Our Favorite 5 Chic Texas Rehearsal Dinner Sites

Texas is known for BBQ’s, Ribs and amazing music. But where do you go if you really want to find a place that will wow your rehersal dinner crowd?

Here is a list of our favorite 5 Chic Texas Rehearsal Dinner sites. Along with some details about what makes them a must try for your rehearsal dinner.

1. Try Something Organic

Casa de Luz is the perfect choice if you want to set the tone for an organic style rehearsal dinner. Based in Austin, they specialize in vegan and organic cuisine that tastes just as good as it looks. They have an outdoor garden as well as a private party room that accommodates up to 80 people.

 

2. Barbecue Bliss

Think all you can eat ribs, pork, sausage, chicken and more.. cooked on an open pit right in the middle of the restaurant. The Salt Lick, in Driftwood Texas is a must. Your Groom is sure to be pleased! Make sure you dress comfortably!

3. A Cruise at Sunset

Cruise down the San Antonio river aboard a barge and enjoy the sunset while you have dinner. You have your choice of cuisine – Italian, Mexican, barbecue — one of the Riverwalk’s restaurants will provide a catered meal for you and 20 of your family and friends. photo credit

 

4. The Wine Tasting

Gather your guests for a sit-down dinner in a private wine cellar. At the Courtyard at St. James, in Houston, you can host a wine paired dinner for 20-50 surrounded by hundreds of bottled vintages.

 

5. 360 View over the Alamo

The Chart House, formerly “The Eyes over Texas” sits atop the 750′ tall Tower of the Americas building in San Antonio. This sky high, revolving restaurant seats up to 250 and boasts a 360 degree view of the Alamo City.

Have you found any hidden gems during your rehearsal dinner search?

 

 

Black Tie Wedding Songs

Once you announce that your big day is a black tie affair, things change. Suits get fancier, dresses get dressier.But a formal affair is no reason to spin stuffy music, so we’ve picked 10 tunes that go along with a black tie evening, from cocktail hour to the last dance.

Image via; Kimberley Bednarski Anderson

“I Get a Kick Out You” – Frank Sinatra
Regardless of how you feel about jazz, you must have Frank playing at some point. This upbeat pick is a little less predictable than the ever popular “The Way You Look Tonight,” .

“Your Easy Lovin’ Ain’t Pleasin’ Nothing” – Mayer Hawthorne
The feel-good horns and lively melody on this throwback make it a no-brainer soundtrack to cake-cutting.

“L-O-V-E” – Natalie Cole
Sure, you may have sung this one in grade school as you were learning to spell, but that doesn’t mean it won’t have toes tapping during cocktail hour.

“Suit & Tie (feat Jay-Z)” – Justin Timberlake
Sometimes a song choice just writes itself. JT’s latest offering is fun, funky, and infectious on the dance floor.

“Not Even The King” – Alicia Keys
This “we’re-rich-in-love” ballad makes a sweet first dance song, and its piano backdrop and simple-and-sweet vocals are begging to be played at a sophisticated soiree.

“You’re All I Need To Get By” – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
One of the best duets of all time. Period. The verses start out at a simmer and build into a chorus that’ll have your guests happily singing along.

“Fever” – Beyonce
Peggy Lee made this ditty famous in the ’50s, and in this sultry version, Queen Bey coos along to its signature snaps.

“They Can’t Take That Away From Me” – Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald
It’s impossible to ignore Ella in this category, and on this track, she and Louis Armstrong list off reasons for loving each other. Awww…

“It’s Only A Paper Moon” – Nat King Cole
This jazz standard is a cocktail hour must that—warning!—might prematurely start a dance session before the floor opens officially.

“Fancy” – Drake, T.I., Swizz Beatz
Save this hip-hop anthem for later in the evening—once grandma has  turned in for the night—because, really, who among us, after a few glasses of bubbly at a formal event, can resist a chorus that cheekily asks, “You fancy, huh?”

A Glamorous Barn Wedding

We don’t usually think of a wedding and a barn in the same breath.  After all a wedding is a time to celebrate, get dressed up and take a bunch of photos during the process.  So why would we think of a barn?  Isn’t that a place where animals live and sleep? Doesn’t it smell musty and need to be cleaned on an hourly basis?  How on earth would you turn it into a wonderland worthy of a glamorous celebration.

We asked ourselves the same question. Then we found a Bride who did exactly that.

What started as just an ordinary barn, became a glamorous place for a celebration.  The draperies, chandelier and perfect little details are stunning.

 

You might expect to see burlap and twine as accent decor, but this couple wanted a more royal feel to their special day.  They were able to acheive that by adding accents of gold and soft touches of hand embroidered lace on the table linen.

 

The draperies created a soft romantic feel to the barn, and masked the hard cold edges of the open stall doors.

 

Everything tied wonderfully into the barn.  So much so, that we found we hardly noticed it. What do you think? Would you get married in a barn?

Designed by Sonia Hopkins of XOXO Bride | Photography by Braedon Flynn | Via SMP

 

Luxurious Tent Weddings

Who says that having a wedding inside a tent isn’t luxurious.  If you take the time and care to trust a tent professional, the outcome can be truly stunning.  Here are a few of our favorites.

The basic structure for a tent can be completely concealed with fabric draping.  Accent each vault with a gorgeous chandelier provided by most tent rental vendors.  Then crate the final drama with alternating tall and short floral displays.  After dark, the candlelight will transform the tent into a warm, flickering wonderland perfect for dancing the night away.

The ceiling of this tent was accented with crumpled fabric normally seen on cake tables.  This treatment draws attention to the vault without being to dominant in the decor.  Accent with a simple elegant chandelier that is loosely dripping with crystal strands.

The elaborate floral accent on the peak of this tent is amazing!  Can you imagine the fun your floral designers will have creating a one of a kind work of art like this for your wedding?

The lesson here is to think outside the “church”.  Find the perfect place and create the decor that suites you and your fiance’s vibe.  Don’t forget to enjoy the journey!

Image resources 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

We found the inspiration for this post on Belle The Magazine.  Check them out here.

Lovely Lounge Furniture for Weddings

A popular trend for wedding reception decor  is the outdoor living room, or lounge.  This involves couches, ottomans and outdoor beds for a relaxed cocktail experience.

We love how these unique lounge furniture groupings can add a touch of whimsy  and create an atmosphere that will allow your wedding guests to mix and mingle in comfort.

Collage of wedding lounge furniture arrangements

Square ottomans can be placed separately or pushed together for combined seating while round ones create more of a temporary spot to place a drink, or a Hors D’oeuvres plate.

 

 

 

Round seating creates a softer more intimate feel, and when coupled with multiple textures adds interest.  Lounge furniture pieces are found at your local rental companies.  We advise that before selecting your furniture, make certain you know the dimensions and layout of the room you will be using them in before meeting with your rental agent.

Do you plan to use a lounge area at your wedding reception?