With the colder and even colder weather upon us here in Houston, a decision needs to be made. Is your wedding going to be indoors or outdoors? As a native Houstonian, I know that even during the winter months, the temperatures outside are usually mild enough to have a ceremony outside. After all, you have the most beautiful background possible -- Nature. Just keep in mind that if you decide to have it outside, consider your guests, the wedding gown, and the wedding party. Yes, the day is all about the couple, but there won't be very many happy people to watch you if they have to be outside most of the ceremony when it's too cold. And you won't want to be reciting your vows with chattering teeth.
Most reception halls have the ability to move an outside wedding to the inside at the last moment. If you aren't sure, just ask.
The cold months in Houston are usually between December and February. I know many couples who are planning their wedding outside during those months, and then having the reception inside. Good idea! Then everyone will be happy and warm during the first dance, the throwing of the bouquet, and all those other memorable actions.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Ashton Gardens: Venue
Last Saturday I officiated at a wedding at the beautiful Ashton Gardens in North Houston. It was the first time I had been there, and I was taken away by how pretty it was. Nestled in the woods, off a back road, at first I didn't know where I was going. Thankfully, there is a sign that shows the way. Watch out for the narrow roads though. And although there isn't a lot of parking, there is plenty of room for a small ceremony. The chapel can hold up to 240 guests, and it is beautifully decorated. Their prices are all-inclusive with no add-on fees or surprises.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
How to Choose Your Wedding Officiant
Selecting your wedding officiant is an important decision – after all,
they will have a huge influence on the tone of the ceremony. You'll want
to make sure that you find someone who is willing to perform the kind
of ceremony you are envisioning, or who has a style and belief system
similar to your own. And of course, if you want to make it legal, you'll
need to make sure that they are legally able to marry you in your
state.
The first thing you and your intended bride or groom must do is decide if you want a religious or secular ceremony. This highly personal decision will obviously impact who will marry you.
An Independent Ordained Minister -- If you did a search online, you will find quite a few ordained ministers willing to perform your wedding ceremony. Do your research. There are some questions below to ask to see if the person you want for your wedding is right for you. You may want to come up with your own list of questions to ask potential officiants when you meet them. The officiants at Weddings and More TX are professionals, have been in business since 2010, and have performed over 300 ceremonies. Besides being able to travel to you, they also offer small and personal elopement ceremonies in their home.
A Justice of the Peace -- Courtroom ceremonies can be very impersonal, so be sure that this is what you want to do.Contact the county clerk's office where you will get your marriage license. They should have a list of local Justices of the Peace who are willing to perform wedding ceremonies. These ceremonies are typically short (about 10 minutes), and are sometimes done with several couples at the same time.
A Friend or Relative -- This is fast becoming a popular option, as couples look for a more personal element in their ceremony. Others have chosen to get ordained on the internet through the Universal Life Church, but before you choose this option, you'll want to talk to your county clerk's office or Secretary of State's office to make sure that it is recognized in your state. The officiants at Weddings and More TX are ordained through the Universal Life Church, and it is recognized in the state of Texas.
If you already have a family clergyperson, or you're getting married in a house of worship, your choice is relatively straightforward. I suggest still meeting with that person to discuss the questions below and making sure you're comfortable with them.
Otherwise, you'll need to decide first what denomination best fits with your beliefs. Once you've done that, contact your local house of worship to ask if their religious rules allow them to marry people in secular settings. You might attend some worship services to get a sense of different officiants' styles, then meet with them to make sure that they are available on your date, and amenable to the type of wedding you envision. Like any important job, don't just give it to the first interviewee! Talk to a couple different people and choose the one that you are the most comfortable with.
Questions for the Officiant
The first thing you and your intended bride or groom must do is decide if you want a religious or secular ceremony. This highly personal decision will obviously impact who will marry you.
An Independent Ordained Minister -- If you did a search online, you will find quite a few ordained ministers willing to perform your wedding ceremony. Do your research. There are some questions below to ask to see if the person you want for your wedding is right for you. You may want to come up with your own list of questions to ask potential officiants when you meet them. The officiants at Weddings and More TX are professionals, have been in business since 2010, and have performed over 300 ceremonies. Besides being able to travel to you, they also offer small and personal elopement ceremonies in their home.
A Justice of the Peace -- Courtroom ceremonies can be very impersonal, so be sure that this is what you want to do.Contact the county clerk's office where you will get your marriage license. They should have a list of local Justices of the Peace who are willing to perform wedding ceremonies. These ceremonies are typically short (about 10 minutes), and are sometimes done with several couples at the same time.
A Friend or Relative -- This is fast becoming a popular option, as couples look for a more personal element in their ceremony. Others have chosen to get ordained on the internet through the Universal Life Church, but before you choose this option, you'll want to talk to your county clerk's office or Secretary of State's office to make sure that it is recognized in your state. The officiants at Weddings and More TX are ordained through the Universal Life Church, and it is recognized in the state of Texas.
If you already have a family clergyperson, or you're getting married in a house of worship, your choice is relatively straightforward. I suggest still meeting with that person to discuss the questions below and making sure you're comfortable with them.
Otherwise, you'll need to decide first what denomination best fits with your beliefs. Once you've done that, contact your local house of worship to ask if their religious rules allow them to marry people in secular settings. You might attend some worship services to get a sense of different officiants' styles, then meet with them to make sure that they are available on your date, and amenable to the type of wedding you envision. Like any important job, don't just give it to the first interviewee! Talk to a couple different people and choose the one that you are the most comfortable with.
Questions for the Officiant
- How much are we allowed to customize the ceremony? Can we write our own vows?
- Will you marry us even if we are not current members of your church/synagogue/etc? How do we become members?
- If we are of different faiths, or one of us is not religious, is that a problem?
- One of us is divorced, does your religion allow you to marry us?
- Are we required to attend any classes or counseling before the wedding?
- Will our non-religious friends be allowed to participate in the ceremony, including giving readings, singing, or (if appropriate) taking communion?
- How will you be dressed for the ceremony?
- What are your costs for the ceremony?
Monday, January 13, 2014
Bridal gowns: Which style are you?
When it comes to buying your wedding gown, there are many options to take into consideration. Is it an outdoor or indoor wedding? Is it just a backyard ceremony, or a lavish ceremony at a reception hall? Then think about the time of year? Is it cold or hot outside?
All of these things should be considered when looking at wedding gowns. Then of course you have a ton of styles to choose from. And of course you want it to fit right for your silhouette. There are 4 types of fits for different body types...so your body type should be a consideration also.
The Hourglass: Your hips and shoulders are similar in size with a well defined waist.
The Triangle: Your hips are wider than your shoulders.
The Inverted Triangle: Your shoulders are wider than your hips.
The Rectangle: Your shoulders, hips and waist are similar in size.
Then you need to consider the style of the wedding gown you want. There are many styles, and there are great resources that you should consider when researching online. They have an entire list of gown styles and the body types that would be perfect with them.
No matter what you choose as your wedding gown, these tips are just guidelines, and don't take into account other factors like you age, weight, and your personal style.
All of these things should be considered when looking at wedding gowns. Then of course you have a ton of styles to choose from. And of course you want it to fit right for your silhouette. There are 4 types of fits for different body types...so your body type should be a consideration also.
The Hourglass: Your hips and shoulders are similar in size with a well defined waist.
The Triangle: Your hips are wider than your shoulders.
The Inverted Triangle: Your shoulders are wider than your hips.
The Rectangle: Your shoulders, hips and waist are similar in size.
Then you need to consider the style of the wedding gown you want. There are many styles, and there are great resources that you should consider when researching online. They have an entire list of gown styles and the body types that would be perfect with them.
No matter what you choose as your wedding gown, these tips are just guidelines, and don't take into account other factors like you age, weight, and your personal style.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Floral Arrangements: Buy or DIY?
For most couples, getting engaged is the easy part. Afterwards comes
the planning, and one of the most expensive items of any wedding are
the floral arrangements. Did you know that the average cost for flowers
for a wedding can be anywhere from $800 to $2000? And that will all
depend on the time of the season, what kind of flowers, wedding
location, and of the course the actual labor to make all those
arrangements.
I say, if you have the money, and are able to purchase the floral arrangements you want, go ahead. But if you are like most couples today, you’re probably on a budget. With a couple of quick purchases at Hobby Lobby or another craft store, you can make the majority of all your flower arrangements, from the bridal bouquet to the reception centerpieces, for less than $300. The only thing you really need to invest is your time.
When I got married the first time back in 2001, my bridesmaids helped me make all my bouquets and boutonnieres, and if I remember right, it cost less than $100. We only made the floral arrangements for the wedding party, but you can see what I mean. For some tips on making your own wedding floral arrangements, check out “Flowers for My Wedding“. They have some great tips that all brides can use.
I say, if you have the money, and are able to purchase the floral arrangements you want, go ahead. But if you are like most couples today, you’re probably on a budget. With a couple of quick purchases at Hobby Lobby or another craft store, you can make the majority of all your flower arrangements, from the bridal bouquet to the reception centerpieces, for less than $300. The only thing you really need to invest is your time.
When I got married the first time back in 2001, my bridesmaids helped me make all my bouquets and boutonnieres, and if I remember right, it cost less than $100. We only made the floral arrangements for the wedding party, but you can see what I mean. For some tips on making your own wedding floral arrangements, check out “Flowers for My Wedding“. They have some great tips that all brides can use.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Bear Creek Park
Bear Creek Park
There are many inexpensive and free areas in Houston to have a wedding. The majority of the ceremonies I have officiated at are held in backyards and homes, however it is possible to have a beautiful ceremony at a local park.
Back in September 2013, I officiated at a ceremony at Bear Creek Park in Houston. Bear Creek Park is located off of War Memorial Drive. And best of all, it is FREE of charge. Now, they do require a deposit, however, once you have cleaned up after your ceremony, the deposit is returned to you.
I emailed them back in September about permits and such. No permits are required, just the deposit. This is wrote they wrote back to me in their email:
"We have nine parks that can be reserved – Bear Creek Pioneers Park, George Bush Park, McClendon Park, Mary Jo Peckham Park, Alief Amity Park, Katy Park, Stein Park, Bayland Park and New Kentucky Park. You can go to our website to see locations and what is under each one: www.pct3.hctx.net. There is no actual charge but, if a pavilion was available, we would hold it for at least two days. Someone would then have to come into our office to fill out a reservation form. Also, we require a $125.00 check deposit to insure that the pavilion was cleaned after use and that no damage was done. The check would then be voided and returned."
Here are a couple of the pictures from the ceremony where I was the officiant in September 2013.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Houston Wedding Planning
As a member of the AAWO (American Association of Wedding Officiants), I provide professional wedding officiant services in Houston and surrounding areas. This blog is for all couples who are currently planning their wedding or looking to the future.
Whether you are looking for an officiant, a florist, bands, or planning to do it all yourself, this will be your go to blog for information. Everyday there will be a new post about venues, tips on planning your own wedding, etc.
Of course, being an officiant who has performed over 300 weddings, you can also check out my own website for more information on what I do along with photos, venue information, and more. My websites are listed below. You can contact me for information on officiating your ceremony through the website.
Not only do I officiate at weddings in Houston, but I will travel to other areas around the city, such as Galveston, Conroe, Pearland, Richmond, Rosenburg, Tomball, Humble, Spring, and many more. I have two affordable packages for couples with any budget.
Also be sure to check out my You Tube channel coming soon with photos from previous ceremonies. Keep an eye out here for more information.
Whether you are looking for an officiant, a florist, bands, or planning to do it all yourself, this will be your go to blog for information. Everyday there will be a new post about venues, tips on planning your own wedding, etc.
Of course, being an officiant who has performed over 300 weddings, you can also check out my own website for more information on what I do along with photos, venue information, and more. My websites are listed below. You can contact me for information on officiating your ceremony through the website.
Not only do I officiate at weddings in Houston, but I will travel to other areas around the city, such as Galveston, Conroe, Pearland, Richmond, Rosenburg, Tomball, Humble, Spring, and many more. I have two affordable packages for couples with any budget.
Also be sure to check out my You Tube channel coming soon with photos from previous ceremonies. Keep an eye out here for more information.
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