Zumwalt Rehearsal Dinner

A few weeks ago, the kids and I trekked to the armpit of Texas and spent the weekend in Lubbock to celebrate a wedding. Daniel's cousin, Travis married beautiful Claire in a fun wedding. But, to start the festivities, I hosted the rehearsal dinner Friday night.

Since Travis is a Marine stationed in California and this was the couple's last weekend in Texas, we sent them off in style with a Texas-themed barbecue. It was a fun theme to plan so I was inundated with ideas.

I especially had fun putting these invitations together. They were so cute!


Daniel helped put together this sign to greet the guests. I love the rustic look that came together with some boards one of our dogs so nicely donated from our backyard fence. How sweet of Alamo to contribute to the decor! Ha!

The bags on the table around the sign were filled with peanuts as a party favor for the guests to take with them. Again, it was Daniel's idea to print on the paper bags, and it turned out to be adorable. I loved it! I've used this idea a few times since because it's inexpensive and simple to run the bags through my printer at home.


The centerpieces also came together beautifully. They were just Mason jars wrapped in burlap and raffia and filled with daisies and sunflowers. I just love fresh flowers, but it is usually unreasonable to budget for 13 arrangements. Not this time! I picked up the fresh cut flowers in bundles at the grocery store, and my mother-in-law grouped them into these arrangements. I don't think I'll ever use a florist again, because the floral department at the grocery store was so helpful and gave me easy instructions on putting together the arrangements and even helped keep the cost down. Even I was shocked to get all of the stems for 13 centerpieces at less than $70!

 
I wrapped up the flatware in bandanas for napkins and tied them with raffia and a cute personalized tag.



These personalized cups and napkins were a favorite new idea for this event. I can't wait to find an excuse to order more of these cups!



I even labeled the water bottles with four different designs and wrapped "Howdy" labels on the straws. See what I mean?! I had just too many ideas for this Texas theme.



Abigail and Cooper were also in on the action with their western attire.



I am kicking myself for not snapping photos of the actual dinner and especially ones with the bride and groom. Ugh! But, once the guests arrived I was busy hosting. Oh, well. You get the idea...