After we finished up the rehearsal, everyone walked down to Rock Bottom Brewery for the rehearsal dinner. We grabbed beers, and got to mingling with our nearest and dearest.
With Groomsman/Bridesman P and Groomsman C
With Best Man B and Cousin S
My mother-in-law gave me and my bridesmaids matching jackets that said “Team Bride.” I got white, and the girls got black.
Soon, dinner was served. During the salad course, we got to hear the first speeches of the weekend. Bridesmaid L really wanted to give a toast, so she gave a very sweet one at the rehearsal dinner. It brought a tear to my eye to hear all that love coming from my best friend.
The groomsmen were a little surprised to find out about the toast-giving, but whipped together a short, heartfelt toast once L was finished.
After the toasts, the main courses were served. The food was delicious, but I didn’t eat much of it because I was getting really nervous. It started to hit me that it was really the wedding and I was really the bride.
Mr. T and I handed out our gifts to everyone during dinner, and that calmed me down a bit. After dinner, we watched a slideshow that my dad put together. It was really fun to see all those old pictures of the two of us as kids and as young adults just beginning our journey together.
After the slideshow, it was time to expand the party. The rehearsal dinner was just for people in the wedding (wedding party, readers, musicians, etc.), but once that was over, my in-laws wanted to open the room up to any guest who came in from out of town. People started to show up and have a good time.
But as everyone else was having fun, I was not. By this point, I was extremely anxious. My anxiety tends to manifest itself through nausea, so I spent the better part of the welcome party in the bathroom just in case. Finally, I grabbed Mr. T and told him I needed to take a walk with him. We stepped out and got some fresh air with a walk around the block, and I let him know how I was feeling. Being alone with my soon-to-be-husband was really nice, but as soon as we returned to the party, the butterflies returned. I decided enough was enough, and Mr. T walked me back to my hotel.
Going home early was just what I needed. I finally got to be where no one was bothering me. I wrote my last post as a Miss and reflected on what the next day would mean. My Gramama was there, too, but she didn’t bother me at all. I think she could tell I was feeling overwhelmed, and we had a nice talk. She really calmed me down and helped relieve some of the pressure I was feeling.
The nice talks with Mr. T and Gramama still didn’t prevent me from throwing up, though. That was a strange event. As soon as it happened, I laughed. I thought, how silly is it that I’m so nervous that I’m puking? I’m about to marry the best man in the world, and I’m vomiting? That doesn’t make any sense! But I’m glad it happened, because as soon as I got back into bed the nervous butterflies were suddenly gone. They were replaced by excited butterflies, and I couldn’t wipe the giant smile off my face. I forced myself to fall asleep, wearing my Team Bride hoodie.
Did anyone else get really nervous the night before their wedding? Did anyone actually puke?
Miss a Treasure recap? Catch up!
Practice Makes Perfect: Our rehearsal
Aw, Mrs. Treasure, sorry you had such a rough night before your wedding! I was “lucky” (??) that my rehearsal went, er, a little frustratingly, so instead of getting nervous, I just got annoyed with some various people and situations. Yay? But the good thing is it kept the nerves at bay for the night.
How cool that there was a pool table!
Poor thing! I’m glad you were able to sleep, though!
I puked a few hours before the wedding! I was nervous the night before but slept OK. That morning, I made myself eat some light breakfast and was fine all morning, but once I started getting my makeup done, I felt really claustrophobic and weak. My mom brought me some bread to eat, and I took one bite and threw up! I was so nervous — not about getting married, but about being the center of attention! My MIL was there and called my husband to tell him. He called me once we were in the limo and just hearing his voice calmed me down.
I felt absolutely miserable at our rehersal dinner as well. I didn’t actually get sick, but I sure felt like I might. Looking back I really wish I felt better and was able to enjoy myself more, but hearing that others felt the same makes me feel slightly less guilty about it all.
@KYbride86: Chatting with Mr. T on the phone calmed me down, too. I almost wish we had done a first look just to calm my nerves.
It is too bad that you weren’t feeling well at your rehearsal dinner, but it sounds like the talk with your grandma was a nice distraction 
Rock Bottom is a favorite of mine, so good choice! I think I would feel overwhelmed in that kind of environment and just want some time alone. I’m glad that helped.
I am afraid my anxiety will get the best of me during the rehearsal dinner–glad to know that I’m not alone. What did the guests think of Rock Bottom? It is on our rehearsal dinner “short list” and I can’t make a final decision.
Mrs. Treasure, Chicago Age and Occupation: 24, Law Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Equity Analyst Engagement Date: July 30, 2011 Wedding Date: September 2012 Venue: Saint James Chapel at Quigley Prep/Murphy Auditorium About Me: I was born and raised in Indiana, but now live in sweet home Chicago. I'm a third-year law student and aspiring trial lawyer, which means Mr. T never wins an argument. Other than Mr. T, I love singing, exploring the Chicago restaurant scene, and Notre Dame football. We met in a musical (just like my parents!) and after 4 years together, we are excited to be planning our urban "destination" wedding.
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