How to Incorporate Houston’s Culture into Your Wedding

Planning your big day in the heart of Texas means you have the opportunity to infuse your wedding with the rich, vibrant culture that makes Houston truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re a native Houstonian or simply in love with the city’s bold spirit, there are countless ways to celebrate local flavor, music, and style at The Venue 116. From southern hospitality to Tex-Mex flair, here’s how to bring Houston home on your wedding day:

Serve Up Iconic Houston Cuisine

No wedding in Houston is complete without a taste of the city’s famous culinary scene. Give your guests a true flavor of Texas by incorporating:

• BBQ stations featuring brisket, ribs, smoked sausage, and jalapeño cornbread
• Tex-Mex flair like mini tacos, chips and queso bars, or street corn shooters
• Cajun and Gulf Coast seafood options like crawfish étouffée, fried oysters, or shrimp and grits
• Late-night bites inspired by local food trucks—think kolaches, breakfast tacos, or Whataburger sliders

Consider working with one of our preferred partners, Churrascos, Two Forks, or Cafe Natalie to create a custom menu that blends your favorites with local staples.

Feature Local Craft Beverages

Houston boasts a thriving craft beer and spirits scene. Elevate your bar service with:

• Local breweries like Saint Arnold, Karbach, or Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co.
• Custom cocktails using spirits from regional distilleries such as Yellow Rose or Whitmeyer’s

Bonus: Host a tasting-style bar where guests can sample a flight of Houston-made beverages during cocktail hour.

Set the Tone with Local Music

Music is at the heart of Houston culture. Showcase the city’s sounds by:

• Hiring a local jazz band, Zydeco group, Tejano ensemble, or country singer to perform live
• Creating a playlist with Houston legends like Beyoncé, Bun B, ZZ Top, or Robert Glasper
• Booking a DJ who understands the local vibe and can blend hip hop, R&B, country, and Latin hits seamlessly

Want a personal touch? Surprise your guests with a live second-line-style entrance or dance-off set to classic Houston tunes.

Incorporate Houston-Inspired Decor

Transform The Venue 116 with design elements that reflect the city’s character:

• Color Palette: Warm terracottas, deep blues, and metallics inspired by Houston’s sunsets and skyline
• Table Names: Name tables after local landmarks like Buffalo Bayou, The Heights, or Hermann Park
• Florals and Greenery: Use Texas wildflowers, succulents, and magnolias to nod to local landscapes
• Custom Signage: Add murals, calligraphy, or LED signs that echo Houston’s street art or iconic “We ❤️ Houston” vibe

You can even set up a photo booth backdrop with the Houston skyline or install a mini Astros or Rockets-inspired lounge area for guests to enjoy.

Give a Texas-Style Send-Off

End the night with a bang—literally or figuratively:

• Hand out mini bottles of hot sauce or custom koozies with Houston-themed designs as favors
• Do a sparkler send-off with a Texas twist—think cowboy hats, boots, or a getaway truck wrapped in Houston decals
• Treat guests to a confetti cannon or indoor fireworks during your final dance, celebrating the big-city energy that Houston is known for

The Venue 116, with its rustic charm and modern amenities, is the perfect blank canvas to bring your Houston wedding vision to life. Whether you go all-out or sprinkle in subtle nods, incorporating local culture is a heartfelt way to celebrate your love and the city that shaped it. Let your wedding tell your story—with a Houston twist.