Wedded Bliss
Austin event expert shares secrets to selecting your dream wedding location

You've found someone you want to marry — now it's time to figure out where to have your wedding. The right location, vibe, price, and a plethora of other factors make this arguably the most important decision in the wedding planning process. Throw in a ton of great venue options in Austin, and your head will start spinning faster than you can say "I do."
That's where Juliana Ross comes in. Her family owns two Austin venues, Brodie Homestead and Allan House. Ross grew up in the industry and now serves as director of events, so we looked to her expertise for picking the perfect Austin venue that will lead to wedded bliss.
Location, location, location
In Austin, it's possible to have any type of wedding. You can escape to the Hill Country for a rustic reception, host a modern wedding in a gallery, or keep it weird by tying the knot at an unconventional spot. Whatever direction you go, don't forget to keep in mind how your guests will be getting to and from your wedding.
Ross recommends taking travel logistics into consideration when booking a location. "There are tons of beautiful venues in the Hill Country, and it's a huge wedding location destination spot now. But if you want your wedding guests to have an Austin experience, it's kind of hard to get to those spaces."
Keeping everything centrally located may mean your guests cab walk to events. Consider renting a bus if your wedding is far away from where guests are staying.
Timing is everything
Typically, couples book their venues a year in advance and go for a traditional Saturday wedding. However, your budget could benefit from an atypical timeline.
"In Austin, there are a lot of outdoor venues and spaces, and people want to be outside," Ross says. If being outdoors isn't high on your list of priorities, you could save money by booking a venue during the offÂseason: summer or winter.
You can also save by picking an "off night of the week" — going with a Friday or Sunday wedding tends to be cheaper. "A lot of people do the wedding on Thursday and have activities planned for Fridays and Saturdays for their guests," she says.
While planning a wedding in less than a year might be too stressful for some, if you're up to the challenge, it could result in serious savings. "I wouldn't typically give deals if it's a year out," Ross says. "But Fridays and Sundays that are still open in four to six months, we might give some discounts."
Do your homework
With so many options in Austin, Ross says to do as much research online as you can. "Looking at reviews and researching all the different venues in Austin will definitely help narrow down the venue search process and likely save you a lot of time."
Ross also recommends using resources like The Knot, Wedding Wire, and online catalogues to find great vendors. "You can pinpoint what you want by selecting different categories to show you a list of vendors that meet your specifications," she says.
Put your Instagram and Pinterest skills to good use too. Look up weddings around Austin to find venues and vendors you like. Ross says more and more often she's getting clients that contact her after seeing one of her venues on social media.
Check the fine print
"Don't just sign because you really love the place," Ross says. "Make sure you know what you're getting into — not just for hidden fees. Know what you, as the client, are expected to take care of and exactly what the venue includes."
That goes for vendors too. Hire professional vendors whenever possible to ensure everything is truly perfect on the day of your wedding. "Make sure you know what you're getting yourself into," Ross says. "There are a lot of people out there who claim to be professionals, but don't have the experience."
Don't forget about booze
It's up to you and your spouseÂ-toÂ-be to determine what your style is when it comes to alcohol at your wedding. Whether you want freeÂ-flowing libations or a simple Champagne toast, ask for a full runÂdown of the alcohol policy of any venue you're considering.
"Some venues will take care of their own bar services and possibly provide the alcohol, and that might have more of an upcharge." Ross says. "Other venues will likely allow you to bring in your own alcohol and just have a licensed bartender serve it, which will save you a lot of money."

DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri