Rehearsal Dinner Deconstructed: Odds and Ends

The last area to consider in the rehearsal dinner space were the tables set up to hold messages for the bride and groom and take-home favors for each guest. The same decor elements were used for this table as were used for the dining tables. As you will see from the pictures, the manzanita branches were standing vertically instead of horizontally since conversation at this table would not be an issue.

By placing two rectangular tables end to end we accomplished two goals. The first was to break up the spaces between our area and the area already set up for another event the next evening. The second was to represent both a beginning (messages to the couple beginning their married lives together) and an ending (a set of slate coasters for each guest to take home at the end of the evening).  

                       

At one end of the table, rocks and permanent markers were provided for guests to write messages, words of advice, etc., to the bride and groom. This activity also took the place of a traditional guest book. The inscribed rocks were placed in a clear vase for the couple to take home.

The opposite end of the table held sets of four slate coasters for each guest to take home as a remembrance of the evening. The mother of the groom made the coasters with slate tiles, placing self-adhesive felt tabs on the bottom of each tile. The tiles had veins of the peachy-coral and green colors found in our color palette.  Perfect!

Additional touches of our decor elements - Spanish moss, manzanita branches and lanterns - were placed around both the inside and outside dining areas.

Inside, small lanterns were hung in the window-like wall that separated the cafe and large dining area. Manzanita branches, moss and lanterns were placed on each side of the cafe entrance.


Outside, these same small lanterns and some moss were placed on every other stair leading from the rehearsal site up to the porch.

In addition to the stair lanterns, the railings along the stairs and porch were wrapped with fairy lights and then hung with moss to soften the effect.

The evening ended with guests learning some Cajun dance steps and riding the trolley back to the hotel.



I will conclude this series next time when I post some final thoughts.