About Houston
Diverse and bustling, Houston is home to over two million people. As the biggest city in Texas, it's a major transportation hub located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southeast Texas. The world's largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions can also be found here. The city is also notable for its historical background, including being the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, which led to Texas' independence from Mexico. Houston's topography includes rolling hills and dense forests, as well as wetlands and prairies.
Lapped by the Gulf Coast's glimmering waves, this city is a sought-after site for weddings and other joyous occasions. For intimate occasions, Houston's multitude of small wedding venues provides a perfect backdrop for your big day— from the ceremony to the reception. By choosing one of these venues, couples can save significantly and have the freedom to select their desired time and date.
Small Wedding Options in Houston
- Photographers
Most photographers in Houston offer services for small weddings. Rates will vary depending on the photographer, the package chosen, and the number of hours required. Some photographers also include an album or prints in their packages.
- Makeup and Hairstyle Artists
Houston is home to a plethora of accommodating artists who specialize in crafting unique services for weddings, whether it's an intimate gathering or a more extravagant affair. Negotiable pricing specific to your individual needs makes booking the perfect talent easy!
- Florists
Florists in Houston, specializing in wedding arrangements, can supply flowers for the ceremony, reception, and other events. Small weddings usually have a smaller guest count, which can save on costs.
- Entertainers
When it comes to entertainment, the options are endless. From classic magicians to modern stiltwalkers, there's something for everyone. No matter your taste, you're sure to find an entertainer that will leave you delighted and amazed.
Small Wedding Vendors in Houston
- Wedding Cakes by Tammy Allen
For over ten years, Wedding Cakes by Tammy Allen has specialized in creating couture wedding cakes with unmatched sophistication and flavor. The company is widely sought-after for both its unique designs and delicious-tasting cakes. After noticing a lack of creativity and good taste at many wedding receptions, Tammy decided to open up her own company. Led by her humble example, Tammy's team of creative designers and pastry chefs have craftily designed cakes for countless clients. Her love for arts and crafts has made Tammy realize that there are endless cake design ideas out there waiting to be explored.
- "I Do!" Custom Elopements
"I Do!" Custom Elopements specializes in elopements and small weddings. They offer customizable packages to make your dream wedding a reality. The company strongly believes in love and beautiful beginnings. They will professionally plan, perform and photograph your wedding day at a much lower price than competitors. Why? Because they can! The company manages all of the difficult wedding preparations so that, on your special day, you only have to worry about saying "I Do."
- Access DJs
Access DJs is a small company that was established in 2006 to provide excellent coordination service, photo booths, lighting, and DJ services to its clients. They understand that every client is different and needs different amounts of time to explain their vision for a wedding or private event. Access DJs clients can work from any global location that has a WiFi signal. They provide Live Streaming for those friends or family members who can't make it to the event in person. The company is dedicated to providing the best possible service to the clients and will continue to enhance the online tools to make the event planning process as easy and stress-free as possible.
Pros and Cons of Small Weddings in Houston
Small weddings are a very popular type of wedding in current times. While there are some definite advantages to having a small wedding, there are also a few potential drawbacks:
Advantages
- Houston is home to many unique venues that offer stunning views, including downtown skyscrapers, gardens, and beachfront locations.
- From museums and art galleries to theaters and concerts, Houston has an abundance of exciting entertainment options for visitors who want to make the most out of their trip.
- The city boasts some of the best cuisines in Texas, with countless restaurants serving delicious traditional dishes as well as international fare.
Disadvantages
- Houston weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain or even hurricanes potentially disrupting event plans and causing stressful rescheduling.
- Traffic congestion in the city is also a potential issue, as it could cause delays for guests attending the wedding who are coming from outside Houston.
- It can be difficult to find vendors who have the capacity and availability to provide services for smaller weddings in Houston due to the popularity of larger events that require more staff and resources.
Tips on How to Organize Small Weddings in Houston
If you are planning a small wedding in Houston, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your special day:
- Early Planning: To ensure a successful small wedding in Houston, it is best to begin planning at least six to nine months prior.
- The Best Venue: Track down a Houston event venue that perfectly complements the size and style of your celebration.
- Vendors Involvement: Choose a vendor team who understands your vision and is experienced in organizing occasions similar to yours.
- Precise Timeline: Prepare a timeline for the wedding day that outlines everything that needs to be done before and during the ceremony.
- Unexpected Factors: Make sure to plan for any unexpected factors such as inclement weather or other natural disasters that could potentially disrupt or even cancel your celebration in Houston.
Famous Locations in Houston
- St Emanuel Street
St Emanuel Street in Downtown Houston is a quaint alternative to Main Street and a popular destination for dining and nightlife. Spanning a mere five blocks, the street is jam-packed with a variety of bars and restaurants, ranging from rustic bars to gourmet gastro pubs. For those seeking international flavors, you'll find everything from classic American grills to mouth-watering Vietnamese fare. But the street's entertainment options don't end there. Featuring a popular video arcade and live music venue, St Emanuel is a hidden gem for those seeking a vibrant night-time destination.
- Merchants and Manufacturers Building
The One Main Building, formally known as the Merchants and Manufacturers Building, is a well-known historic landmark located on the University of Houston–Downtown campus. This building is not only recognized as part of the National Register of Historic Places but also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and Contributing Building in Downtown Houston's Market Square/Main Street Historic District. Although the building was originally designed to host many people and events, the Great Depression kept people away when it first opened. The University of Houston-Downtown's history is significantly entwined with the One Main Building.
- The W. L. Foley Building
The W.L Foley Building, a popular Houston landmark well known for its post-reconstruction design by an architect and artist Lee Benner, was first constructed in 1860. It burned down in 1889 but was rebuilt soon after. The building again caught fire in 1989 and famed architect Eugene T. Heiner was hired to redesign the building according to new code restrictions. The W. L. Foley Building at 214-218 Travis St in Houston, Texas is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark named after John Kennedy's son-in-law, WL Foley. In 1889, he rebuilt the portion of the original building that was lost and tutored his nephews in this same building who later went on to found the Foley Brothers' store.
