Congratulations—you’re engaged! 🎉 Now comes the first big decision in your wedding planning journey: choosing the right venue. But with so many beautiful options around Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton, the excitement can quickly turn into decision fatigue.
Should you go rustic or modern? Indoors or outdoors? Inclusive or DIY? It’s no wonder this step feels daunting—your venue determines the look, feel, and flow of your entire wedding day.
You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. Let’s break it down and simplify the process.

You’ve found a venue that’s beautiful, convenient, and fits your guest count—but there’s one catch:
You have to use their in-house catering.
Suddenly, your food vision gets blurry. Maybe the menu options feel generic. Or worse, the minimums blow up your budget. For many couples planning weddings in Dallas, Fort Worth, or North Texas, this has become a frustrating and familiar roadblock.
If you’ve ever thought “Why can’t we just bring in the food we love?”—you’re not alone. In fact, you’re part of a growing trend.

If you're newly engaged and planning a wedding in North Texas, one of the first big decisions you'll face is this:
Do we want the flexibility to bring in our own catering—or do we want an all-inclusive package that handles everything for us?
It’s a valid question, and one that brings a lot of pressure. Because once you make this decision, it impacts everything—your timeline, your budget, your vendor list, and even your stress level.
If you're feeling torn between DIY freedom and bundled convenience, you're not alone. Let’s explore the pros and cons of both options—and how venues like Hawthorn Hills offer the flexibility to meet you wherever you are.

The moment you start wedding planning, you hear it over and over: “Book your venue first!”
And it’s true—securing your venue sets the tone, budget, and timeline for everything else. But with so many gorgeous wedding venues in North Texas, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or even a little rushed.
Venue tours are supposed to be exciting—but for many couples, they end up adding to the confusion.
At Hawthorn Hills - we're changing that.

It’s official: you're engaged, you’ve chosen a wedding date, and the countdown is on. But then it hits you—half your guest list is traveling from out of town, maybe even out of state. You want them to feel welcomed and cared for, not just show up for a few hours and leave.
Whether you’re planning a North Texas destination wedding or inviting loved ones from afar, creating a thoughtful wedding weekend itinerary is one of the best ways to elevate your entire celebration. And it doesn't have to be complicated.

​You're nearly done planning your North Texas wedding—and then it hits you. You’ve locked in your vendors, your venue, and your budget... but what about tips? Who do you tip? How much? And what’s expected in the Texas wedding world? 
Is tipping even a thing? 
It’s one of the most searched (and least talked about) topics in wedding planning.
Let’s make it simple.

Feeling Lost in the Numbers? You’re Not Alone.
​You’re planning your dream wedding in North Texas, but suddenly every Pinterest idea has a price tag. How much should flowers cost? What’s a realistic venue budget? Is it normal to feel like you're planning a small-scale production?
Take a breath—you’re not alone. And the good news? You don’t need a finance degree to figure this out.

You’re newly engaged, riding the high of saying “yes,” and then—boom. Everyone starts asking: “Have you picked a date yet?” Suddenly, what should be exciting feels like pressure. If you're feeling stuck on choosing a wedding date in North Texas that works for both you and your guests, you're not alone. Many couples feel paralyzed by the options and logistics. We see it all the time—and we’re here to help you find your perfect fit.

Walking into a gorgeous venue like Hawthorn Hills can feel magical—but also intimidating. You’re excited, maybe a little nervous, and trying to remember what you should be asking so you don’t miss something crucial.
Don’t worry—we’ve got your back.

​Money and family — two topics that can get emotional fast, especially when planning a wedding. Whether your parents are offering to help pay or you’re covering the wedding yourselves, it's common to feel unsure how to navigate expectations, boundaries, and finances.