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Mrs. Mouse, Austin Age and Occupation: 25, Attorney Fiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Civil Engineer Engagement Date: December 19, 2007 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: Barr Mansion About Me: I just graduated from law school and will be taking the bar, getting married, going on a honeymoon with my guy, and then trying to figure out what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. I was born and raised in a small East Texas town, but I'm no country girl! I'm obsessed with British accents, fantasy (including Harry Potter, of course), and classic rock. My fiance and I consider ourselves both music and beer snobs--but every once in awhile we love to hear a crappy band and drink a cheap brew or two. We're planning an eco-friendly, casual, English garden affair for the end of summer, and we can't wait for it to get here!
About Mrs. Mouse

Luckily for us, the Dude’s parents offered to pay for our rehearsal dinner! Because they live in Colorado, and because I love planning, we will be doing most of the “planning” for it ourselves. We’ve got all the basics figured out, so now all we have to do is nail down the details.

Our side yard/backyard

We decided, after a brief hesitation, to hold it at our house.

The Dude and I bought a house back in October, and it’s got a huge, shady yard perfect for a casual, outdoor buffet-style dinner on a long summer evening. I wasn’t sold on the idea of using our house at first because I felt like it would add another layer of stress to the days leading up to the wedding. I’d have to clean up before and after, and inevitably I’d end up freaking out over stupid details. Or so I thought. I have convinced myself, however, that having it at our home will be more special (and more cost efficient) than having it in a restaurant. Now I’m getting excited about throwing a backyard shindig!

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We’re gonna serve BBQ from The Salt Lick and classic bottled Texas brews, like Shiner Bock and Lonestar. Maybe throw in some Mexican Cokes, too, ala Miss Cherry Pie. I’ll probably get someone to cook some veggie burgers on our grill to have as a more healthful option. I’d like to keep the whole affair as eco-friendly as possible, so I plan on not using disposable plates or silverware. This might mean borrowing dishes and forks from friends or possibly even hitting up the local Goodwill. Either way, the mismatched look will rule the day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Excuse the poor picture quality, but look at the pretty lights!

The Dude has been wanting to buy a picnic table for our yard, so that’s priority numero uno on our list. Additionally, we’ll need to borrow or rent a couple tables and some plastic lawn chairs. The funkier the better, as long as they’re clean! The only “decorating” we’ll do is stringing up some white Christmas lights in the trees, for ambiance. The Dude’s been wanting to do this as well, so we’ll probably just leave ’em up after the rehearsal dinner. We’ll be going for a vibe similar to the picture above.

So that’s pretty much it: picnic tables, twinkly lights, BBQ, and beer. What do you think? Should I come up with something more theme-y or just stick to the chilled out, no stress vibe?

Tags: |   Link for this post | Share this post: The Rehearsal Dinner: Laid Back Austin-Style      
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29 Responses to “The Rehearsal Dinner: Laid Back Austin-Style”

1.
Miss Bear Cub
Bee
Miss Bear Cub (message)  1,347 posts, Bumble bee

this is so awesome! I definitely think you should go for the chilled-out, no-stress vibe. This idea is killer!

 
2.
Ms. Guava-Tini
Member
Ms. Guava-Tini (message)  519 posts, Busy bee

That’s awesome! I love Salt Lick BBQ - Actually had it at the airport LOL! My FH is from Dallas, but UT Alum. Heading there in three weeks - cant wait! Love your yard - it will be a fabulous rehersal dinner!

 
3.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Star (message)  1,276 posts, Bumble bee

I love the chill vibe. Stick with it!

 
4.
Champagne Wishes
Member
Champagne Wishes (message)  485 posts, Helper bee

How fun! Go relaxed so you can enjoy and not stress over anything.

 
5.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Peep Toe (message)  1,636 posts, Bumble bee

Stick to the chill vibe! How fun- can I come??

 
6.
laurenadela
Member
laurenadela (message)  119 posts, Blushing bee

i’m lovin it! but i’m a little biased bc this is the pretty much the vibe for my whole wedding lol.
we’re doing backyard bbq :)

 
7.
Guest Icon
Guest
Lynn

So fun! We had a welcome BBQ for our wedding in Dallas, and honestly it was one of the most fun party of the whole weekend, b/c it was laid back and fun!
The casual, but texas vibe is really fun. Our hosts had some old texas plates that we used and added to the whole mood. You can check out my pics here shot by none other but Mrs. Avocado or http://www.jennacole.com

http://www.projectwedding.com/biography/list/lynnwynn/the-page

 
8.
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Member
vintage2010 (message)  1,016 posts, Bumble bee

Miss Mouse- I’m getting married in Fredericksburg and I’m looking for a DJ out of Austin. I’m from Houston so I’m not too familiar with Austin vendors. Do you have any suggestions?
Also, need a place for our rehearsal dinner in Fredericksburg, any suggestions there?
Thanks!

 
9.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Piglet (message)  629 posts, Busy bee

Less is more! I’m diggin’ the laid-back feel! :D

 
10.
KellyV
Member
KellyV (message)  1,295 posts, Bumble bee

mmmmm saaaaaaalt liiiiiick *drool* (homer simpson style) I love me some Salt Lick! Thats going to be so much fun. We were going to do that but some logistics got in the way. It will be a blast!! ;)

 
11.
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Member
teamzeewagen (message)  126 posts, Blushing bee

Don’t add a thing. I do think it’s very important, however, that you immediately go buy some adorable cowgirl boots and matching hat. For the theme, of course!

 
12.
MrsSl82be
Member
MrsSl82be (message)  1,472 posts, Bumble bee

I love your ideas, I wouldn’t change a thing!

 
13.
msashleymarie
Member
msashleymarie (message)  373 posts, Helper bee

Loooove the Salt Lick! And Rudy’s… have you been there?

I miss Austin. I think me and my FI need to move there!

 
14.
msashleymarie
Member
msashleymarie (message)  373 posts, Helper bee

Or uh, my FI and I need to move there.

Sorry, got a little giddy and forgot how to speak correctly!

 
15.
jmc
Member
jmc (message)  467 posts, Helper bee

I went to a rehearsal at the pavillion at the salt lick, and it looked just like that! :)

 
16.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Mouse (message)  3,281 posts, Sugar bee

@Lynn: Wow! Your wedding pictures are beautiful! I love the theme and feel you’ve got going. Looks like it was a blast! (And I am fawning over those photobooth pics!)
@Staceyrp: We’re not having a DJ, so I don’t have recommendations for you, but you should hit up the Austin/San Antonio local boards and create a post asking for DJ recs! As for Fredricksburg–let me get back to you on that one. I’m planning a trip there this weekend!

 
17.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Mouse (message)  3,281 posts, Sugar bee

@teamzeewagen: I’ve got the cowboy boots covered, actually!

 
18.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Mouse (message)  3,281 posts, Sugar bee

@msashleymarie: Yes, the Dude and I are fans of Rudy’s as well! Our favorite BBQ place, Bongo, is sadly no longer in existence. :(

 
19.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Quiche (message)  2,175 posts, Buzzing bee

The chilled out, no-stress vibe is THE theme to have! :) Love it!

 
20.
Member Icon
Member
skibobrown (message)  260 posts, Helper bee

I wouldn’t stress out about having the rehearsal dinner @ your place. We just had our engagement party in my parents’ backyard with a similar low-key vibe. We got sandwiches and salads from a catering company, rented some chairs and tables, and we went shopping for some wine and TJs sparkling lemonade the week before the party (+ got a pony keg of beer on the day of). It was really low-stress for us in the end (especially since we bought most of the supplies and beverages beforehand, and mostly everything else was delivered). And, it was really fun for all of our friends to see the house that I grew up in — it made it that much more meaningful :-) Good luck!

 
21.
pvaulter718
Member
pvaulter718 (message)  1,593 posts, Bumble bee

I think since chill and casual is your style, I would go with your gut on this one. Keep it simple and stress free, the rest of the weekend will be busy enough. Remember ,people are there to celebrate with you, everything else is gravy.

 
22.
Member Icon
Member
vintage2010 (message)  1,016 posts, Bumble bee

Miss Mouse- We are headed to Fredericksburg tomorrow to go see our venue one more time! And hopefully get to do a little looking around for the rehearsal venue. If you come across anything let me know! Have a great 4th of July!

 
23.
Member Icon
Member
vintage2010 (message)  1,016 posts, Bumble bee

oh btw. we had my brother’s rehearsal dinner in my parent’s backyard. They did an italian theme for the dinner and decorations. They rented a tent in case it rained. Good thing they did because we got the worst rain in Houston this year that weekend. My fav thing we did was get the round clear lights (like the ones in Olive Garden) and hung them from tree to tree. It was very pretty. And we also made a floral arrangement that floated in the center of the swiming pool. Something my mom saw in a magazine! It was very nice and everyone kept saying they should have just gotten married there because it was so fun!

 
24.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Cloud (message)  587 posts, Busy bee

That sounds like so much fun! I’m with mrs peep toe! Can I come!!?? Haha :)

 
25.
Miss. Ballroom
Member
Miss. Ballroom (message)  15 posts, Newbee

Your yard looks gorgeous, and I love that you use the word “shindig”, it sounds like so much fun!

 
26.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Labrador (message)  1,324 posts, Bumble bee

Can I come? I wanna party with you!

 
27.
canegirl08
Member
canegirl08 (message)  103 posts, Blushing bee

Have a Shiner for me! Oh how I miss it.

 
28.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Kitten (message)  705 posts, Busy bee

I love this idea! Don’t forget the citronella candles!!

 
29.
thebackyardbride
Member
thebackyardbride (message)  65 posts, Worker bee

A backyard, Salt Lick BBQ, Shiner Bock and white Christmas lights are all things I insisted we have at our wedding. It’s just so Austin :) I hope you’ll post some pics from the rehearsal dinner so we can all see how it turned out!

 


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Mrs. Mouse Mrs. Mouse, Austin Age and Occupation: 25, Attorney Fiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Civil Engineer Engagement Date: December 19, 2007 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: Barr Mansion About Me: I just graduated from law school and will be taking the bar, getting married, going on a honeymoon with my guy, and then trying to figure out what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. I was born and raised in a small East Texas town, but I'm no country girl! I'm obsessed with British accents, fantasy (including Harry Potter, of course), and classic rock. My fiance and I consider ourselves both music and beer snobs--but every once in awhile we love to hear a crappy band and drink a cheap brew or two. We're planning an eco-friendly, casual, English garden affair for the end of summer, and we can't wait for it to get here!
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