ROCK!!!

Venue/Catering: Vintage Villas | Planner: Ashley Nicole Affair | DJ: Spotlight Entertainment | Mariachi: Los Gallos | Cake/Desserts: Guiltless Goodies by Sylvia | Hair/MUA: Lux Beauty and Bridal | Florist: Wild Poppy | Photography: Britni Dean Photography | Videography: Cloud Craft Studios | Photo Booth: VIP Entertainment

​Wedding planning comes with an extensive checklist of things to do and one of the most daunting tasks of them all is to get that marriage license! Yes, it’s a simple piece of paperwork, but it’s the single most important document that legally states your marriage and in order for your marriage to be considered in Texas, you’ll need to obtain a license. Timing is important here, and there’s a few things you need to know, and you’ll need to bring in order to acquire. Not sure where to start? Here’s what you need to know before you go, and then it’s one more item you can check off your to-do list! MARRIAGE LAW + REQUIREMENTS IN TEXAS A marriage license can be obtained in any county in Texas and is issued by the County Clerk. Even if you get it from a different county than where your ceremony is, it still valid. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a certified copy of their birth certificate. The 72 hour waiting period: You must wait 72 hours after obtaining the marriage license, unless you are active duty military or employed by the US Department of Defense, have a waiver from the district judge, or possess a certification that you have completed a pre-marital counseling course. Texas marriage license fee varies by county and is required at time of application; most are now requiring cash only. It is only valid for 89 days from the date of issue and must be returned before the 90th day. Residency and blood tests are not required. WHEN + WHERE TO GO Once you have your wedding date set, research your county’s waiting period and expiration window for marriage licenses.. In an ideal world, you would want to file for your marriage license as soon as possible, but you don’t want to get it too early in which it expires before your wedding. Head to your county clerk at least 72 hours before your ceremony, but no more than 90 days beforehand. Say your wedding is April 1st, you have to get it before the 29th of March, but no sooner than January 1. Texas marriage licenses expire if the ceremony isn’t performed within 90 days of obtaining them. Check with your nearest county clerk’s office to verify their hours of operation before you go, and ask to see if there are certain times and days of the week that are better in regard to wait times or appointments. When it’s your turn, you’ll appear before the clerk, answer a few brief questions and you are right on your way to the altar. WHAT DO I BRING? Before you jump in the car and head to your local county clerk, keep in mind that the following information is required. Both parties must appear in person. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age. Both parties must submit proof of identity and age. Both parties must know their Social Security number; they do not have to bring their social security card. Both parties must know the city, county, and state where you were born. Valid Form of ID: You and your fiance will need to each bring in your driver’s license, state ID card, passport, certificate copy of birth certificate with valid photo ID, visa, or military ID. Payment: Marriage license fees can vary by counties in Texas, but typically the cost is between $70 & $90 and it’s a good idea to bring cash with you. If you or your fiance are not Texas residents, you’ll want to bring an additional $100. It may be a good decision to check with your nearest county clerk office to verify fees and forms of payment accepted prior to going in. Here is a fun fact! If you and your fiance have completed a pre-marital counseling/education course that meets the Twogether in Texas requirements, bring in your completion certificate for a discount off your marriage license fee (sometimes as much as $60 off!) and you don't have abide by the 72 hour waiting period. IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW, NOW YOU KNOW. There’s a few things to keep in mind when researching and applying for your Texas marriage license. The location of your wedding does not matter - Texas residents can get a marriage license from any county in the state. If you are getting married in a different state or having a destination wedding, you’ll want to reach out to that particular state/country to see what their wedding requirements are. Much to most couple’s surprise, you do not need to bring a witness to obtain a marriage license and in the great state of Texas, you are not required to have a witness at your ceremony! The witness signature is optional, so you may send your Maid of Honor or Best Man to the bar instead. You do not have to be a resident of Texas. You are not required to have a blood test or medical examinations. You can’t marry your cousin. The state of Texas requires a 30-day waiting period if either applicant has been recently divorced. Getting a marriage license with your new name on it doesn’t mean that your name has automatically been changed. You can check out the online marriage name change kit to start the process! (​Pop the Champagne - I'm Changing My Last Name!) Once you receive your marriage license, it’s a wise decision to give it to your officiant for safekeeping until your big day. After your ceremony, allow your officiant to also take it with them and give them the responsibility of sending it in. Marriage license requirements are always subject to change, so as you get closer to your wedding date it is always best to double-check with your County Clerk’s office to verify information, documents and fees needed to obtain your license. WHY GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE? Most are determined to make it official - you have found your person, you have decided to have the wedding of your dreams to showcase your love and want that piece of paper that proves that you are married. You can have a wedding, and you can say your vows, but without a marriage license, you are not legally married. Besides the obvious fact that you want to be married to the love of your life, there are benefits to having a legal union that’s recognized by the state and by the government. Couples need to be legally married to have the option to receive tax breaks when filing jointly, share health care policies, pool insurance policies and to set each other up as beneficiaries for federal benefits. I DO! BUT THEN WHAT DO I DO? You must have a licensed or an ordained friend, family member, minister, priest, rabbi, judge or justice of the peace perform your ceremony. They’ll need to meet the requirements just as much as you and your fiance do for the marriage license. Additional wedding witnesses aren’t required in Texas. Whoever performs your ceremony needs to sign and date your license after the ceremony and they’ll return the original copy to the county clerk’s office from where it was issued, but no more than 30 days after the wedding. After it’s officially recorded, you’ll receive your license back within 1-4 weeks. ...And then it's official! Congrats! You did it!

When it comes to weddings, saying "I do" should be easy; it's finding the right venue that will be the hard part. There are so many venues out there, and finding the right one for your big day can come with a lot of picture searching, time researching, and constant back and forth questions with the venue team. So we've narrowed down the top questions to ask your potential venues - to make your search less stressful, more enjoyable, and overall successful.​ RESEARCH You can search for venues by location, budget, service type, and style. After your preliminary search, narrow down your venue search to those that could potentially be your dream venue. You’ll not only want to look at photo galleries but also learn about the descriptions, any amenities that are included, and what restrictions the venue has. We also recommend having an idea of your ideal wedding vision and have an estimated budget based on your guest count. ​ DATE AVAILABILITY Once you have a list of venues you are potentially interested in, we recommend reaching out to them and/or visit them before you’ve chosen an exact wedding date. If you have a few date options or a range of dates that might work, as well as some dates that absolutely won’t work, you’ll have more flexibility and may be more likely to secure a spot at the venue of your dreams. If you have a specific date in mind, note that some venues might already be unavailable, therefore limiting your venue search. It’s also important to note that Saturday evenings are the most popular, and therefore, the most expensive option, so if you don’t have your heart set on a specific day of the week, you may find more available dates on a Friday or Sunday. Some venues also have seasonal prices, so keep that in mind when looking at venues and prices. ​Ideally, you’ll want your wedding to be the only event occurring on-site that day. When venues rent space to other parties around the same timeframe, this usually results in less set up time, limited venue access, and potential confusion for your vendors and guests. If the venue you are interested in can accommodate other events on the same day, you may inquire how much it would cost to do a venue buyout or ask how the staff accommodates multiple events in a day. ​ ​VENUE SPECIFICS Finding your dream venue goes beyond pictures - you’ll want to make sure their specifics line up with your decor ideas, guest count, and overall wedding day vision. You’ll want to ask the venue some questions, such as these. How many people does your space accommodate? You want to know the capacity of the venue and how many guests they can accommodate, especially considering with or without a dance floor, a DJ or band, and a buffet. It’s also important to ask about the table layouts and if they can accommodate your guest count with just cocktail tables, round tables, or with a variety of size tables (cocktail, round, rectangle, farm tables, etc.). Do you provide both a ceremony and reception space? What is the distance between the two? Do you have a cocktail space? Most venues will have both a separate ceremony and reception space, which certainly helps with the transition between the two events versus finding two different venues. You’ll want to know the distance between the two spaces to help accommodate and communicate with your guests. If there’s a drive between the two spaces, it might be beneficial to provide transportation for your guests to get to and from. But if they are close together and guests can walk, you can use the space between for cocktail hour, guest books, appetizers and drinks. If not, how does the room flip work? Flipping a room isn't easy, but that's why you hire a full service catering team to take care of it! A room flip is where the ceremony and the reception are in the same place, so you will have just the cocktail hour to transform the space. It's quite the task for the catering, floral, and planning team, but it is impressive to show your guests how a space can transform flawlessly and fast! Do you have a backup plan for rain or inclement weather? What is the backup plan and how soon would we be required to make that change? They say rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck, but it can damper a wedding day if there isn’t a plan b, or if plan b doesn’t accommodate your guest count. When visiting the venue, make sure you see their plan b option and look at it closely just in case changes need to happen - you want to make sure you like it just as much as plan a. What is included in the rental? While some venues include tables, chairs, linens, dance floor, etc., some venues don’t include anything, so it’s essential to understand what is included, what you’ll need to rent to bring in, and who will be setting up and tearing down. If the venue doesn’t include items in the rental rate, they’ll typically provide a preferred vendor list for you to call and get quotes from those companies. Do you have any decor restrictions? Every venue is different, and if your wedding vision is moody with a candlelight dinner, you’ll want to confirm which candles you should bring in and whether you can use open flame or you need to bring LED candles instead. Lights & drapery are also big decor items so you’ll want to see where and how those will be hung. What is the rental time for the venue, and does that include setup and tear down time for my vendors? ​Timing is crucial, especially on a wedding day, and we guarantee that your vendors will be asking what time they can arrive for setup and what time they need to be packed up at the end of the night. While some vendors and some wedding setups can be done quickly, others are more elaborate and need an adequate amount of time to bring the wedding vision to life. It’s also important to confirm what the venue staff will be doing and if they are involved in setting up and breaking down, and in what capacity they are helping. Most venues will allow you to purchase more setup and teardown time at an hourly rate, so communicate with everyone involved so everyone knows the timeline before the day of. LOGISTICS It’s also important to know what type of services and logistics the venue has, so here are some additional questions you may want to ask. Do you have any suites/rooms for the bridal party to get ready in? Can the bridal party leave their personal items in the room during the wedding? Can we provide our own food & drinks, or do we need to order from the venue? Most venues have room(s) for the bridal party to hang out and get ready in, but you’ll want to double-check those specifics with the venue. Do you have ADA-compliant facilities, entrances and restrooms for disabled or elderly guests? Do you have handicap parking spaces? If the venue doesn’t have any guest rooms for your bridal party or guests, you may want to see if there are any hotels nearby that they recommend for guests? Most hotels will provide a complimentary room block for wedding groups and some even provide transportation to & from the wedding for those guests. Do you have adequate parking for our guest count? And is parking free, self-parking, or valet? If there is a parking charge, it’s a nice gesture to pick up the parking fee for all guests, if the budget allows. Are there noise restrictions at the venue? Most venues have a noise ordinance, requiring music to either be stopped at a certain point or below a specific volume. You may want to find out how late you can play music or see if there’s a space inside to continue the dance party. Are we required to have security guards? Is that something the venue hires, or is that our responsibility to hire? What is allowed and what is not allowed? Are you a sparkler fanatic, or would you be okay with a glowstick send-off? There are plenty of alternatives to sparklers, but it's always good to check if there is a burn ban or other restrictions! SHOW ME THE MONEY Deposit How much is the deposit? Most venues will charge a non-refundable deposit upon signing a contract. Payments How do you structure the payment schedule? Most venues will have installments between the deposit & wedding date for the balance due. Cancellation What is your cancellation policy? What is your Covid cancellation policy? This is very important to know, especially now. You’ll want to ask and find out how long you have to potentially cancel and if/how you can get back all/some of your money. Do you have a refund policy? If so, what is it? Total Cost + Breakdown Does it cover service charges, tax, gratuity, and cleaning fees, or are those additional line items? You may see a “++” on certain items on the bill, called “plus-plus,” which means you’ll be paying tax and gratuity on top of the listed cost. Contract/Reservation Revisions If changes need to be made to your contract/reservation, what does that look like? When is the last possible date to make those changes? Right now, a lot of people have to postpone and change their wedding dates because of COVID, so you'll want to find out how long you have to do that and if there's a penalty or fee associated with that change. ​(Tip: Likely, there will be a fee unless directly mandated by a shutdown, so don't be surprised.) FOOD + BEVERAGE Does this venue have an in-house caterer/bartending team? If so, do you have a food & beverage minimum that needs to be met? If the minimum isn’t met, what happens? And are there upgraded options to choose from to help us meet that minimum if we are low? Does your in-house caterer provide all plates, silverware, glassware, napkins, linens, or do we need to rent these items? Do you have specific preferred caterers we have to use, or can we hire our own caterer? Is the caterer required to stay until the very end of the reception? Do we have to purchase the bar items through the venue? Does the bar come with glassware, ice, garnishes, napkins, etc., or do we need to provide those items? Are we allowed to bring in our own liquor, and is there a corkage fee or service fee? Do we need to hire the bartenders or is that something the venue does for us? You’ll want to get specific details regarding setup & teardown from the venue, including who is in charge of what, especially the end of the night tasks. The last thing you want to do after your wedding is take out trash, so you’ll want to make sure you know the responsibilities and duties of all of your vendors before the night of. DREAM TEAM OF VENDORS Wedding vendors are just as crucial to your wedding day as the venue as they are the ones to bring your vision to life! If the venue you are interested in doesn’t require you to use their vendors, ask if they recommend any that have been at the venue before. Vendors who have already been to specific venues already know the space, and therefore, can make the planning process smoother for you and them. Do you have a list of preferred or recommended vendors we can use? Do you require us to use your vendors, or are we allowed to hire our own? Are there guidelines or requirements to bring in other vendors? Does the venue allow us to have a live band? VENUE TEAM Even though you are renting a building for your wedding venue, you’ll also be working closely with the venue team. You might be assigned a specific point person to work with during the planning process, or you may work with a few people before your big day. Do we have a specific point person to talk venue specifics with? Will that person also be our contact on our wedding day? What are their duties versus a wedding coordinator on the day of? SIMPLE, RIGHT? DON'T WORRY; IT'S A LOT EASIER THAN IT SOUNDS, BUT THIS IS A GREAT CHECKLIST TO FOLLOW IN CASE YOU WANT TO COVER ALL OF YOUR BASES! CONGRATULATIONS ,AND ENJOY VENUE SHOPPING!

Venue: Pecan Springs Ranch | Wedding Planner: Ashley Nicole Affair | Officiant: Marry Me Brandon | Florist: Bouquets of Austin | Band: Matchmaker Band | Hair & Makeup: Lux Beauty and Bridal | Baker/Cake: Simon Lee Bakery | Photography: Britni Dean Photography | Videography: Paper Bird Films| Rentals: Monarch Event Rentals| Catering: Sapphire Catering| Bartending: Hill Country Event Staffing| Transportation: Austin Charter| Drapery: Unique Design & Events

​We've been holding in some exciting news for quite some time, and now it's time to share! We see what our couples envision when it comes to wedding day decor, and we strive to provide them with everything they need to make their vision complete! Our decor inventory comes with partial and/or full service planning and WE want our couples to benefit from their investment the most! Check out the inspiration boards we have created and how OUR inventory can make those visions come to life! THAT IS NOT ALL THAT WE ADDED TO OUR INVENTORY, SO DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR DECOR INVENTORY TO SEE ALL OF OUR NEW AND UPDATED ITEMS!

You've spent the last year (or maybe two years - thanks, COVID) planning for the perfect wedding. You've hired a planner, you've hand-selected your vendors, your dress fits, you've got everything planned, organized, and you are ready for your best day ever. Even though you are optimistic that nothing will go wrong, it's crucial to have a wedding day emergency kit to survive those unexpected hiccups. We highly recommend building your own wedding day survival kit specific to your own needs. Maybe you are prone to spilling and need to keep an extra supply of clean-up supplies or perhaps you've gone the DIY route with your wedding and need to keep a glue gun handy. Make sure to keep the survival kit in a safe place or with an attentive member of your bridal party so you'll know exactly where it's at if and when you need it. We've compiled a list of wedding day survival must-haves, plus other items you may find helpful to pack in your custom emergency kit. ​ Health & Wellness: We recommend hitting up that travel size section at Target! Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash Tissue and makeup remover wipes Deodorant and perfume Eye drops Non-drowsy allergy medication Tums or antacid medication Q-tips & cotton balls Band-aids - in a few sizes Tampons and pads Bobby pins, hair ties, hair spray Fashion & Beauty: You’re like really pretty! Lipstick, lip balm, lipgloss, chapstick Fragrance or body spray Backup makeup including eyeliner, mascara, concealer, eyelash glue Nail Items - clear nail polish, nail polish remover, nail clippers & nail file Brush and comb Tweezers Face mist Extra earring backs Superglue Shoe gel inserts Food & Beverage: You’re not you when you’re hungry! Water bottles Snacks and protein bars Candy and hard candies Energy drinks, soda, iced tea, or coffee Breath mints Drink straws Gum and mints Technology: Stay charged and be in charge! Phone charger and wall adaptor Extension cord and surge protector Mini Bluetooth speaker for getting ready with Batteries Bonus Items: Go the extra mile! Comfy flats, comfy tennis shoes, or flip flops Cash Lotion Razor & shaving cream Compact mirror Zip ties & duck tape Portable fan Scissors Tools - screwdriver, hammer, etc. Pen and paper Antibacterial hand wipes or hand sanitizer Sunscreen & bug spray Lighters Glue gun and white chalk ​ BATHROOM EMERGENCY KITS Take it one step further and consider adding a basket to the bathrooms at your reception - you never know when your guests will need some emergency items! ​Tide pen & lint roller Bobby pins & hair ties Mouth wash, mints, gum, & floss-picks Hand sanitizer & lotion Tampons, pads Deodorant & body spray​ THE MUST-HAVES Double Stick Fashion Tape Heaven forbid there's a wardrobe malfunction on your wedding day. But if there is, fear not! This fashion tape is used on the red carpet, at fashion shows, and will be a must-have in your kit. You can use it on your wedding dress, a bridesmaid zipper, a groomsmen button, or your mother-in-law's necklace. Sewing Kit These kits might be mini, but they are mighty. They contain needles, scissors, buttons, and threads - you never know when you'll need it, but it's lifesaving when you do. Safety Pins Safety pins are like wedding day duct tape. They are so versatile and, honestly, can fix almost anything. When purchasing them for your wedding day kit, make sure you get an assortment of sizes. They can fix anything from a tear in a dress to a broken bra strap. They can fasten boutonnieres, help with bustling the dress, secure decor to linens, and much more! Clothing Steamer Skip the iron and ironing board and head straight for the clothing steamer. A handheld portable steamer is perfect for creases and wrinkles. They heat up quickly and are easy to use on linens, dresses, skirts, dress shirts, and suit jackets. Opt to purchase a few of them so each side of the wedding party has a dedicated steamer and maybe an extra one for the ceremony and reception decor. Tide Pen Let's face it, a spill or smudge is almost a guarantee, so be prepared and buy that 3-pack of tide pens or any stain remover pens. They work magic on most stains. Just make sure you read the directions carefully; you don't want to end up with a bigger mess than the one you had when you started. Lint Roller We all love our furry friends, and even if they are a part of our wedding day, they don't need to be a part of our outfits. Lint rollers are excellent for clingy fur, fabric fuzzies, and hair. It's a quick and easy solution to looking sharp. Hairspray Perfect for finishing and securing a hairstyle, hairspray also comes in handy for any unwanted static. Just spray a little on your hands and gently rub on your dress or body. Make sure you don't overdo it - you will likely be near candles and possibly sparklers! Facial Blotting Papers You can hire the best makeup artist around, but between stress and the Texas heat, you're going to need facial blotting papers to help reduce that shine. Opt to use a piece of blotting paper vs. a tissue, as tissues may remove or mess up your makeup. Keep blotting papers nearby so you can maintain that picture-perfect look throughout the event. Anti-Blister Balm One of the final touches to your wedding outfit is the shoes, and because most brides and bridesmaids probably haven't broken their wedding shoes in, make sure you pack up some anti-blister balm. Swipe this anti-chafing balm onto your heels and toes, so you can comfortably dance the night away. Pain Reliever Always a must-have, whether someone develops a headache from stress or needs to fix a hangover, pain relievers are life savers when it comes to reducing those pesky aches and pains.

Reception Venue: Hotel Ella | Wedding Planner: Ashley Nicole Affair | Ceremony Venue: St. John Neumann Catholic Church | Florist: Bouquets of Austin| Band: Plush Party Band | Photography: Honey Gem Creative | Videography: Moonlit Weddings | Cake: Classy Cakes by Lori | Hair/Makeup: Sharon Marie Makeup | Transportation: Limos of Austin