#HELLYEAH HIGHLIGHTS

We get it, you're getting married, but you're also on the go go go, and don't have the time to scroll through our entire blog to find the information you need (our feeling aren't hurt, we promise)! To save you the trouble, we've rounded up some of our best posts to plan for your big day. Here is the 411 on the BIG 5!

Budget

Both starting point and sticking point for many couples. Save yourself the disappointment and establish a firm budget ASAP.

Photo | Jas and Mike Co.

Venue

The backdrop of your wedding day should be as beautifully matched as you and your betrothed.

Photo | Jillian Zamora

Wedding Party

With your boo and your besties by your side, you’re guaranteed to have the best night ever.

Photo | Brynna Isabell

Guests

The number one rule for keeping the guests happy, you ask? Keep the drinks, the music and the love flowing!

Photo | Payge Stevens Photography

Ceremony + Reception

The vows, the tears, the dinner, and the dancing! Uff, we can’t get enough!

Photo | Chelsea Kaye

May the wedding gods be with you!

TIPS | CHOOSING THE RIGHT VENUE

Finding the right venue for your wedding is an exciting experience. The Dallas area has no shortage of dreamy, picturesque, and swoon-worthy venues to choose from, but knowing which one is right for you takes research and planning. We have five tips that will get you on the right track and ensure that you get hitched at the venue of your dreams!

Tip 1: Define Your Style

Venue | Nasher Sculpture Center

Photo | Ben Q. Photography

Venue | Arlington Hall

Photo | Amy Karp Photography

Do you envision your wedding style as Rustic, Romantic, Gothic, or Traditional? Knowing your style ahead of time can help you narrow down the types of venues you want to visit. Your venue will play a major role in creating the right atmosphere for your wedding day.

Tip 2: Ask Questions

Venue | White Sparrow Barn

Photo | Diane Keathly

Venue | Trinity River Audubon

Photo | Averie Claire

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Venue managers/coordinators are there to help you make the right decision for you! Here are a few big ones Here Comes The Guide recommends:

1. How many hours does the rental fee include, and is there an overtime fee if I stay longer?

2. Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of "preferred" caterers, or do I need to provide my own? Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead?

3. Can we use candles/confetti/sparklers/fireworks/animals/lawn games/bounce houses/food trucks/insert your own fun-but- potentially-dangerous liability here?

4. What security services do you offer?

5. Are cabs/rideshares (like Uber, Lyft, etc.) easily accessible from the venue?

Tip 3: Make Sure It Fits Your Needs

Venue | Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Photo | Mountaintop Films

Venue | Dallas Arboretum - Degolyer Gardens

Photo | Adria Lea

Keep in mind how the venue you choose can best work with the night you’ve planned. For instance, if your wedding will be mostly out of town guests, consider using one location for both your wedding and reception to cut down on Uber use and travel time. Or if you’re planning on having a smaller wedding research smaller or even non-traditional venue spaces to save a few dollars.

Tip 4: Know and Stick to Your Budget

Venue | The Venue at Waterstone

Photo | Melissa Marshall

Venue | Hickory Street Annex

Photo | Cara Elizabeth Photo

Venues can be a budget breaker (and one of the first things you get on the books), so make sure you’re mindful and not looking outside your budget. Venue shopping can be an exciting experience, but falling in love with a location you can’t afford isn’t.

Tip 5: Talk to Your Planner

Venue | Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Photo | Jessica Quadra Photography

Venue | The Orchard

Photo | ALLEEJ Photography

We’ve seen TONS of venues, so pick our brains! We’ll be able to give you some great recommendations based on your style or steer you in the right direction if you’re feeling lost!

How did you choose the right venue?

VENUE HIGHLIGHT | HOUSE OF DIRT

Happy Wednesday friends!

Today we are showcasing a lovely little venue in Bishop Arts District, House of DIRT. This unique space is perfect for an intimate celebration that will make guests feel right at home. Formerly a dive bar, what this newly converted venue lacks in size it makes up for in character. House of DIRT features a permanent stage and arbor set in an outdoor park coupled with eclectic décor indoors, tied together with earthy, natural tones. Specializing in small events with under 75 guests, House of DIRT is a cozy venue for those unafraid to stray from the beaten path.

DIRT Flowers, the in-house florist, works magic transforming the space to match each couple’s vision. Other services offered by the venue include photography, entertainment, and local catering partners – everything you need for the perfect celebration! We can already picture it, a personal ceremony in the backyard followed by an indoor reception that feels more like a party with all your best friends and less like a cookie-cutter wedding.

This sweet yet funky venue has stolen our hearts, and we hope you feel the same way!

If a small wedding is what your heart desires, House of DIRT is the perfect venue and it's  just steps away from our own studio, The Coterie!

MORE INFO | House of DIRT
Phone | 214-242-9533
Email | info@houseofdirt.com

Photos | House of DIRT

VENUE HIGHLIGHT | JEFFERSON TOWER EVENTS

Happy Wednesday friends! We've made it halfway through the week and we hope you have fun plans for Memorial Day weekend! 

Today we're taking a sneak-peak into this unique Dallas venue, Jefferson Tower Events! The iconic Jefferson Tower in the heart of Oak Cliff has a rich history though the original building has been fully restored to provide modern amenities. The building covers over 4,000 square feet and the interior is decorated with Art Deco details. The natural light and authentic Dallas view definitely sets Jefferson Tower Events apart from the rest! 

With services like in-house catering from La Calle Doce and El Ranchito restaurants, floral design, furniture rentals, and his-and-hers private lounges, Jefferson Tower Events has everything a couple could want in their big day! 

Although we've not yet had the pleasure of hosting a wedding at this venue (we sure want to!), we did participate in the Swoon Event early this spring here. and it also happens to be local to our studio, The Coterie, in Bishop Arts! Keep scrolling for a look into the venue! Enjoy!

The Minimalist styled shoot featuring this spectacular venue is coming soon!

MORE INFO | JEFFERSON TOWER EVENTS
phone | (214) 948-1540
email | info@jeffersontowerevents.com
location | 351 W. Jefferson Blvd. #800 Dallas, Texas 75208

PHOTOS | JEFFERSON TOWER EVENTS