Allison & Jake chose The Reserve in Longview, TX for their special day. The Reserve has a rustic, charming atmosphere and Allison & Jake’s Wedding was the perfect fit. Family and friends gathered for the outdoor ceremony timed with the setting sun. The resulting images were absolutely breath taking. Following the ceremony was the reception, aka the party, held in the beautiful hall. The decorations were superb and the complimenting colors made the captured images extra special. Thank you Allison & Jake for allowing us to be a part of your special day!

A  fall shot of the beautiful  wedding and event venue the Victorian House, Kaufman Texas

It’s no secret that planning your wedding can be as stressful as it is exciting.  So how do you pick when there are so many to choose from?   Should you have the ceremony and reception in the same location?

Here are some important things you may wish to consider when choosing a venue. Of course, you need to decide which of these is most important to you as you make your decision.

1.Cost – the cost of the venue overall – compare closely and be sure to find out what all is included, and what is extra.  Some venues have hidden charges that are not always visible on their price list; these could include service charges, gratuities, extra guest fees, extra time fees, etc.  In the Dallas area, for example, many venues have a 15 to 25% “service charge” on top of their normal package pricing.  Ask each venue to give you a complete quotation up front so you know what you are expected to pay.

2. Location/space – The rule of thumb is that 75%  of your invited guests will attend. That is, if you invite 100 guests (about 50 invitations), you can realistically expect about 75 to attend if the venue is within a couple hours’ driving distance of your guests’ homes.  (If many of your guests are out of town travelers, that percentage may be smaller.)   Therefore, consider the 75% rule when choosing your venue space.  Does the venue hold that many seated guests at one time?  Also, if the reception and ceremony are held in the same place, you will not lose guests in between the two events.

3. Reputation – Many online resource sites offer review sections for local suppliers.  See what other people are saying about that venue and exactly what their complaints are, if any (sometimes you must consider the source! Some people just aren’t happy no matter what.)

4. Lodging – If the venue is a bit of a drive for most guests, be sure there is on-site lodging or at least several hotels within 10 minutes of the venue.  You certainly don’t want guests to drive tired, or heaven forbid, after drinking.   *TIP* – many hotels near your venue likely offer a discount if you are having an event nearby.  ASK FOR IT.

5.  Ambience – The décor and “feel” of the venue is usually the major deciding factor for most couples.  If you like a formal atmosphere, a large hotel may be to your liking.  If you want something more elegant but comfortable, a mansion-style location might be more suitable.

No matter what location you choose, remember that many items on their price list can be negotiable.  Some venues offer discounts for off-peak days and times.   It never hurts to ask what amenities they can offer you for free or at a discount, especially after you’ve visited several venues and are aware of what the competition is offering!

Thank you to April Bishop owner of The Victorian House, an event venue located in Kaufman Texas, for providing this helpful article about choosing a venue for your wedding. The Victorian House should be on your list of places to visit if you are planning an East Texas Wedding.

April Bishop
The Victorian House
3950 FM 987
Kaufman, Texas 75142

www.thevictorianhouse.net
www.facebook.com/The Victorian House

Photography: Jamye Perelli

http://www.jamyeperelli.com

903-887-3830
info@jamyeperelli.com

DJ Services: Kenneth Cooley
Digital DJ’s

http://www.digitaldjsofdallas.com

214-587-6887
ken@digitaldjsofdallas.com

Wedding Ceremony:Royal Lane Baptist Church
6707 Royal Lane
Dallas,Texas 75203

Reception:Sheraton Downtown
400 North Olive Street
Dallas,Texas 75201

By Judy Esslinger of It’s YOUR Time, Travel 903 432-3304 (Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist)

The joy of your engagement need not have a stressful following. Traditional weddings can cost a fortune and your guests came because it’s the two of YOU, not the event. In a few hours it’s all history. If they attended a destination wedding however, YOUR guests would enjoy a wonderful wedding and a great mini vacation as well. They can drink if they wish and not have to drive home. They will speak of it for years to come as the best wedding they ever attended because it was about them too.  What’s better?  YOUR cost and stress is usually reduced. Why not relax on the beach with your family and friends while all the preparations are done. Why not be totally relaxed on your wedding day as it will make for a spectacular wedding night!  Request guests do 3 nights (resort minimum) and the wedding party 7 nights or more. Guests wanting more than 3 nights should arrive earlier in the week than the wedding couple so guests spend 2 nights while the couple “establish residency” in that country. The 3^rd day is the wedding day and night and the 4th day on is just the couple. This can be an Anniversary renewal ceremony or celebration too.

Decide on your setting such as sunset on the beach, a morning garden wedding, a wedding chapel on the resort, and many other choices. Then, choose the destination such as Jamaica, Mexico, Florida, Las Vegas, a cruise ship, Hawaii, Bahamas etc. If your wedding guests are all adults, choose an all adults or couples resort such as Sandals or for family gatherings choose a resort such as Beaches. There are even outrageous weddings available such as undersea in the Caribbean in Scuba gear, on a glacier in Alaska, on a ship at sea, Las Vegas Weddings and more.

While the resorts often have good photographers and videographers, this is your special day. Use them for photo packages while on your honeymoon, lounging around the pool, etc. But on that special day, why not have the best in wedding photographers who are willing to go on location. Jamye Perelli Photography offers spectacular wedding photography. This is your lifetime event and it should be the best you can afford. If GREAT live music for your reception is desired on location, Jayme’s husband Dino is the best.

Consult with It’s YOUR Time, Travel to choose destination packages to fit your budget. We will create a page on our website with all the details so your party can refer to it for updates and call us to secure their travel. Instead of traditional wedding gifts, guests can purchase resort appointments for hair & nails, island gift certificates, candlelight dinner on the beach, spa treatments, excursions and more directly from us. We will include a card for them to present to YOU. In the Caribbean, you can even rent or purchase a “heat friendly” wedding gown and man’s apparel.

YOU have found the NO more Bride or Mother “zilla” zone.

A few of our favorite images from Mindy &  Matthew’s Wedding.

To view more of our favorite images watch the Slide Show below:

To view all the images from Mindy & Matthew’s Wedding follow this link, http://pictage.com/815102.

Vendors that helped make this wedding a success:

Wedding Venue
The Victorian House
972-962-3428
http://www.thevictorianhouse.net

Florist
Darby Burkey
214-460-5361

Here is a scan of the Cover and Featured Pages.