Hey Flat Eleven readers, I’m back!
The past two weeks have felt like an incredible whirlwind of events.
But I’m back from the honeymoon and eager to get back to blogging about my adventures.
So it’s time to rewind to two weeks ago.
The Eve of the Wedding.
Something that sets apart weddings between the United States and the United Kingdom is a little thing known as the Rehearsal Dinner… and the Rehearsal of the Wedding itself.
The day before a wedding, the bridal party and parents get together for a run through of the ceremony at the church, or whatever venue you choose. It’s actually a great to do because it avoids all wedding day confusion.
We all learn when we’re supposed to walk, where we need to go, what we need to say and what we need to do.
It’s fantastic, because on your wedding day you look like a pro.
The more fun part of the evening however, is the rehearsal dinner after.
Usually saved for the bridal party, immediate family and very out of town guests.. our wedding party took on a unique sort of look.
We had a plethora of friends and family come all the way from the United Kingdom. So it was a huge bash filled with accents.
I really wanted to do a post on this, because even though I didn’t manage to get many photos of the event and venue, it was such a great evening filled with amazing people.
We kicked off by introducing our bridal party. It’s a great way for everyone to know a little bit more about your friends. (While Joe speaks, I obviously attempt to ruin my manicure the day before the wedding…)
After introductions and gifts to the bridal party (I got the bridesmaids Ted Baker makeup cases filled with makeup wedding day essentials, Kate Spade necklaces, champagne, and drinking cups that said ‘bridesmaid’ on them. Joe got the guys personalized flasks with their initials and bottles of their favorite booze) … we eat!
And then take a series of photos, of course.
Happy couples!
Joe and I with my parents.
With our friends Emily and Brad (Emily has been a friend since high school, and was one of my amazing bridesmaids).
And of course, a photo of the soon to be Mr. & Mrs.
We then took to the scenic balcony outside.
Myself and my gorgeous matron of honor Emma had a lovely time…
My favorite blurry BFF photo of the evening…
And silly ones with Joe.
Forever pretending I am a Spice Girl.
And lastly, an amazing photo with both sets of our parents.
Your wedding weekend goes by so quickly that you want to remember it all.
Take as many photos as you possibly can, because this is a time when family and friends who you love and care about are gathered for you.
It was such a meaningful weekend to have all of the wonderful people in our life gathered together, meeting each other and celebrating with us.
Have you ever been to a rehearsal dinner?
If you’re from the UK/abroad, what do you think about this sort of wedding tradition?
(You can basically count me in for any food related evenings, so I’m a big fan!)
xx Kelly
PS. Stay tuned because I’m going to continue to post about life for the past two weeks… it’s so exciting to finally share with you all!
Beccy says
Beautiful photos – what a gorgeous evening!
Me and my family are from the UK but my sister in law is America . At her and my brother’s wedding a couple of years ago (which was in the UK), we had a rehearsal dinner and thought it was a wonderful idea. So much so that my fiancé and I are following suit at our wedding next year 🙂
Congratulations on your marriage!
Beccy x
Nichole says
Awwwww! Thank you for sharing! It looks like you had such a wonderful rehearsal dinner! I have been to a couple rehearsal dinners and find them so amazing. There is an incredible energy in the room filled with love and excitement for the soon to e married couple – there’s just nothing like it! Can’t wait to see more! Glad you’re back safe from your honeymoon. Hope it was great!
Angie SilverSpoon (@SilverSpoonUK) says
Good to have you back and I love the photos, you look gorgeous in your white dress! I’ve never been to a rehearsal dinner, we had a family get together the weekend before my wedding, I thought I’d be really nervous but actually it was a great way to relax!
Looking forward to hearing more about your whirlwind!
Lots of love,
Angie
Belle says
Being from the UK, like you mentioned rehearsal/rehearsal dinners are not something we do but we actually got married in the US so I know about this tradition, we opted not to have one as we had such a small wedding but had our wedding been bigger the I certainly would.
Sounds like a great evening & I can’t wait to read more about your wedding, even though mine was 2 years ago I’m still obsessed with them 🙂
Belle x Part of Belle’s world