photo by Corbin Gurkin
Many of our clients find their welcome party or rehearsal dinners an extension of the wedding. So, of course, the big question is do they want to look like the bride the entire weekend, or step out and do something fun and different… Our clients are a mixture of both, so we’re sharing some of the ideas our brides have had in the past on what to wear to a rehearsal dinner. I think the men also struggle on what’s appropriate, so we hope this helps with that too. Our clients above married on Sea Island at a private home, with a rehearsal dinner the night before at the Boathouse. Since shades of pinks were her wedding palette, she opted for a custom ladylike pale pink dress with bridal like white florals by Dee Hutton bridal.
photo by Liz Banfield
Some brides want a nod to being bridal but with a twist. And, many well known “bridal” designers also have ready- to- wear or can do custom creations, which is how many brides coordinate looks throughout the weekend. Here, our bride, Lesley wore a custom dress by Monique Lhuillier in white lace with pops of bright color. One other thought to consider is hair and make up styling. Since she would be wearing a classic bridal chignon the following day, wearing her hair down was a fun way to switch it up. 
photos by Corbin Gurkin and Liz Banfield
For some ladies, being a bride all weekend is the only way to go and Little White Dresses are the only thing to wear. Left: The high low frock by Nardos Imam is perfectly bridal. Center: Our Bride who would be wearing a full Austin Scarlett ballgown on her wedding day, went for a flowy grecian look for Friday night. Right: This beaded and lace dress by Oscar de la Renta was so stunning.
photo by Adrienne Page
This couple having a good old fashioned Southern weekend hosted their guests for a Friday night BBQ in Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA. A perfect mix of fun and casual, and perfectly acceptable for the attire to match!
photo by Corbin Gurkin
For this couple having a Friday night fete with a nautical feel at a Charleston Yacht Club, the brides navy and white Oscar de le Renta party dress was perfect. A fun and bright pair of Louboutin’s were able to have their night to shine. And for the groom, a classic tailored lightweight khaki suit was fitting for his big role as the evening’s host.
This sweet seaside rehearsal dinner was the perfect kickoff to a gorgeous wedding weekend in Charleston. The couple celebrated with their guests at a private Yacht club overlooking Charleston Harbor. I love and always encourage clients to hire having their wedding photographer there for all of the events throughout the weekend so that you can have the whole story told afterwards. Thank you to 
Guests enjoyed cocktails overlooking the Charleston Harbor and famous Battery, while enjoying live music from a local bluegrass favorite. Custom koozies with the wedding monogram designed by Lettered Olive were displayed on the bars, and shrimp cocktail is elevated with custom ice bowls.
Keeping in line with a gracious Southern supper, a family style table was designed for guests. A large mirror in the venue was put to good use by hand writing guests name in their seats around the table, and then each chair was tied off with a place card. A simple blue and white table top design kept the feel “nautical” but upscale.
What a perfect spot for sunset views and celebrating into the evening.
