Photo By: Stephanie Rogers Photography
Planning a wedding can initially feel overwhelming, so here are some planning tips for your Austin wedding. As you look over this guideline, keep in mind that there are many factors to consider when planning your wedding. This list of planning tips is a great way to help jumpstart you on this journey. So take a seat with your partner and review these while you discuss how you want to approach them for your Austin wedding!
Planning Tips For Your Austin Wedding
Style and Vibe
Take your time to discuss and explore the style you envision for your wedding day. There are countless ways to design your celebration, each offering a unique atmosphere. Some popular styles include Romantic and Whimsical, Retro and Colorful, Intimate and Small, Destination, Urban or Downtown, Hill Country, and more.
Choosing the style and vibe that resonate with both of you and will be a guiding light throughout the planning process. Don’t feel pressured to rush this decision—take the time to discover what truly reflects your personalities and relationship.
Photo By: Stephanie Rogers Photography
Create A Budget
It’s essential to establish your budget early on, keeping in mind that it may evolve as you plan. Setting a budget allows you to determine your wedding timeline and make informed decisions. If family members are contributing financially, be sure to clarify exactly what they’re covering. It’s also wise to set aside an extra 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses that might arise.
Using a spreadsheet to track all your expenses will help you stay on budget and reduce stress if things change. Many vendors offer payment plans, so be sure to ask about this option. A payment plan can ease the financial burden by spreading out costs, so you’re not paying everything in bulk just before the wedding day.
Guest Count
Are you envisioning a large celebration or something more intimate with just close family and friends? Start by creating a guest list of everyone you’d love to have with you on your special day. You can organize your list into tiers, such as best friends, immediate family, and then extended family and other friends. This will give you a clearer idea of the size of your wedding.
As you start searching for your wedding venue, having this guest count will be incredibly useful in finding a space that comfortably accommodates everyone.
Photo By: Stephanie Rogers Photography
Select A Wedding Date
Choosing a wedding date can be straightforward or a bit challenging, depending on your preferences. It’s important to stay flexible, especially if you have your heart set on a particular venue or want to secure your dream photographer. Be mindful of holidays and travel times for your guests when selecting your date.
If you’re looking to save on costs, consider a weekday wedding, as venues often offer discounts of up to 25% for non-weekend dates.
Look For Your Venue
Austin offers a wide range of wedding venues, each with its own unique style, size, and location. When exploring your options, be sure to check for blackout dates. If your wedding coincides with a major event like a conference, ACL, SXSW, or any other large gathering, you’ll need to plan for potential traffic and lodging challenges.
Additionally, inquire whether your venue has a rain plan space that you’ll be happy with. It’s comforting to know you have a beautiful backup option, no matter what the weather brings. Having your guest count list ready will also make it easier to determine the appropriate venue size for your celebration.
You can check out this list of 20+ Best Austin Wedding Venues to get started!
Create Your Wedding Party
If you’re planning to have a wedding party, start by choosing the people you absolutely want by your side. These are the individuals who will support you throughout the planning process and on your big day. When selecting your wedding party, consider a few key factors: the style you want for the group, where they’ll purchase their attire, and making sure reservations and orders are placed in time.
Remember that alterations are often necessary, so it’s important to allow enough time for any adjustments and potential delays. Planning ahead will ensure everything comes together smoothly.
Photo By: Stephanie Rogers Photography
Hire A Wedding Planner
You might feel confident in your organizational skills or prefer to take the lead in planning your wedding. However, trust us—having a wedding planner is invaluable. Many couples quickly realize how overwhelming the planning process can be, with endless decisions to make. Some even describe it as feeling like a full-time job.
Instead of letting stress take over, allow yourself to fully enjoy your engagement. A wedding planner will not only alleviate the pressure but also provide expert guidance in hiring vendors and managing aspects of planning you may not have even considered yet.
Satin Wedding Co. is a wonderful inclusive Austin Wedding Planner who we recommend!
Hire Your Photographer
Take some time to discuss what you want your wedding photographer to capture. Consider the photographer’s style, personality, and what will stand the test of time when you look back on your wedding images. Since wedding photographers often book up to 18 months in advance, it’s crucial to secure your photographer as early as possible. This ensures your dream photographer will be available on your big day.
You can find more ways to consider who to hire by checking out this article, How To Choose The Right Austin Wedding Photographer.
Tend Your Bar
When planning your budget, don’t forget to account for your bartender. Some venues only permit beer and wine, so be sure to check with your venue about their alcohol policy. Typically, you’ll need one bartender for every 50 guests. If you’re planning to serve signature cocktails or other mixed drinks, consider hiring an additional bartender to manage the demand and keep the lines moving. For multiple bar stations, adjust the number of bartenders accordingly.
Photo By: Stephanie Rogers Photography
Delegate and Lean On Your Support
It might seem like you need to handle everything on your own, but you definitely don’t. Rely on your professional team to assist with decisions like venue setup, wedding day timelines, and more. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family for advice and opinions—they’ll be happy to offer their support. Remember, there’s no need to shoulder all the responsibilities alone. Your loved ones will be more than willing to help wherever needed.
Take Care Of Yourself
Taking care of yourself during wedding planning is crucial. With your job, social life, family, and other responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Prioritizing self-care will help reduce stress and ensure that this period remains enjoyable and meaningful for both you and your partner.
Take Care Of Your Guests
Photo By: Stephanie Rogers Photography
Vendor Contact List
As you hire your vendors, compile a contact list with their names, emails, and phone numbers. This will help you easily reach out with any updates or questions throughout the planning process.
Communication
Managing communication with multiple vendors can be overwhelming, especially with many details to consider. As noted, a wedding planner can be a great help in this area! It’s also important to maintain a record of all conversations and confirmed details. Keeping a paper trail ensures that if anything changes, everyone can be promptly updated. Using a Google Doc is an effective way to stay organized and keep everything in one place.
Summary
Planning your wedding can be an exciting adventure for you and your partner. With these planning tips for your Austin wedding, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable journey.
You can download a printable wedding planning checklist and timeline from The Knot right here.
