Finding vendors for your Texas Hill Country Wedding

Finding vendors for your Texas Hill Country wedding can be a daunting task, not to mention time consuming. Where does one even start? You may have cousin Josh who strums a pretty mean guitar that could play during your ceremony, or a friend in college that can make angelic music come from her cello. Or, remember that cool Texas Hill Country DJ you and the love of your life danced the night away to? Yes, there are those, but they may also come with a lot of unknowns. Will they be on time? How will they be dressed appropriately? Will they follow your instructions? Do you have someone who can manage all of them leaving you open to enjoy your event?

Ceremony & Reception Music

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Most brides either know exactly what they want and have mentally played through their entire wedding day from beginning to end a million and one times, or there are those that have an idea but don’t know where to start, and yet others that welcome input, guidance, recommendations and all they want is to show up on their special day and enjoy it, leaving all the planning to someone else. And there are the brides who want to do everything themselves, soup to nuts, as they say.

There is no right or wrong answer, but people have to be put into place to execute your event from beginning to end, period. And you probably won’t want cousin Lucy who has no experience whatsoever running the show. Weddings are never a one man/woman show, it is far too overwhelming. Especially for those brides planning a destination wedding, or those who are still going to school, or have just stepped into a new career field after college, where will all this planning time fit into their schedule?

Wedding Photographers, Photobooths, and More!

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Typically the first thing a couple secures is the venue. With that out of the way, most venues also offer either in-house catering or bartenders, wedding coordinating, bakers, or they offer preferred lists of vendors they have worked with before and trust and can guide you to your ‘vendor match made in heaven’.

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Decide what is the most important to you and budget from there. For some it is the venue, others it’s the food & beverages for their family and friends, there are those who cherish the decor and flowers, while some brides say it is the dress, and yet others say it is the sanctity of the union. If you can prioritize your preferences, then consider that in the financial aspect, and you will be well on your way to mapping out your big day.

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Here at Old Glory Ranch we take a lot of the guesswork out of your planning by offering an in-house experienced day-of wedding coordinator for your Chapel Hall wedding and reception, along with an experienced site manager who will handle the vendor details for your event. We also offer in-house fresh floral & decor which many of our clients have raved over saying their guests have commented on it being the most beautiful flowers they have seen at any wedding. That, and the full service we offer garner the most glowing reviews from our clients.

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Fireworks

Making your wedding cake as unique as your love

Unique Wedding ideas for the Texas Hill Country Bride

Every bride searches for unique wedding ideas for her special day. She wants to have a little flair that speaks of the couple and something that guests will long remember after the party. It  becomes harder and harder each year as couples try to find what speaks to them and hasn’t already been done a million times. Remember the ultimate compliment you might receive would be for someone who attended your wedding to duplicate your original idea at their event!

A lot will depend on what the hill country venue allows you to bring in, but the clients at Old Glory Ranch haven’t been any different from others in wanting that something unique. But, they may have come up with an idea or two that you haven’t seen before. Re-purposing something old into something new and different than its original intended purpose is a great way to start!

Try these on for size:

SIGN IN BOOK IDEAS:

A backdrop of ‘state’ related postcards for guests to write a personal note then place in the mailbox for the couple to read later.

Have a print of a tree depicting the couples names and date of their event, then provide small ink pads so guests can put their thumbprint ‘leaves’ on your tree [and don’t forget to have some wipes to remove the ink].

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Perhaps, if the couple’s last name isn’t too long, have canvas wrapped letters of the last name for guests to sign.

A vintage mailbox with note cards for guests to drop in.

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DECOR IDEAS:

A ‘fresh floral’ letter depicting the newlywed’s last name initial in a round bale of hay.

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Instead of a traditional cake stand, why not a vintage suitcase, maybe even one of your grandmother’s to add that personal touch! Or, open a vintage suitcase for gift cards, or maybe even serve donuts as a late night snack out of a vintage suitcase. We’re sure you can think of more creative things to do with one!

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GUEST GIFTS:

While they really aren’t necessary, guests do enjoy getting some kind of ‘take-away’ from your event to remember it by. Just remember to keep it simple and to be specific if the gift is for each guest or perhaps each couple and make a sign noting that.
If there’s a baker in your family, or a vendor you know and love that can make a tiny pie in a jar, or perhaps your grandmother wishes to participate some way and whips up homemade jam in a jar, add a little decor, and viola!

Another idea is to pre-bag guest gifts perhaps with a blend of the couples favorite coffee, burlap bag of peanuts, a S’mores kit for them to take home, a popcorn bar with flavored corn and bags/scoops, or even a packet of wildflower seeds. Be creative while keeping it personal.

 

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PHOTOS FOR DISPLAY:

A new twist on providing family photos in a tree that is great for limited spaces, and a keepsake for the newlyweds as well.

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SOMETHING BLUE:

Brides are incorporating their ‘something blue’ in their bridal gowns by having the date embroidered inside, or perhaps a blue tag with the event date. Or bedazzle your wedding shoes with a touch of blue.

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ASSIGNED SEATING:

It’s a love/hate thing when it comes to assigned seating. Some brides insist on seating charts where they can pair couples or singles together with people they know, other brides feel that only immediate family members and the bridal party should have a reserved table. Either way, if a seating chart is involved or perhaps place cards, have fun with it!

Another use for a vintage suitcase is to have tiny tags hanging on the inside with the guests name and table number, or get a chalkboard listing tables and the guests it includes. Or perhaps a distressed window pane with table numbers an guest names detailed.

 

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OUTSIDE CASUAL SEATING:

Yet another trendy idea is to have casual seating outside around the reception area where guests can relax and visit with others. Rental companies can deliver, or you can be creative using bales of hay with covers for that rustic flair.

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OTHER COOL IDEAS:

Grandmother’s tea cup or grandfather’s shaving mug filled with flowers as a cake topper

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Baskets of silk flowers lining the fence to the venue

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Date night jar w/wide flat wooden sticks for guests to offer ideas for a date, then drop in a mason jar for the couple to choose from later

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Bride & Groom Cut-outs – maybe place along the side of the road on the way to the venue with balloons!

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Lawn games – why not add some fun for cocktail hour with bean bag toss [corn-hole], ladder golf, washer toss, or other fun games.

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The main thing is to keep it easy, cost effective, and stay within your theme. Tons of ideas are also found on Pinterest, Etsy or for the DIY bride, visit thrift shops, stores like Michaels & Hobby Lobby are a good start.

Rehearsal Dinner Ideas- Make it Unique!

The Rehearsal Dinner is an age old tradition held after the wedding rehearsal.  With that being said, do your best to not let planning the rehearsal dinner be what causes you stress.  It should be a time to spend with family and friends while everyone is all together at the same time.

Here are a few ways to make it as it as unique as your love is:

Help break the ice for guests who have never met while giving them a chance to interact with each other.  Incorporate a unique theme or activity. Think lawn games, karaoke or a hill country scavenger hunt  where the last item on the list is the location of the dinner.  Some other fun ideas are to have a murder mystery or a casino night.

Hill Country Chuck Wagon Rehearsal Dinner

Hill Country Chuck Wagon Rehearsal Dinner

Have it catered by a food truck or chuck wagon. Thinking about having a dessert bar, fondue bar, or try a taco bar with miniature donkeys “serving” beer. Consider a mariachi band serenading your guests.  Speaking of bars, consider changing the traditional “dinner” to a lunch or brunch. This helps to ensure that your guests won’t burn out before the Wedding Day by over indulging in food and/or (mostly) drink the night before.

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Your Rehearsal Dinner is the perfect opportunity to get some of the toasts out of the way, present your bridal party and family with gifts,  spend time with people that you may not have the chance to at the wedding, and overall, a nice way to thank friends and family for their love and support!  Make sure to keep it as unique as your love, and your guests will remember it for a long time to come.

 

Miniature Donkey's with cold beverages & Mariachis to serenade your guests

Miniature Donkeys with cold beverages & Mariachis to serenade your guests

Weddings and children, perfect storm or perfect angel?

Now here’s an age old discussion, children at weddings. Most everyone has an opinion, one way or the other. Just how tactful can you be when it comes to someone’s precious little angel attending one of the most important days of your life?

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You and the love of your life are at the altar exchanging vows you’ve written especially for this occasion. You are pouring your heartfelt feelings out when all of the sudden a child starts wailing. And all eyes shift from you to the dear little one. Some brides won’t mind, others would rather avoid the questionable moment altogether.

What to Do?

If you are one of the brides that would rather avoid the situation. how do you avoid offending? Most people will be understanding, others will ignore your request and bring them in tow anyway, yes it happens.

If you do not want children at your wedding be sure not to include their name on the invitation. Stay positive.  Say “adult reception,” or perhaps, “we have reserved two seats for you”  rather than :no children allowed.”If you feel you will still have “violators” and are uncomfortable to address it personally, check to see if your venue has a room or area where children could be entertained and if they have suggestions for childcare or perhaps a children only party.

Some brides have made notecards for their greeters to give to guests who show up with children that might say something like this: “Thank you for sharing in our special day. We love your children but respectfully ask that if they are noisy or disruptive that they be removed during the ceremony so we may relish this special time in our lives.” If you are providing childcare you might also add that to your notecard and perhaps a note similar to: “In order that you to fully enjoy our special celebration worry free – we have provided childcare for the evening that includes pizza and special games for your little one’s enjoyment as well!”

 

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Children Being Children

While some children can be ‘adorably disruptive’, others can create chaos and may even be destructive. Children want to play, period. Some parents will be extremely attentive, while others are just there for a party night out. There are stories of ring bearers and flowergirls losing it when it comes their time to walk down the aisle, because with youngsters, you never know for sure what you’re going to get!

And you’ve no doubt heard other stories of wedding disasters involving the little ones such as punch being spilled on bridal gowns, broken dishware, guests tripping over them on the dance floor, finger marks on your cake or worse, and so on. All are true and no doubt have created stories for brides and grooms to share forever. Some couples get a good chuckle out of it while others wanted to handcuff the little offenders! No matter what you decide, make your wishes clear to your family members and guests.

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Here at Old Glory Ranch one of the perks offered is childcare for your guests little ones so everyone can enjoy your big day to the fullest.

Miniature donkeys at Old Glory Ranch

Miniature Donkey – Christopher Columbus

Our miniature donkey, Christopher Columbus, has his own unique story!

 

While Old Glory Ranch’s main focus is hosting amazing weddings and corporate events here in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Suzanne McCord, owner of the ranch, also raises and sells miniature donkeys. These adorable creatures have become quite popular and are often seen at events wearing brightly decorated wicker baskets and serving as “beer burros”!

New Addition

A new addition arrived on Old Glory Ranch in the form of a miniature donkey.  Named Christopher Columbus since he was born the day after Columbus Day 2014. His mother had a stillbirth in May of 2014 leaving us to believe she was no longer pregnant.  A twin birth is uncommon with miniature donkeys. So we were a bit surprised when she gave birth in October to little Christopher. He was a pretty tiny little guy and was rejected by his mother right away. More than likely because of ‘animal instinct’ feeling that he wasn’t the healthiest of babies. In order to keep him safe, we stepped in.

We tried surrogate mother miniature donkeys.  However, they also rejected him.  This left us with only one option to give the little guy the fighting chance he deserved. Thus, Christopher became a ‘bottle baby’ . He had lots of surrogate ‘Mothers’ in the form of Old Glory Ranch family and staff members.  They have fed him around the clock for many weeks.

He has delighted us with warm nuzzle greetings as we entered his pen to feed.  In fact, he has stolen a bit of each of our hearts. If he could crawl in your lap, he would [he even tries!]! While his beginning proved to be a tough struggle that included a couple bouts of pneumonia, and other infections which required antibiotic injections several times a day, we felt he was pretty much out of the woods as he neared his 2 month birthday.

We had been told by our vet that he will probably be very small even as an adult. For the first few visits to the vet he rode in the Old Glory Ranch manager’s pickup, not the trailer, but in the back seat of the truck like the ranch dog!

Million Dollar Donkey

Suzanne often refers to him as the ‘million dollar donkey’.  He is destined to be a permanent fixture here. One day he will earn his keep by becoming one of our working donkeys. Clients and guests of weddings and events can get to know him at their event.  He continues to follow us around more like a puppy than a donkey. He likes to frolic and play with the other baby donkey who is younger than him, yet nearly twice his size!

When this piece was initially started, Christopher gave us an additional scare with yet another infection, so rather than having a sad ending to his story, we wanted to give him plenty of time to become what is ‘normal’ for him before finishing the first chapter of his story. He has proven to be quite a fighter and bounced back from that infection and celebrated his 4 month birthday earlier this week!

Today [2/13/14] he will be completely weaned from the bottle and will continue to frolic and play with his donkey, canine, and human friends. He’s really quite the celebrity even greeted one of the UPS drivers this week who was a bit surprised at the sight! We think he could be the first of his kind, a ‘dogkey’!

See more photos of our adorable miniature donkeys.