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Hosting a wedding is certainly not an inexpensive undertaking. From the venue selection to the attire costs, it can all add up to an ungodly amount. If you've been reading this site for any length of time, you know we are always sharing ways to shave down your wedding costs without sacrificing your vision. We make it our mission to help our readers realize their wedding dreams without going bankrupt!
In addition to the number one budget hack to save on your wedding budget, we've identified an additional wedding budget tip that could save you thousands of dollars on your catering costs. Most couples want to provide their wedding guests with amazing food and drink to celebrate their big day. And we've discovered that alcohol costs, not food costs, are the real culprit behind rising catering costs. One way to greatly reduce your alcohol costs is to choose a venue that allows you to bring in your own booze (BYOB).
Venues licensed to serve liquor at their facilities typically mark-up the liquor they serve by 70-80%. Yes, you read that right---70-80%! Thus, finding a venue that allows you to bring in your own alcohol, could reduce your alcohol costs by 50-80%. Purchasing the liquor you want to serve at your wedding at a liquor store and then hiring a licensed bartender to serve the liquor to your guests could be a game-changer in your overall wedding budget.
We've identified 7 venues in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex area that allow couples to bring in their own alcohol to serve to their wedding guests. The fact that these venues are BYOB makes them affordable wedding venues. The fact that we've identified them makes them stunning venue options for couples looking to save on their wedding costs.
Related Content: How to Save on Your Wedding Budget without Sacrificing Your Vision
1. Hickory Street Annex | 501 Second Avenue, Dallas, TX 75226 | 214.828.1414
Hickory Street Annex is a historic brick warehouse venue, situated right next to downtown Dallas. This unexpected gem has windows on all four sides and a view of downtown, exposed brick walls, exposed steel trusses, wood ceiling, and concrete floors.
This venue only allows for one event per day, so your wedding day will be completely private for you and your guests. And their alcohol policy is fantastic--you can bring in all your own alcohol, as long as it is served by the staff of one of their approved caterers.
The ability to bring in your own alcoholic beverages can produce huge savings for you. Thus, this venue is a must-see for couples looking for an affordable wedding venue that also allows them to offer their wedding guests access to all that downtown Dallas has to offer!
Pricing: Available on website.
Capacity: 200 maximum capacity (exclusively indoors).
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2. Historic 512 | 512 West 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102 | 817.484.1544
Historic 512 is a boutique wedding and event venue located in downtown Fort Worth. Originally built as an Elks Lodge, the landmark building reflects both Fort Worth's 1920s architectural and social character and is the perfect place for your medium-sized wedding.
The venue allows couples to bring in their own alcoholic beverages and even has "BYOB packages" that include all the extras needed to serve alcohol at the venue (e.g., licensed bartender, cups, straw, ice, etc.).
All proceeds from the venue's rental income benefit the Center for Transforming Lives, which breaks the cycle of poverty for women and children through safe housing, early childhood development, and financial stability. Thus, not only will couples be securing a stunning venue while saving money on their wedding day, but they will also be supporting a good cause!
Pricing: Available on website.
Capacity: 160 maximum capacity (exclusively indoors).
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3. Clark Gardens | 567 Maddux Road, Weatherford, TX 76088 | 940.682.4856
Clark Gardens is a true hidden gem in the North Texas Hill Country. The 35-acre public botanic garden is tucked away between Weatherford and Mineral Wells, just outside Dallas/Fort Worth.
Clark Gardens is unique in that couples can choose from a variety of venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including two permanent reception tents and a breathtaking sandstone chapel, all creating the ideal location for an unforgettable event.
The beauty of the gardens cannot be denied. Decoration needs will be minimal as your guests will be mesmerized by the garden's stunning foliage and views. Combine that with the fact that couples can bring in their own alcohol to serve their guests and you've got a great recipe for saving money on your wedding day.
Pricing: Contact venue for details.
Capacity: 300 maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor spaces available).
Related Content: How to Buy a Stunning Wedding Dress Without Breaking the Bank
4. Stone Crest Venue | 160 Rockcrest Rd., McKinney, TX 75071 | 972.544.6848
Stone Crest Venue is a rustic, modern industrial event venue perched atop a high point overlooking miles of rolling countryside. Located on 20 acres, the stunning event space is 38 miles north of downtown Dallas and just 5 minutes from historic McKinney.
In addition to the venue's BYOB alcohol policy, the venue offers a ton of features: open vendor policy, tables and cross back chairs, uplighting, fire pit, waterfall, ice, indoor/outdoor speakers, dressing rooms, and paved parking.
The venue is both majestic and intimate. Your guests will be amazed at the stunning countryside views. And you'll love all the money you'll save on catering costs.
Pricing: Available on website.
Capacity: 275 maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor spaces available).
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5. The Room on Main | 2030 Main Street, 6th Floor, Dallas, TX 75201 | 214.742.1526
The Room on Main is a beautifully restored historic ballroom with natural wood floors, antique chandeliers, and 30-foot ceilings with 15-foot windows on three sides for great views. The 6,000 square foot ballroom will accommodate up to 320 people and is the perfect place to hold a grand wedding reception.
The venue's beauty speaks for itself and the open floor plan allows couples to configure the space in several different ways depending on the guest count. Their Instagram page is a great way to check out the various ways one can decorate the ballroom.
The Room on Main boasts an in-house caterer that provides both food and drink for all events. However, the venue has one exception to their required caterer--couples can provide their own alcohol on any day but Saturday. So, if you are not having your event on a Saturday, you can take advantage of their BYOB alcohol policy.
Pricing: Available on website.
Capacity: 320 maximum capacity (exclusively indoors).
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6. The 4 Eleven | 411 South Main, Fort Worth, TX 76104 | 682.703.0077
The 4 Eleven is a creatively restored, 1920s warehouse property located on historic South Main in Fort Worth. The venue combines a hip, urban aesthetic with a quaint, leafy garden, lots of vintage detailing, and a limitless potential for customization.
Wedding ceremonies and receptions can be held in the space and tables and chairs are included in the rental fee. The vendor policy allows couples to bring in their own alcohol as long as it is served by a licensed and fully-bonded bartender.
The venue space provides a ton of possibilities for decor. And you may be able to spend a little more in that area with all the money you'll save on your alcohol costs!
Pricing: Contact venue for details.
Capacity: 350 maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor spaces available).
7. Trinity River Audubon Center | 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217 | 214.309.5885
Trinity River Audubon Center is one of the most unique indoor-outdoor venues in Dallas. The stunning modern architecture of the venue coupled with the wildflower-studded prairie and a forest backdrop makes for a breathtaking event experience for your guests.
Located just 10 minutes from the city center, your guests will feel they've stepped into another world as they gaze out of the venue's floor-to-ceiling windows at the fabulous views of the prairie, wetlands, and forest outside.
Catering is exclusively provided by Boxwood Hospitality, but couples can provide their own alcoholic beverages. Be sure to check out the venue's Instagram page to see the stunning venue in action.
Pricing: Contact venue for details.
Capacity: 270 maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor spaces available).
If you do decide to go with a BYOB venue, make sure you understand all of the rules for serving alcoholic beverages at the venue (e.g., if you'll need a licensed bartender to serve the alcoholic beverages) and factor in any additional costs these regulations may require. Happy planning!
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