Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) experiences in life. Whether you’re dreaming of a chic downtown celebration or a rustic outdoor gathering, Houston offers the perfect backdrop for every couple’s “I do.”
From choosing the right venue to finding the perfect way to thank your guests, here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to plan a wedding that’s beautiful, seamless and uniquely yours – including a creative tip for incorporating custom gift baskets that guests will never forget.
1. Picking the Perfect Houston Wedding Venue
Houston is full of stunning wedding venues – from elegant ballrooms in the Galleria to charming barn venues just outside the city. A few popular options include:
• The Bell Tower on 34th – Classic architecture, cascading staircases and fountains.
• The Astorian – Industrial chic meets vintage glam in this downtown gem.
• Beckendorff Farms – Rustic elegance just west of Houston, perfect for country-inspired celebrations.
When choosing your venue, consider your guest count, budget and vision. Many venues offer onsite coordination, which can simplify your planning.
2. Hiring the Right DJ or Live Music
Music sets the tone for the entire celebration, from the first dance to the last call. Houston is home to incredible DJs and live bands specializing in weddings of all sizes. Whether you want classic hits, country twang or Latin beats, book your entertainment early – and don’t forget to provide a “do not play” list!
3. Food, Oh-so Glorious Food: Catering & Cake
Let’s be honest – guests remember two things: how fun the wedding was and how good the food tasted.
Catering in Houston runs the full flavor spectrum:
• BBQ & Southern comfort for relaxed celebrations
• Upscale plated dinners from top Houston chefs
• Food trucks for trendy, casual vibes
As for the cake, explore iconic local bakeries like Who Made the Cake! or Rustika Cafe & Bakery for multi-tiered elegance or dessert tables filled with mini treats.
4. Wedding Party & Guest Gifts That Stand Out
Thanking the people who make your day special is a big part of wedding etiquette. That’s where custom gift baskets can be a great solution. And there’s nobody better at custom gift baskets than Design It Yourself Gift Baskets right here in Houston! Giving thank-you gifts to your wedding party, vendors and guests is one step in the wedding process that you can confidently hand over to their experts – making it completely stress-free and one less worry for you.
• Bridesmaid & Groomsmen Gifts: Think beyond flasks and robes – boring! Design It Yourself Gift Baskets offers customizable options with everything from spa goodies and gourmet snacks to mini bottles of bubbly. Add a personal touch with imprinted ribbon featuring your names or wedding date.
• Welcome Baskets for Out-of-Town Guests: What better way to say “thank you for coming” than with a Welcome-To-Texas-Ya’ll basket waiting at their hotel? Include water bottles, local snacks, a mini hangover kit and a personalized note. Bonus: You can tailor these to your wedding theme or Houston favorites like pralines, salsa or even Astros merch! Yee-haw!
• Parents & Vendors Thank You Gifts: Show appreciation to the people behind the scenes with a heartfelt, custom gourmet basket – e specially for planners, photographers or your venue coordinator who went above and beyond.
With nationwide shipping and same-day gift delivery in Houston, Design It Yourself Gift Baskets makes it easy to send personalized baskets no matter where your guests are traveling from!
5. Little Extras That Make a Big Difference
Don’t forget:
• Wedding website & RSVP tracking
• Seating chart planning
• Rain plan for outdoor venues
• Transportation & parking for guests
Details matter – and having a timeline (and maybe a wedding planner!) helps keep things stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Planning your dream wedding in Houston can feel like a lot, but when you break it down step-by-step – and lean on local resources – it becomes an exciting adventure.
And don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful gift. Whether you’re thanking your bridal party or surprising guests, custom gift baskets are a meaningful way to add a personal, unforgettable touch to your big day.
– Staff report, The Houston 100