How did you pick between two venues?

You choose the one that "speaks to you" - We were 99% sure on a venue and with a little more looking a different one popped up and everything about it just said "this is it" - The right venue shouldn't be a hard decision it should just make sense... At least in my opinion.

What does your FH say?

For us, cost was a BIG factor, but it sounds like you don't have that problem, since they are close in price. My next priority was a place that could have ceremony/reception in the same location.

If I were you, I would think about (even list) my priorities for my wedding. In our case, it's 1. great food; 2. great music; 3. all the people we love in attendance. I know I can't really control #3, but I'm doing what I can. For example, we decided against a destination, because most of our people are local, and not rich, so it would have been difficult for many to attend a destination wedding. Also, the food choices were probably what decided it for us. So, which of your two places has better food? Have you done a tasting?

My fiance and I had it narrowed down to 2 venues as well. We took costs, decorations, and convenience all into consideration. For 1 venue we would have to decorate, find a caterer and bartender but it was MUCH cheaper. For the other the venue provided a caterer, bartender, and wedding planner. And its at a hotel so our guest and us can go upstairs right after the wedding. We ended up going with the 2nd choice because it was less work put on us (even though its more expensive)

It sounds like avant garden is a better choice

View Quoted Comment He hasn’t seen either one so I’m thinking he will be the final decision.

My fiance and I toured four different venues. There were 2 that we really liked, but the one we picked, we both fell in love with and we both immediately knew that it was the one we wanted. It allows for us to have the things that were most important to us, and we absolutely love everything about the space and could see ourselves getting married there. I would suggest touring both options with your fiance, and see if one just feels like a better fit for you.

View Quoted Comment Well, Houston Aboretum would have catered in food if we went that route. Right now we were hoping for just cake/punch reception. Once you add in a full blown reception at Houston Arboretum, the cost isn’t worth it.


Avant- Garden has a food truck on site that has a food truck on site. It’s not the only option, but the truck has racing reviews. Avant Garden is a restaurant/bar so the food truck has great reviews from Houston locals and well as past wedding guests.

If they're close to cost, I would personally choose the one that I would get more for. Were you opting out of open bar and food truck because of cost?? You say they offer those things but is that already included in the price that makes them so close or would those things still cost extra?? Also if your wedding is during a regular meal time, I'd definitely opt to go with Avant to be able to provide a full meal.

It sounds like Avant Garden will be less of a headache & offers more possibilities!

View Quoted Comment We were opting out of a sit down meal and open bar because of cost. We didn’t feel Houston Arboretum was worth the price for the full reception space considering bring in vendors for bar tending, alcohol, etc would add additional costs. Our original plan was to have a cake and punch reception at a non-meal time instead.


Avant Garden - meal is extra but the food truck is on site and gets great reviews. There is a minimum $1,500 open bar tab included in the rental. If you add in a few extras like florals, cake, DJ - the complimentary open bar tab increases.

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Ah. Ok. Well with that being said then, I guess it would just depend on which venue you want more. The great thing is you can still have your cake and punch reception at either or. $1,500 is a pretty good starting price to be included as far as the bar but is it mandatory?? Like could you just do cake and punch and still use the food truck?? Because if you rather not have the bar because of cost, I wouldn't want to be forced to use the bar unless you think the $1,500 would be a big help in choosing to go with it after all.

View Quoted Comment That’s a good question! I’m putting it on my list to ask when we tour the venue. Thank you for your input!

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No problem. Wishing you the best!

While I love food from food trucks, I don't necessarily think they are the best option for a wedding. Last year, my husband and I attended a charity event and they had one food truck. The line was insanely long so it took forever so unless you have a ton of time for your meal planned then I wouldn't go this route. If you only want cake and punch then you'd need to have your reception at a non-meal time otherwise guests will expect a meal.

I had this issue! We toured two venues that we loved and were similar in price, but otherwise they were very different and it was so tough! Ultimately, I realized I was more excited about one, and found myself imagining how I would lay it out. It also had more logistical pros (closer to our home, easier access to an airport for traveling guests).


I feel like if you find yourself thinking about one more, and can *really* envision your wedding there, then that’s the one! If there’s something about one of them that will be easier for you or your guests, I think that’s also a valid reason to choose one over the other! My mom really helped by reminding me that both were good options and either would be the correct choice, which sounds like it applies to you as well

View Quoted Comment My FH and I are going to look at both tomorrow. We are going to pro/con list what we like and deep dive into the expenses. I’m really hoping we feel the “this is the one” vibe with one of them when we are touring together. Avant Garden does have a lot more, but I would hire a wedding planner for the Aboretum so it’s not my “headache” to deal with the day of and the weeks leading up to the big day.

View Quoted Comment With the cake and punch reception, we planned to have the ceremony and reception between 1p-4p. We also planned to let everyone know via the invitation that it is a cake and punch reception. I want guests to be prepared.


I didn’t think of the long line of the food truck! That’s another question I will add to my list. Thank you for your input.

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You're welcome I definitely think it would be a good idea to let guests know beforehand because if I was attending a wedding starting at 1 pm I would probably expect lunch/early dinner. My normal lunch time is right around 12:30-1 pm.

View Quoted Comment When would be the ideal time for the reception then? I asked about the etiquette of this in another discussion. We are getting in December so a lot of other Brides said noon to five window since it gets dark at five.

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Personally, I'm not a huge fan of cake and punch receptions because I found it hard to pick a time that guests might not be expecting a meal to be served. Every wedding I've ever been to they have had a full meal. I think ideally the 1-4 pm like you said would probably be the best, but I would just put in on the invitation that way guests know to ahead of time.