Book as early as possible before the date, for maximum choice of venues. The Lovett Inn in the Montrose has that historic home ambience and you can book the wedding, reception, and lodging for the wedding party and wedding night all in one shot. Other bed and breakfasts available to host weddings include the Sara's Bed and Breakfast and Kilworth Manor in the Heights. It's not quite like getting married in your own elegant family manor, but it's not a bad substitute. The hotel I'd recommend for elegance and classic style is the Warwick , nicely located in the museum district.
Brides go to the Warwick to be photographed even if they get married elsewhere.
For planning, I found a couple of prime starting places to search for the wedding accoutrements. From Rice University, there's the Cohen House Wedding Planner , a well-organized and comprehensive listing. The Houston Chronicle's Weddings and Special Occasions offers a mixed bag of useful advice and advertisements for wedding services. It's the spirit that you bring to it, not the money, so don't let it get you frazzled - the most important ingredients for a great wedding are a good bride and groom. Finally there s a home loan in Houston that works on your terms.