The Big Day

Say 'I do' to a perfectly dreamy downtown wedding at W Austin

If you've got a wedding to plan and are dreaming of a downtown affair where soul meets style, the W Austin is the whole package.

Start envisioning your big day (or weekend!) at W Austin with these dreamy trends, knowing that with their fully personalized Whatever/Whenever wedding services, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Glam and grand parties
Ready to put your party pants back on and go big for wedded bliss? With seven venues and reception sites at the W Austin— many of which are indoor/outdoor or feature views of downtown and Lady Bird Lake— this venue is the MVP, offering space for up to 250 guests, so your wedding can be bigger and better than your wildest dreams. They even have additional perks for large weddings, from double Marriott Bonvoy points to complimentary Away Spa treatments, room upgrades, a free night's stay on your one-year anniversary, and more. Endless guest list? Check. Over-the-top, glamorous design elements and floral arrays? The W Austin can accommodate it all.

Elevated dining experiences
Farm-to-table comfort meets delicious Southern sophistication at the W Austin, with outside-the-box wedding menus prepared by their world-class chef, Manuel Rodriguez. Think smoked heirloom tomatoes, roasted Gulf oysters, coffee and ancho braised short rib, banana leaf steamed snapper with mole verde — the list goes on. But with the W Austin's Whatever/Whenever service, every single ounce of your menu can be completely customized for any craving (including those midnight party snacks). A slider and taco bar in the wee hours? Dreams do come true.

Formal-meets-fun vibes
Black-tie weddings with a dress-to-impress code are ushering in the spirit of celebration like nothing else in 2023. But a formal occasion doesn't have to feel overly wrought or fussy. That fun-meets-fancy vibe is a specialty of W Austin, where their sleek, modern-metallic surrounds (Chrome-finished chairs! Bronze accents! Titanium-hued walls!) are mixed with whimsical touches like a statement chandelier and coffered ceilings. It's also the perfect template to add in another trend: bold colors. Joyful, radiant hues are making a comeback in weddings, splashed around in small, thoughtful ways via decor accessories, floral, and lighting.

Exactly how you want it
Whether you opt for W Austin's all-inclusive Luxe Package or prefer to pick and choose a la carte, your big day will come together exactly how you always envisioned. The in-house culinary team can whip up just about anything your tastebuds desire, and tables, chairs, in-house linens, napkins, glasses, silverware, plates, the stage, and dance floor are all included when you book your favorite space. If you choose to go a la carte, W Austin has fantastic relationships with the best local vendors. Tenting is also available for all outdoor spaces, making celebrations in any season possible.

Weekend wedding warriors
A wedding doesn't have to be just a ceremony and reception. An immersive Wedding Weekend celebration can be had right here in downtown Austin, offering more time to connect with friends and family and make memories. The W Austin was made for multi-day experiences, complete with welcome cocktail parties in The Living Room and coordinated city excursions — including tickets to ACL Live concerts, located right next door to the hotel. Plus, save room for day-after brunches at Trace coupled with Away Spa time, and more. W Austin's Wedding Insider takes care of it all, ensuring every hour of the weekend is a distinct reflection of your personality and preferences. They'll even chart your great honeymoon escape after the weekend, curating the trip of a lifetime for you and your forever plus-one.

The icing on the cake
Planning a wedding shouldn't be stressful, and so W Austin has tried to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible. Your guests can enjoy a courtesy block of 20 discounted rooms for their stay, and if you meet a certain minimum you'll be parking your suitcases in a complimentary corner suite on your wedding night. A comped Champagne toast, discounted spa services, and tastings at no cost to you are also possible. At the end of your wedding, do an iconic Austin send-off down the ACL stairs, right next to the famous Willie Nelson sign.

I Love You So Much sign at W Austin wedding

Photo courtesy of W Austin

Have an authentically awesome Austin wedding.

Saying "I do" in downtown Austin never looked so sweet — and chic. To learn more about a wedding at W Austin or to set up a tour, click here.

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Brunchy Business

Mimosa Walk returns to Austin's South 1st Street for sips and shopping

Blue Suede/Instagram

Businesses along South 1st Street are welcoming shoppers with mimosas on Saturday, November 16.

Perhaps no other drink has the mimosa's power to draw people out on the weekend, and one Austin neighborhood is harnessing it for a leisurely tour of local businesses. The Austin Mimosa Walk: South 1st Fall Festival is scheduled for November 16, and will stop at local businesses, each with complimentary drinks.

The tour will include some shopping, some casual snack spots, and even some wellness stops. Although not every business mimosa walkers will pass is participating, the tour will pass lots of local eateries, making it easy to tack on a lunch when the Champagne starts making itself known.

The following eight businesses are participating as stops on the self-guided tour:

Austin Salt Room — a spa-like environment for salt therapy, essentially hanging out near tons of salt while breathing in microscopic salt particles, which are said to improve respiratory health
Blue Suede Austin — a cool women's shoe boutique (with a wine bar!) that specializes in semi-casual styles at mid-range prices, featuring brands like Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, and Cecelia
Devil’s Details Boutique — formerly Bloomers and Frocks, this vintage shop has rebranded and shifted its focus to jewelry, often in bold and unique styles
Glint Dental — a dental office specializing in aesthetic procedures like veneers and whitening, but also offering general and preventative care
Golden Mean — early holiday shoppers should keep friends and family in mind at this gift shop, which carries unique goods ranging from soaps and blankets to kitchen goods and avant-garde decor.
Once Over Coffee— an unassuming-on-the-outside, artsy-on-the-inside coffee shop serving Wild Gift Coffee and less common coffee shop finds like kombucha and Italian soda
Package Austin — a queer menswear store for harnesses, underwear, accessories, toys, and community events
Sugar Mamas Bakeshop — a colorful bakery specializing in fantastically decorated cakes, often with a sarcastic or funny twist

The listing on Eventbrite promises a hydration station by Topo Chico, a collector's glass, and that the event will sell out. It requires that tickets ($32) be purchased in advance online. [Update: An event organizer says the ninth business on the Eventbrite list is still under construction, and will not be participating.]

The walk will take place from noon to 3:30 pm. Guests will receive a "passport" to help navigate between tour stops. A check-in tent will get guests started at 1628 S. 1st St.

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