How to Plan the Perfect Wedding in 2015

2015 is here, and the new wedding season is being ushered in. Your wedding day is monumental, and it should go off without a hitch. If you want a successful wedding, then it needs to be properly planned.

As one of the prime wedding venues in Houston, Chateau Polonez has hosted a great number of weddings throughout the years We know a thing or two about wedding ceremonies, and our tips will help you plan the perfect wedding for 2015.

Refine Your Vision

The images of a perfect wedding have likely danced inside your head countless times. You've replayed the matrimonial ceremony like a movie scene—it’s your dream to see the real wedding play out like you've always wanted it to.

Your vision is paramount. With all of the ideas floating around on the internet, or on television, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You may feel inclined to try too many things out. Don’t get distracted. Really think about how you want your wedding to look and feel, and start taking the steps to materialize that vision.

A good wedding needs a cohesive vibe, so you should refine your vision to achieve that.

How Does Your Budget Fit?

Think about your budget seriously and realistically. How does it fit into your vision? If your ideal wedding is filled to the brim with extravagant ideas, but your budget doesn't match it, then you’re setting yourself up for failure. You need to figure out where the money for the wedding will be coming from, and how much it will be. Then you should create a checklist of the things that you would like to see in your wedding. Be willing to compromise on some of these wishes, as you will probably not be able to carry out every entry that’s on your list. Don’t plan for a wedding that’s beyond your means, as that’s a surefire path to pure disappointment.

Secure as Much Help as Possible

Enlist your friends and family members to help out with the planning and execution of the wedding. If you have a job or task that a friend or family member is capable of doing, use them; don’t hire outside help. This will give you more breathing room on your budget.

On the other hand, don’t skimp on outside help if your crew cannot handle a task. If you want a good DJ, then don’t use your cousin who has very limited experience in that department. When called for, hire professional help.

Use the Venue to Set the Vibe

The space that you choose to conduct the ceremony and the reception is the first, most important element in setting the tone for the wedding. If you want, say, a romantic feel to your wedding, perhaps you could choose the indoor ballroom at Chateau Polonez; if you want something more earthy and nature-inspired, then you could opt for our outdoor gazebo and lake. Most wedding venues in Houston do not have this type of variety—you have a wealth of options to secure the vibe that you’re looking for.

Your wedding is a special day and it needs careful planning. Get started on planning it today and reserve the best wedding venue in Houston by calling us at 281.655.5656

Tips to Stay Organized while Planning a Wedding

Every bride agrees that planning a wedding can be a very stressful experience. They work hard to sort out every last detail, but no matter what, something will always slip through the cracks. There are just too many plates in the air and if a bride isn’t organized, the unexpected is always certain to rear its ugly head.

While the stress of planning a wedding cannot be escaped, there are certain things every bride can do to help ease this process. While many brides-to-be are likely muttering “wine” under their breath, the answer to easing the stress of a wedding is organization. Some brides take to this notion naturally, while others need a little guidance. At Chateau Polonez, our team has seen every type of bride and every kind of wedding. With this experience, we have compiled a list of tips to help you stay organized and sane for your special day.

1. Create a Master TO-DO Document: Trust us; this document will be your direct link to sanity. While the list will look long at first, the feeling that comes with crossing off responsibilities will make it all worthwhile. Start with a notepad and pen and write down everything that needs to be done before the wedding. After your list is complete, type it up in a Word document. One way to make this list look less terrifying is to break up the responsibilities by deadline or month. This helps you track the essentials that need to be accomplished right NOW, while you let the other duties wait until it’s appropriate.

2. Add all of important dates to your calendar: This calendar will be your lifeblood. Use this calendar to help you keep track of when invitations need to be sent out, when your caterer needs the final head count, when you need to have decisions finalized, and any other important dates that come to mind. You can use a personal notebook, an online calendar, anything that you know will keep you updated and organized. Some brides will even set alarms on their cell phones. Whatever works, just make sure you keep this calendar up-to-date and check it often.

3. Keep track of your vendors: From the flowers, to the food, to the cake, keeping track of vendors is essential. Whether they’re on your computer or in a wedding planning notebook, make sure you have a detailed list of each of your wedding vendors’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. This organization will give you easy access to their information throughout the planning process.

4. Keep all of your wedding-related items in one spot: Whether it’s creating a specific folder in your email, a box in your bedroom, or a notebook that’s crammed with post-its and notes, it’s important to keep all your wedding-related information in one place. When it comes time for your special day, no bride wants to frantically search for their marriage license or the number to the caterer who has yet to arrive. If you keep everything in one central location, you will know exactly where to look and increase your chances of finding what you need.

5. Plan to delegate: When it comes to planning a wedding, no bride is capable of doing everything on her own. A major part of staying on top of planning a wedding is being able to delegate responsibilities. While not every bride will trust her fiancé to take on certain tasks, there are some things they can be trusted with. Along with your partner, friends and family are often eager to help make your special day special. Let them! If there are tasks you can pass along, don’t be afraid to ask. Once you do delegate though, this does require more organization. Keep a list of the things you pass on to others so you don’t lose track of who’s doing what.

When it comes to planning your own wedding, you don’t have to follow these tips perfectly. Everyone knows what works for them, so whether it’s organized chaos or a color-coded calendar, do what works best for you and your planning process. All that matters is you save the extra stress disorganization brings, while getting ready to enjoy your special day. For more information about planning your wedding or for other tips, please contact the knowledgeable team at Chateau Polonez, by calling 281-655-5656 visiting us at ChateauPolonez.com.

3 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

At Chateau Polonez, we work with a variety of brides. Some know exactly what they want out of their special day, while others need a little guidance. When it comes to choosing the right photographer to document your wedding, this is no small task. These photos will capture a moment in time – you and your groom’s happiest day together. The pressure is most certainly on when making this decision. Brides need to find the ideal photographer who shares their vision. Since choosing the right photographer is such an important element to any wedding, the knowledgeable staff at Chateau Polonez compiled a list of top tips to help you get started.

1. Be a Detective: Before starting the interview process, it’s important to take the time to do your homework. This starts with researching different photographers in your area. Take a look at their style. Does it suit your wedding? If you’re having a traditional wedding, as fun as the edgy or bold photographer photos look, they may not suit the surroundings – this is why finding the right style of photographer is imperative. Finding the ideal style of photos for the setting and décor of your wedding is another way to narrow down photographers.

Once you have found a few you like, it’s time to assume an investigative role. Read reviews from past clients, look at their social media accounts, go through their portfolio, and see how they respond to client feedback on their social accounts. All of these elements combined will not only give you an idea of their style and track record, but also their personality. It’s important you have a gauge of whether or not you and this person will get along. If you don’t see you two meshing, move on. No bride has free time to waste on interviews. If you love everything you see, then call and see if they’re available on your wedding date. If so, it’s time for an interview.

2. Check Your Chemistry: The interview process is of the utmost importance before choosing a photographer for your wedding. Do they follow direction well? Will they take the “cheesy” picture that you asked them to? Or, will they refuse because of integrity? Before your in-person meeting, you should have a clear vision of your wedding and an idea of what kinds of photos you’re looking for. This is not only a time for the photographer to display their expertise as you go over photo ideas, but to also see how you get along.

If they’re condescending to your ideas, they won’t work. If they just sit there and nod, then you know you’re working with someone who will need a lot of direction – that’s not your responsibility and this type of person won’t work either. If they take your suggestions and offer further ideas, then you have found your photographer. The interview is also an ideal time to go over your rights. For example, there are many professionals who contractually own the rights to all of their photos. This means that they can use your wedding photos for their own promotional materials. This also means that you can’t post digital proofs or print the images with a third party, without infringing on copyright. If any of these factors make you uncomfortable or seem to be counterintuitive to the cost of photos that you don’t actually own, then you won’t want to work with these companies.

The in-person interview is a great time to go over full wedding albums with a critical eye, compare packages (along with hidden fees), and cover all of your concerns. This may require proper preparation and research beforehand, but the initial legwork can save you headaches and surprises in the long-term.

3. Confirm Production Details: Many professional photography companies have multiple photographers on staff. If you interviewed the lead photographer and loved their style, then make sure they will be the one actually taking the photos on your special day. Every bride hates last-minute surprises and having a photographer you don’t know show up can be a devastating shock.

When going over the contract, make sure this factor is covered. It’s also a good idea to have a plan B of a back-up photographer from the company who can fill-in if absolutely necessary. (Yes, this is another person you’ll have to interview and screen, but this contingency plan helps you fully check off this item on your to do list.) Before the day of the shoot, it’s also important to cover how long it will take to get your photos. Many photographers can take up to a month to retouch, resize, and edit your wedding photos. If this timeline doesn’t work for you, this needs to be included in the contract as well.

We all know that planning a wedding is a stressful endeavor. There’s a lot of research, proper planning, and details that can’t go ignored. However, finding the right photographer for your special day cannot be discounted as a detail. No matter who you choose, keep in mind that a lot rests on the shoulders of the surroundings. When planning a wedding in the Houston area, Chateau Polonez is a top Houston wedding venue and gives brides the scenery they need for memorable photos. We only host one wedding a day, meaning our grounds are open to brides – giving you plenty of room to roam and get that perfect shot in a beautiful setting. Chateau Polonez is here to help you make lasting memories.

Feel free to contact us with any questions by calling 281.655.5656 or visit us online at ChateauPolonez.com.

Why Chateau Polonez Shines as One of the Premier Outdoor Wedding Venues in Houston

Spring is in the air, and that means that wedding season is right around the corner. Luckily, it's not too late to find and book one of the leading wedding venues in Houston as long as you know where to look, and what to look for.

Chateau Polonez is one of the best outdoor wedding venues in Houston, and there are a number of great reasons to consider their property and what they have to offer. Here, learn more about them and why so many couples in the area are choosing them as their venue.

Expansive & Gorgeous Outdoor Property: As opposed to outdoor Houston weddings tucked away in some tiny courtyard, at Chateau Polonez, weddings are held on a gorgeous and expansive five acre property. The property features well manicured, lush landscaping, and naturally wooded grounds and gardens. It's a spacious area with many smaller features, and it's also a private, gated property.

Elegance & Beauty: Every aspect of the architecture and interior design at Chateau Polonez offers elegance and beauty. Guests will be in awe as they pull up to the circle drive entrance with porte-cochère. Then, their jaws will drop when they see the double staircase and domed ceiling and chandelier.

The Grand Ballroom: The gorgeous grand ballroom is a wonderful compliment for either the ceremony or reception of your wedding. You'll love the tall, vaulted ceilings and chandeliers, the windows and balconies, and every other detail. Unlike other wedding venues in Houston, the ballroom gives you the flexibility to host one aspect of your wedding in an elegant indoor space.

One Event Per Day: Have you been worried about wedding venues in Houston which host two, three or even more events on the same day, in or around the same space? At Chateau Polonez, each wedding takes center stage, and is the only event on the property for the full day. You and your guests will be able to enjoy the entire property and grounds without intrusion.

Weddings of Any Size: Chateau Polonez can accommodate up to 350 guests. No matter how large or small your wedding is, and what kind of atmosphere you're trying to create, they'll ensure that you find the space and the layout which works.

Take Advantage of Intimate Areas: While the property is large, and can accommodate the largest of Houston weddings, there are also smaller and more intimate spaces. These are perfect for smaller weddings, as well as more private moments during larger affairs, or photo shoots. Take advantage of the intimate wooded fireplace courtyard and the gazebo which overlooks the pond, or use the back terrace as a wonderful cocktail hour spot. Indoors, there are more intimate areas, including the bar and parlor with fireplace, and the spacious dressing chambers for both the bride and the groom.

Inclusions: Unlike other outdoor wedding venues in Houston, they provide everything you need with your rental of our property. This includes dining chairs and linens, dinnerware and glassware, setup and cleanup, a variety of menu and bar packages, custom floor plans, the assistance of a day-of banquet manager, and even security staff.

You'll have no shortage of options for venues hosting Houston weddings. Of course, not all venues are created equally. At Chateau Polonez, they pride themselves on the experience they provide for every couple who ties the knot with their friends and family at the property. They know you'll love the look and feel of your wedding, the gorgeous and elegant spaces, and every detail of the venue, and they'll work hard to customize a unique, tailor-made day just for you.