My Big, Fat Montrose Wedding: A Starting Guide To Planning Your Big Day

You’ve found “the one” and it’s time to start planning the festivities. Want to keep everything in the neighborhood? From big productions to intimate ceremonies, Montrose has everything covered when it comes to venues, bridal shops, tuxedo rentals (or purchases) and wedding cakes. This is just a small sampling of what Montrose businesses have to offer in the way of nuptials. There are still jewelers, tailors, photographers, officiants and planners in the neighborhood waiting to be found.

Location, Location, Location

Avant Garden / 411 Westheimer
It’s a bar, it’s a performance art space it’s a…wedding venue? One of Avant Garden’s hidden talents is providing a unique, Bohemian space for couples exchanging vows and celebrating the big day. A front porch and back patio make for ideal outdoor options as well.

La Colombe d’Or / 3410 Montrose
With a Grand Ballroom, classic elegance and a European feel, La Colombe d’Or is an admittedly high-priced, but traditional choice for what could be a truly stunning event. One of the finest boutique hotels in the city, it also has an impressive art collection that would make for a beautiful wedding background.

Rothko Chapel / 1409 Sul Ross
Marrying spirituality and modern art, the Rothko Chapel is one of Houston’s most acclaimed and beloved landmarks. It also makes for an intimate, thoughtful space in which to hold a wedding ceremony. Base fees for a private event start at $1000, services may not last longer than an hour and photography and videotaping are not permitted inside the Chapel itself (though it is allowed on the grounds). To find out more details, visit their web page about private services.

Milford House / 1101 Milford
The nearly 100-year-old Milford House at the intersection of the Montrose and Museum Districts is part of the Italian Cultural & Community Center. Seating for up to 120 guests make it a homey, but sophisticated spot for wedding ceremonies and receptions. There are indoor and outdoor options that include a large, well-maintained lawn as well as a banquet hall, plus a fully functioning commercial kitchen.

Dress It Up

Marry Go Round / 807 W. Gray
This family-owned, appointment-only bridal boutique has an angle to dress shopping that makes it more affordable than most. All of the gowns in stock are on consignment, which means they are off-the-rack and priced to sell. Since all the inventory is controlled by whatever comes in at any given time, rather than a set ordering schedule, every visit is a surprise. You never know what gowns are waiting to be tried on.

Casa de Novia / 2040 W. Gray, Ste. 120

If names like Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Monique Lhuillier mean anything to you, Casa de Novia is going to be your best option to find “the dress.” The couture selection comes with one-on-one consultations with staff, who will guide you through the high fashion adventure.

A Sharp Dressed Man

Men’s Wearhouse / 1947 W. Gray
Dapper dudes looking for duds already know about Men’s Wearhouse, but grooms searching for tuxedos can also find plenty to rent here. Located in the River Oaks Shopping Center, they’re going to guarantee that you like the way you look before the big day.

Jos. A Bank Clothiers / 1984 W. Gray
The River Oaks Shopping Center is a hotspot in the neighborhood for marital menswear. Yet another option for tuxedo rental there is Jos. A Bank Clothiers, or for those looking for a more permanent arrangement, tuxedo purchases. Either will provide ample options for the discerning groom.

Let Them Eat Cake

Who Made The Cake / 1811 S. Shepherd
Making delicious cakes that look like works of art, baker Nadine Moon is sometimes referred to as a confectionary artist. Her elaborate layer cakes with intricate details are worthy of even the most extravagant of wedding ceremonies.

Jodycakes / By Delivery Only
Gluten-free, vegan and dietary restrictive cakes are a specialty of this Montrose baker who rents a commercial kitchen in the neighborhood to service clients. Jody Stevens was doing gluten-free before it was a buzz word and vegan before most Texans knew what the word meant. The best part is, you’ll never detect anything’s different with her cakes, which taste just as delicious as the ones filled with gluten, eggs, butter and dairy.

The Acadian Bakery / 604 W. Alabama
King cakes aren’t the only specialty of this Louisiana-inspired bakery. Tiered wedding cakes here are made with plenty of buttercream, with variations like fresh strawberry or Italian cream.

Satin Slices / 1701 Brun St. #100
It is said that we eat with our eyes first and Satin Slices certainly has that initial impression perfected with their artistic and elegant cakes. But, in the reality of feeding people, that cake also has to taste great when it’s sliced and served to wedding guests. In that sense, Satin Slices is a double threat: The cakes taste as good as they look.