Anyone from Texas will know exactly what I mean when I say “Texas Pride.” It’s not something that can be defined in a word or sentence to those who aren’t native to the state. It is a way of life…a state of mind.  A Texan doesn’t obsess over the idea of  “Texas Pride,” they just go about their day and live the amazing life Texas has to offer. But recently I was forced to examine the idea.

My husband and I run a photo booth business and a client asked us to create a custom prop collection that captured Texas as a whole. They wanted a TEX-MEX theme.  Those who live in South Texas know exactly what that means.  We are surrounded by the Texas culture and Mexican culture on a day to day basis.  My life has been imbued by my home state’s “Texas Pride” and by my strong Mexican roots.  They have commingled creating an enriched life filled with tradition, spirit and pride. I was fully aware what “Tex-Mex” meant in life, but how did that translate to photo booth props.  That was the question.

We’d already had the “Mex” part figured out, but what did the “Tex” mean. I began thinking about what made Texas so unique and special.  What was synonymous with Texas? What came to mind when I thought about Texas? Having had the opportunity to visit other states I thought about how other states compared to my home state. For instance, what did those states lack in comparison to this beautiful state?

Many things came to mind. The fact that weekends are reserved for good ol’ BBQs and football. There is nothing like an impromptu get together with family and friends enjoying some delicious BBQ. And we cannot forget about football. Sunday afternoons are reserved for cheering and relaxing as we watch the Texans or Cowboys on the field. The Texas flag can be seen displayed in front of many homes and business, probably more than in any other state.  “Y’all” is a word we use quite frequently. Cowboy boots are everywhere and worn by everyone.  You’ll even find some gals wearing their boots with fancy gowns.  That’s how much we love our boots.

There was no shortage of ideas and quickly we created our clients TEX-MEX themed prop collection.  My obsession with all things weddings and events led me to think about a Texas Themed Wedding or soiree. Creating a wedding that revolved around those things that are synonymous with Texas.

Here I have gathered a few ideas to help you create your very own Texas Inspired Event! As I mentioned before my life is heavily influenced by my Mexican roots and I have included a few Mexican influences into the mix.

COLOR PALETTE
The first step of planning any event is selecting a color palette. This is the jumping off point. Once you have selected a palette you are now able to make decisions on other aspects of the wedding or soiree.

FLOWERS
A wedding is not complete without spectacular blooms. The piece de resistance of any table are the flowers and luckily Texas has a wonderful selection to choose from. They have over 5,000, yup over five…thousand, blooming plants. That is quite a selection!

BLUEBONNETS: This majestic flower is Texas’ state flower. These pretties can be seen all along the highway between March and May.  And what a sight!

SUNFLOWERS: These big, bright, beautiful blooms are striking. They make a statement for sure!
WILDFLOWERS:  If you are looking for something eclectic or bohemian Texas has a splendid selection of wildflowers in many shapes, sizes and colors. You’re sure to find just the right combination that tickles your fancy. The following are just a few examples of what Texas has to offer: White prickly poppy, eryngo, brown eyed susan, blackfoot daisy, Texas bluebell, and Texas thistle.

YELLOW ROSE: This flower makes an appearance on this list because of the famous song “The Yellow Rose of Texas.”

COTTON: Cotton is Texas’ state fiber and fabric. Nothing says rustic like cotton.

PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS: We can’t forget to mention that Texas has an array of plants to offer. The prickly pear cactus blooms beautiful red,orange, and yellow flowers.  The fruit or tuna come in shades of red and maroon.  This cactus will add a rustic element to your wedding or event. These should be handled with care as they are prickly.

SUCCULENTS: Succulents have been a BIG trends for the past couple years or so. And with good reason. These beauties come in such interesting shapes and shades and personally I don’t see them going anywhere.  This trend is here to stay!

FOOD
I’m not alone when I say Texas has some of the most mouthwatering foods to offer. And thanks to the Mexican culture a diverse one, as well.

CHILI: There is nothing like a great big ol’ bowl of Texas Chili.

BBQ: Need I say more!

CHIPS & SALSA- the best appetizer or snack food around.

GUACAMOLE/GUAC/GUACA: whatever you may call it it is delish.

TACOS: I can’t get enough of these! Growing up my grandma made these almost everyday and they have become a favorite in our home, as well. Tacos come in so many different combinations- chicken, ground beef, fajita, fish, shrimp, flour/corn tortilla- you’ll never get bored with this delicious dish.

TAMALES: This was a food usually reserved for special occasions- at least in my home- because it was made by hand and in home. But now that we have restaurants dedicated to making tamales these tasty treats can be enjoyed any day. Tamales, like tacos, come in an array of combinations.

DESSERTS/SWEETS
These sugary delights are sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

PEACH PIE: Our peaches are so delicious and make the most heavenly tasting pies.

PECAN PIE: Thanks to our pecans we have the most divine pecan pie.

PAN DULCE: “Sweet bread” is an assortment of sweet treats.

THRES LECHES CAKE: A sponge cake made with three different kinds of milk.

SPECIAL DETAILS
Texas is known for its unique sayings and vocabulary.  We say things like “y’all,” and  “howdy.” We use the word “coke” when referring to any kind of soda. When we are referring to tea we mean sweet tea. All of these words, sayings and idiosyncrasies are what make Texas so unique.

Add a special something to your wedding or soiree with these fun sayings. Give your tables names like “Yee-Ha” and “Don’t mess with Texas” or any other phrases or words that make you think of Texas.  If your a gal that likes a good diy project create pennants that sport these very sayings. Or handout buttons that are printed with these fun saying in cool and interesting fonts, like the ones below.

This is only the tip of the iceberg of what comes to mind when I think of my home state. However, I hope this has provided some wonderful inspiration to get you on your way to creating your very own Texas Inspired Event.