FINDING THE PERFECT VENUE

Picking a wedding venue is a big deal. It’s one of the most expensive parts of your budget. It sets the tone. It’s the base that will help the rest of your event come to life. It’s also an incredibly overwhelming process. How can you possibly find a venue that A) you can afford, B) you actually like, C) is convenient for your guests, and D) isn’t already booked? (Hint: it is possible.)

When it comes to how to choose a wedding venue, the whole process can feel pretty daunting, and there are lots of questions that you’ll need to answer. Will your wedding be big or small? Outdoors or indoors? Rustic or glam? Settling on the basics of your wedding will help you and your fiance narrow down the many venues out there, and find the one that’s right for you. Here’s the rundown of how to choose a wedding venue, from start to finish.

Location: What city will your wedding be held in? This can be your partner’s hometown or the city where you currently live. Do you have family all over Texas and you need a central location? These are all things to think about.

Budget: Before you make any venue decisions, you need to draft a budget. Don’t sign a contract with a venue, regardless of the price, only to realize down the line that you have no money left to decorate it.

Guest Count: Every wedding venue has a capacity—a firm number of guests that it can comfortably hold. This number is usually not flexible. There’s a big difference between a venue that can accommodate 175 guests verses 500. Don’t just pull a guest count out of thin air (“I want a 100-person wedding!”). Sit down with your partner to come up with a list so there won’t be any surprises later on.

Priorites: Sit down with your partner and choose features that your ideal venue would have. For example, tables and chair included or one that can hold both your ceremony and reception in one location. Perhaps you’re looking for a venue that’s conveniently located, pet-friendly, and allows you the option for an entire weekend package. The possibilities are endless and each couple’s priorities will be different.

Narrow Your Date: Booking a wedding venue means that you’ve officially “set the date” for your big day. You may already have a wedding date in mind, or you may be able to be a bit more flexible. Either way, one of the first steps of how to choose a wedding venue is to narrow down a few dates that you know will work. While saying that you’re getting married “next fall” is a good start, you should have some specific dates in mind before looking at venues.

Start Your Search: Use this guide, Blissbridalmagazine.com, bridal shows and other online resources, to start learning about what venues are in the area. Here you will find capacities, pricing, and each venues amenities. Once you find a venue that meets your criteria, call to setup a tour!

If you fall in love at first sight with a particular venue, it can be a pretty amazing feeling. However, don’t feel too much pressure to sign on the dotted line during your initial tour.

It’s best to take a step back, tour a few venues, and discuss your options with your partner. When you both have agreed on your desired venue, ask to receive a contract. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be sure you understand the payment schedule. When you feel comfortable with all aspects of the contract, sign it, return the paperwork to the venue, and pop some bubbly!

Venue Guide

Finding the perfect venue is much more than just aesthetics... from capacity, ceremony options, on-site lodging, tables and chairs included, allinclusive packages and so much more - we've done the research for you! Use the guide below to help you get started on finding the perfect venue to tour for your big day!

Once you’ve narrowed down your list and scheduled some site visits, you have to know what questions to ask! To make this task easier, we’ve come up with this comprehensive list of questions to ask a wedding venue—before you put down a deposit.

Questions To Ask

• Is my date available?

• How many people can the venue hold?

• Can I get a list of what the rental includes?

• Are there any restrictions on event times?

• Do you have a open vendor policy?

• How any hours does the rental fee cover?

• When can I access the venue for setup?

• What is the deposit amount required?

• What payment plans are available?

• What is the cancellation policy?

• Is there backup plan for outdoor weddings?

• Is there a place for the bridal party to get ready?

• Are there any other weddings that day?

• If the ceremony and reception are in the same place, how long will it take to convert the space?

• Is there plenty of parking and is it free?

• Is wedding insurance required?

• Are there restrictions on decorations?

• Is there a kitchen available for catering?

• Can we bring in our own alcohol and is a bartender required?

• Will there be a site manager?

• Are there speakers available or will our DJ need to provide them?

• Are there security guards on staff or will we need to hire them?

• Is there on-site lodging?

• Do you have all inclusive packages?

• Is there an additional fee to have the rehearsal the night prior?

• Can I setup the day prior? If so, is there a fee?

Cathedral Oaks Event Center

1312 Waco Road, Belton, TX 254-939-6257 | info@cathedral-oaks.com Cathedral-Oaks.com

Celebrate your special occasion in style at Cathedral Oaks Event Center. Nestled on over six oak-covered acres in Belton, Texas, Cathedral Oaks is Central Texas’ premier location for weddings, receptions, and more. The primary event center, at over 6800 square feet, was designed from the ground up with flexible spaces to easily accommodate the needs of any event. The natural beauty of the landscape transitions throughout the venue with panoramic windows, hardwood floors, limestone accents, high vaulted ceilings, and exposed wood beams. Ornamental iron, custom chandeliers, and polished stone add inviting and elegant touches throughout the space. Custom landscape lighting showcases the majestic century oak trees. These are amongst the many subtle features which demonstrate the comprehensive attention to detail in the design of the venue.

Cathedral Oaks offers unparalleled flexibility with both indoor and outdoor ceremony options. The large, covered patio and Live Oak room serve as additional entertaining spaces so that your guests may comfortably transition through ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The bridal suite and groom’s loft offer spacious private accommodations for the wedding party that are as practical as they are luxurious.

Let their knowledgeable and courteous staff guide you through seamlessly planning your special event at the perfect place!

Magnolia House At Cathedral Oaks

1312 Waco Road, Belton, TX 254-939-6257 | info@cathedral-oaks.com

Cathedral-Oaks.com

Located at Cathedral Oaks in Belton, Texas, The Magnolia House is an ideal setting for intimate events including weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and more. As the original homestead on property, dating from the 1850’s, The Magnolia House at Cathedral Oaks is appointed with historical finishes throughout the venue. Original hardwood floors, crown molding, hand-blown and stained-glass windows, and antique furnishings transition throughout the space, which is just over 3000 square feet. Charming white picket fences surround the spacious manicured lawn and garden, which is ideal for ceremonies, cocktail parties, and outdoor entertaining. The central event space is surrounded by panoramic windows which flood the room with natural light by day and provide stunning views of the lighted century oaks by night.

The Magnolia House at Cathedral Oaks offers flexibility with both indoor or outdoor ceremony options, as well as spacious and convenient accommodations for the wedding party with the bridal suite and groom’s study.

Enjoy an effortless planning process with help from their friendly and knowledgeable staff. Experience the atmosphere that evokes the warm feelings of home. Gather at The Magnolia House at Cathedral Oaks for your special event.

Picturesque Views & Texas Charm

STYLED SHOOT