This is a recap of a wedding rehearsal dinner Boxwood & Bloom planned at the City Tavern Club in Washington DC. If you’re looking to host a rehearsal dinner in DC or an event at the City Tavern Club, keep reading.
Introduction
Last Spring, I was connected with a lovely Mother of the Groom living in Texas. Patti was planning from afar, and I was delighted to be her “boots on the ground.” The groom – Thomas – is one of three boys. The bride – Shannon – is one of three girls. Their relationship started in college (War Eagle!); they settled in Houston and were to be married in Washington, DC – close to Shannon’s hometown. So Patti envisioned a classic DC event in City Tavern Club, a Georgetown institution since the late 1700s.
Why Choose the City Tavern Club for a Rehearsal Dinner
If you’re unfamiliar with the City Tavern Club. It is often described as:
“A private social club located in the heart of Georgetown. The Club provides fine dining, elegantly appointed rooms for entertaining, popular events, and a diverse membership.
The historic Federal-Style clubhouse, acquired by Club founders in 1959, is one of oldest buildings in the nation’s capital, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.“
(Source: City Tavern Club Website)
Fun Fact: It was fate to have it at this venue since two of the rooms at the club also shared the bride and groom’s last names – The Long Room and The Bliss Room. Add in the unique charm and elegance of the club, it was the perfect location for a wedding rehearsal dinner.
Patti envisioned the evening starting upstairs for cocktail hour, complete with a live pianist and a photo slideshow of the couple, with passed appetizers and cocktails. Then the main event would continue downstairs with outstanding food, desserts, and speeches to toast the soon-to-be-married pair. There would be summer floral arrangements and room for the large wedding party to mingle with family and friends.
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Our DC Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
So on a hazy July evening, the bride and groom, their families, and the wedding party arrived at the corner of Wisconsin and M Streets. Immediately upon entering, the energy went up tenfold. Seriously, I have never seen a soon-to-be bride as excited as Shannon. She was glowing. The bridal party (I believe 24 of them!) was friendly, joyful, and ready to celebrate the night before the big event.
The Club’s ability to tailor events to different styles and preferences meant that guests felt immediately at home when they arrived. The City Tavern Club is a great option for DC rehearsal dinners.
But don’t take my word for it, keep reading for some stunning images from the event, as well as tips for planning your DC rehearsal dinner.
For florals, we brought in recent Texas transplant Mary Ann Blooms who (lucky for me!) is now in Virginia. She dressed the head table with colorful daisies and greenery and a jaw-dropping arrangement to highlight the bride and groom’s seats. Guests dined on a duet of steak and crab cakes with an incredible wine selection, desserts, and cocktails.
My favorite part of any event is the little touches that elevate the design. The invitations by Weezie B Designs had an illustration of the front doors of the building. And one of my favorite touches of the evening was the place cards – gold ink calligraphy on the dark green ribbon to match the dark green plates of the Club.
Such a fantastic evening for a soon-to-be-married couple!
Don’t let rehearsal dinner planning overwhelm you. I’m here to assist with every aspect, from venue selection to menu planning. Book your consultation now and let’s get started!
Tips for Planning a Rehearsal Dinner
Your rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to get your closest friends and family together before the big day. Here are some tips to help you plan a memorable event:
- Keep it intimate: Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner includes the wedding party, immediate family, and out-of-town guests.
- Consider the venue: Your guest list will influence your choice of venue, so decide on a number before you start looking.
- Style: Select a venue that complements your wedding theme, personal style or has a significance to your and your partner.
- Budget: Consider your budget, as costs for venue, catering and other event details can vary greatly.
- Allow for relaxation: Ensure there is enough time between the rehearsal and dinner to relax and unwind.
- Consider guest travel: If guests are traveling, factor in their arrival times when planning the dinner.
- Personal touches: Incorporate elements that reflect your relationship and personalities.
- Encourage conversation: Plan activities or seating arrangements that promote mingling and connection.
- Keep it brief: Limit speeches to a few key people to avoid dragging on.
By following these tips, you can create a rehearsal dinner that is both enjoyable and stress-free. Remember, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your loved ones and celebrate your upcoming nuptials.
Frequently Aked Questions about Rehearsal Dinners
As a wedding planner, I often get asked about rehearsal dinner arrangements and etiquette. Here are some of the most common questions my clients have and my responses:
- Who should be invited to the rehearsal dinner? Traditionally, the wedding party, immediate family, and out-of-town guests are invited.
- When should the rehearsal dinner be held? Typically, the evening before the wedding, but I always tell my couples that this is their wedding and every decision should be whatever works best for them.
- How long should a rehearsal dinner last? Typically 2-3 hours.
- Who pays for the rehearsal dinner? This is one that is completely based on the couple.
- Should you send invitations for the rehearsal dinner? While not required, it’s helpful to inform guests of your rehearsal dinner details, especially out-of-town guests.
- What should we serve at the rehearsal dinner? There is no set tradition for this, you can go with casual or formal, this will depend entirely on your preferences and budget.
- Do we need to have a rehearsal? While helpful, a rehearsal dinner is not always necessary, especially if the wedding party is familiar with what is required at the ceremony.
- Should we give gifts at the rehearsal dinner? While not expected, small tokens of appreciation for the wedding party are a nice gesture.
Conclusion: City Tavern Club DC Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner for Thomas and Shannon was one for the books and truly a pleasure to plan.
Remember that a rehearsal dinner is more than just a meal; it’s a prelude to your wedding day. Take the time to carefully consider your guest list, venue, menu, and etiquette, or work with an event planner. Remember, the most important aspect is to spend quality time with your loved ones and celebrate the upcoming union.
Ready to take the stress out of planning your rehearsal dinner? Let me handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your special day. Contact me today for a complimentary consultation.
All images by Karena Dixon
VENDORS
Event Planner: Boxwood & Bloom Events
Venue: City Tavern Club
Calligrapher: Jenny Paxton
Florist: Mary Ann Blooms
Invitations: Weezie B Designs
Photography: Karena Dixon
