About Dallas
Dallas is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas and is one of the largest cities in the United States. Built around the Trinity River, Dallas is known for its sprawling urban landscape, which provides ample opportunity for economic development and cultural exploration.
Aside from being an influential financial center within the United States, Dallas is also renowned for its iconic style of architecture—the ranch-style house—which has become a symbol of traditional American style across the nation. This architectural style has become a popular choice for those wishing to host large events in Dallas, such as corporate meetings or conferences, due to its flexibility and unique aesthetic quality that it lends to any event.
Many Dallas ranch-style houses contain terraces and patios that are perfect for outdoor activities during events—providing an ideal setting for socializing with friends or colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition, many of them feature outdoor fireplaces and fire pits that can be used to create an intimate atmosphere during special events like weddings or anniversaries. Filmmakers and photographers can also use these unique characteristics for their projects, particularly scenes of the suburbs, interior scenes, and lifestyle photography.
All these features make ranch-style locations in Dallas fantastic options for anyone who wants to organize successful gatherings or film and photo projects with ease.
Ranch-Style Event Options in Dallas
- Event Planner
Event planners are essential for organizing the entire event and ensuring that everything goes smoothly from start to finish. The event planner can create a timeline, coordinate all of the vendors, manage the budget, and help pick out decorations that are appropriate for the style of the event. They can also provide suggestions for activities like horseback riding or hay rides as well as coordinate entertainment such as live bands or DJs.
- BBQ
A BBQ is a great way to feed your guests in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while they enjoy the outdoor activities at your ranch-style event. Depending on your budget and preference, there are several options available when it comes to BBQ catering services. From pulled pork sandwiches to smoked ribs, you’ll find something that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds! There are also side dishes available such as potato salad, coleslaw, or baked beans which can make it even more delicious.
- Music
Music is an important aspect of any event and can help create an unforgettable atmosphere. For ranch-style parties, it’s best to pick music that creates a warm and relaxed vibe while still getting people on their feet dancing when needed. Country music is obviously one option but thinks outside the box by looking into genres such as bluegrass or folk too. Live bands are always great but if you’re working within a tight budget, DJs are just as good and may have access to more songs that fit your desired style of music.
Ranch-Style Event Vendors in Dallas
- Significant Events of Texas
When it comes to orchestrating remarkable events in the great state of Texas, Significant Events of Texas has become a premier planning provider. With founder Meredith Commender at the helm, Significant Events is known for being creative, efficient, friendly, and reliable. Meredith ensures that each event her team plans is unique, budget-friendly, and tailored to fit individual preferences. Keeping up with modern trends and techniques in the industry, Meredith creates successful events that not only look stunning but will leave lasting impressions. Significant Events of Texas serves clients within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and locations around the world with their social or corporate event needs.
- Fogo de Chão
For over four decades, Fogo de Chão has been perfecting the traditional fire-roasted churrasco cooking style of Southern Brazil that its founders grew up learning. By expanding its menu with Brazilian-inspired plates, award-winning cocktails, and wines, Fogo de Chão has continually pushed the boundaries of its craft to create a unique Brazilian churrasco experience. Through Bar Fogo concepts now available inside restaurant locations, guests can enjoy an array of menu offerings to cater to all tastes and preferences—from decadent butcher shop platters to convenient catering options and to-go dishes.
- Greg Luce Music
Greg Luce Music is a well-respected solo musician, specializing in playing various instruments and providing looping and DJ services for special occasions. He began playing the piano when he was 8 and discovered the guitar at age 17. After dedicating much of his life to honing his skills as a guitarist and songwriter, he has been performing professionally for 20 years in places like coffee shops, bars, private weddings, events, and larger corporate concerts with venues including the Hilton Anatole and the Perot Museum. Aiming to create an enjoyable music experience tailored to client needs, Greg Luce Music serves as an excellent choice for large or small events requiring live solo music or mobile DJ services.
Pros and Cons of Ranch-Style Locations in Dallas
Ranch-style locations in Dallas, Texas can be an interesting option for hosting special events like weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, and serving as a set for film and photo projects. While such venues may offer a unique and rustic charm to any event held there, it is important to consider the pros and cons before booking a ranch-style spot for a function.
Advantages
- From the sprawling acres of land to the stables full of horses, a ranch-style venue in Dallas provides a unique charm that traditional venues just don’t have.
- With so much land available on the property and sometimes even indoor spaces too, ranch-style spots provide ample space for guests to move around freely without overcrowding.
- Not all ranch-style locations are created equal. Some offer more flexibility than others when it comes to what kind of event can be hosted there. From horseback riding lessons and team-building exercises to cocktail hour and formal dinners, the options are seemingly endless when hosting an event at a ranch-style venue.
Disadvantages
- One potential drawback when considering a ranch-style location is the unpredictability of Texas weather patterns during spring and summer months.
- Unlike more traditional venues that usually have multiple amenities such as heaters or air conditioners nearby for temperature control purposes, most ranch-style spots don't have access to those same basic things.
- Depending on the size of the property grounds and its location (i.e., near highways), there could be potential noise disturbances caused by traffic or animals that may interfere with guests during your event.
Tips on How to Organize Ranch-Style Events in Dallas
Hosting an event at a ranch-style location in Dallas can be a unique way to add charm and southern hospitality to any gathering. Here are some tips on how to best prepare such a location for your special occasion.
- Consider the terrain: Before hosting an event, it’s important to consider the layout of the ranch-style property and account for any potential hazards or limitations. Make sure there is enough flat ground for guests to stand comfortably without tripping over uneven patches, as well as sufficient clearance between trees or buildings that may obstruct space needed for tents, chairs, and other decorations.
- Mind the weather: Texas can be known for its strong winds and blazing summer heat, so make sure you prepare your ranch-style location accordingly with appropriate emergency plans in case of inclement weather. This means stocking up on items like tents, tarps, fans, umbrellas, extra ice, and bottled water—just in case!
- Utilize existing structures: Ranch-style locations often include structures such as barns that may already be filled with rustic charm perfect for hosting events like weddings or family reunions. Consider decorating these spaces appropriately with bales of hay for seating and string lights hung from beams to create a warm ambiance.
- Incorporate natural elements: Nothing says "ranch style” quite like incorporating natural elements into an event. For example, use wildflowers from the area to create bouquets or centerpieces, set up lawn games like horseshoes or cornhole toss in open areas away from guests sitting areas, or offer hayrides around the property that will add a unique touch of fun!
- Have plenty of seating options: Make sure you have enough chairs and seating options ready for all your guests since many will likely be standing around talking during most of the event. Also, consider providing additional seating such as benches or couch cushions that allow people to sit back and relax while they enjoy their time at your ranch-style location in Dallas!
Famous Locations in Dallas
- Fort Worth Stockyards District
Take a trip back in time and experience the Wild West for yourself when you visit the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards District. Only 10 minutes away from downtown, it's an area rich in history, with several museums and stores to explore. The Stockyards Museum has displays tracing livestock history in Texas, as well as artifacts from its heyday as a bustling cattle market. Showcasing its Western heritage, the White Elephant Saloon boasts rustic decor and live music that pays homage to the past. Shop at local stores like The Cross-Eyed Moose, where you can find unique crafts and decorations made in Texas! Explore these historic streets for a chance to learn about this state's impactful cattle industry—you won't forget your adventure in the Wild West!
- The Dallas Cowboys Stadium
The Dallas Cowboys Stadium, or the AT&T Stadium, is truly a sight to behold. As the largest domed stadium in the world, visitors flock to the home field of America's team to take in the grandeur and revel in the atmosphere. With its gargantuan capacity of 80,000-plus fans and its impressive record of hosting major events such as Super Bowls, Final Fours, and international soccer games, there's no doubt this Texas venue is one of the greatest sports locales on Earth. Eventgoers can get even closer to the action with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium. You'll get unprecedented access to where players dress, the locker room, and even owner Jerry Jones's personal suite. Don't miss your chance to experience what it feels like to be part of the Dallas Cowboys' winning culture!
- Kiest Park Loop Trail
The Kiest Park Loop Trail in Oak Cliff, located southwest of Dallas, passes through 264 acres of Kiest Park and connects natural areas, a recreation center, formal gardens, playgrounds, athletic fields, and a CCC-era picnic area. The 2.8-mile trail offers scenic views of the Trinity River and is popular with birdwatchers and nature lovers. The trail is also adjacent to the Kiest Park Golf Course, making it a nice place to walk or run before or after a round of golf. There are several access points to the trail, so you can start your hike at any point along the route.