Welcome to Glass Oaks Ballroom
Coordination: @trulytogethereventco
Venue, Catering + Bar: @renaustinhotel
DJ, Lighting + Photobooth: @greenbeltdj
Photographer + Videographer: @mattmontalvophoto
Officiant: @shortandsweetweddings
Florist: @monarchfloralsatx
Rentals: @monarcheventatx
Baker: @michellespatisserie
Hair + Make-up:@lolabeautyatx’
The Complete Guide to Planning Your Wedding at Glass Oaks Ballroom (Austin, TX)
If you're planning your wedding at Glass Oaks Ballroom, you've already chosen one of the Austin area's most elegant venues. With its grand ballroom, beautiful outdoor ceremony space, and convenient location, Glass Oaks offers couples the flexibility to create a wedding that's both timeless and uniquely their own.
As Austin wedding DJs, we've performed at countless weddings throughout Central Texas and have learned what makes a Glass Oaks wedding run smoothly. This guide answers many of the questions couples ask while planning their big day.
How Much Does a Wedding DJ Cost in Austin?
Wedding DJ pricing in Austin typically falls into these ranges:
Budget DJs: $800–$1,200
Professional wedding DJs: $1,500–$2,500
Premium entertainment companies: $2,500–$5,000+
Most couples getting married at Glass Oaks Ballroom invest between $1,800 and $2,800 for professional DJ and MC services.
While price matters, experience is often the bigger difference. Your DJ isn't just playing music—they're coordinating your reception timeline, managing announcements, working with your photographer, and keeping guests engaged throughout the evening.
A quality DJ can make your wedding feel effortless.
Sample Wedding Reception Timeline
Glass Oaks Ballroom works beautifully with a traditional reception timeline.
5:00 PM – Ceremony
5:30 PM – Cocktail Hour
6:30 PM – Grand Entrance
6:40 PM – First Dance
6:45 PM – Welcome Toast
6:50 PM – Dinner Service
7:40 PM – Parent Dances
7:50 PM – Toasts
8:10 PM – Cake Cutting
8:20 PM – Open Dancing
10:00 PM – Last Dance
Every wedding is different, but having a detailed timeline keeps vendors synchronized and allows guests to simply enjoy the celebration.
Ceremony Music Checklist
One of the most overlooked parts of wedding planning is selecting ceremony music.
Here's everything you'll need:
Prelude Music
Played while guests arrive.
Seating of Family
Separate songs for parents and grandparents (optional).
Wedding Party Processional
The music that accompanies bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Bride's Entrance
The biggest musical moment of the ceremony.
Unity Ceremony (Optional)
If you're lighting a candle, pouring sand, or participating in another unity ritual.
Recessional
The celebration music after you're officially married.
Postlude
Music while guests exit toward cocktail hour.
Planning these selections early helps your DJ coordinate every cue perfectly.
Reception Entrance Ideas
The grand entrance sets the tone for your reception.
Some popular options include:
Classic Introduction
Elegant introductions followed by the couple entering together.
Individual Wedding Party Introductions
Each pair enters with their own personality.
Sports Team Style
High-energy introductions complete with crowd interaction.
Dancing Entrance
The entire wedding party dances into the ballroom.
Private First Dance
Skip the introductions altogether and surprise guests with your first dance.
Glass Oaks Ballroom's spacious reception area makes every entrance feel dramatic.
Father-Daughter Dance Ideas
Some timeless favorites include:
My Girl – The Temptations
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
Isn't She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
You'll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
I Loved Her First – Heartland
Don't feel limited to slow songs. Many fathers and daughters choose upbeat songs that reflect their personalities.
Mother-Son Dance Songs
Popular choices include:
Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw
A Song for Mama – Boyz II Men
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
You'll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
The best song is one that feels meaningful—not necessarily the most popular.
Outdoor Ceremony Sound at Glass Oaks Ballroom
If you're using the outdoor ceremony space, professional sound equipment is essential.
Even intimate ceremonies require:
Wireless microphones
Battery backup
Speakers positioned for guest coverage
Wind protection
Music playback for every ceremony moment
Many couples assume their voices will naturally carry outdoors. In reality, even light wind can make vows difficult to hear just a few rows back.
Professional ceremony audio ensures every guest hears every word.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Reception
Glass Oaks Ballroom offers flexibility depending on your vision.
Indoor Reception
Pros:
Climate controlled
Better acoustics
Weather-proof
Elegant lighting
Comfortable year-round
Outdoor Reception
Pros:
Beautiful sunsets
Natural scenery
Open atmosphere
Great for spring and fall
For Texas weddings, many couples choose an outdoor ceremony followed by an indoor reception—the best of both worlds.
Should You Hire a DJ or a Band?
Both options can create incredible weddings.
Wedding DJ
Pros:
Thousands of songs
Original recordings
Seamless transitions
Professional MC services
Lower overall cost
Continuous dancing
Live Band
Pros:
Live performance energy
Unique atmosphere
Great visual entertainment
Cons:
Higher cost
Breaks between sets
More limited song selection
Many Glass Oaks Ballroom couples choose a DJ because they want maximum flexibility while keeping guests dancing all night.
Best Months to Get Married in Texas
The most popular wedding months are:
March
Comfortable temperatures with blooming landscapes.
April
One of the most beautiful months in Central Texas.
May
Warm but usually not overly hot.
October
Peak wedding season thanks to cooler evenings.
November
Excellent weather and beautiful fall colors.
Summer weddings can absolutely be successful, especially with Glass Oaks Ballroom's elegant indoor reception space, but outdoor ceremonies are generally more comfortable during spring and fall.
Rain Backup Planning
Even with careful planning, Texas weather can surprise you.
Fortunately, Glass Oaks Ballroom offers excellent flexibility for weather changes.
A few tips:
Ask your venue when the rain decision must be made.
Have your DJ prepared to relocate ceremony equipment quickly.
Communicate backup plans with your photographer.
Consider umbrellas for outdoor portraits.
Trust your vendor team—they've handled weather before.
Most guests won't remember the forecast.
They'll remember how much fun they had celebrating with you.
Final Thoughts
Glass Oaks Ballroom provides an elegant setting for weddings of every style, from classic black-tie celebrations to relaxed modern receptions. With thoughtful planning, a realistic timeline, quality entertainment, and a solid weather backup plan, your wedding day can unfold seamlessly.
Whether you're deciding between a DJ and a live band, choosing ceremony music, or building the perfect reception timeline, planning ahead allows you to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying one of the biggest days of your life.
If you're getting married at Glass Oaks Ballroom and have questions about entertainment, ceremony sound, or reception planning, we're always happy to help make your celebration unforgettable.