A Euphoric Rehearsal Dinner: Inspired by Art and Imagination

For me, wearing white for all my wedding events just wasn’t the vibe. Plus, let’s be honest—I can’t keep white clean for more than five minutes! Shopping for dresses during COVID was a challenge. There were so few new options; anything I loved was way out of budget.

I knew one thing for sure: I wanted my look to be inspired by the hair, makeup, and bold fashion from Euphoria. So, I decided to recycle a navy dress I wore to a wedding in 2017. I’ve always loved restyling old pieces and giving them a fresh, new twist. This dress was no exception—it felt perfect for the moment while staying true to my style and love for creativity.

Make-Up Inspiration

When deciding on my makeup for the rehearsal dinner, I knew a natural look wasn’t for me. Instead, I wanted something bold and dramatic, inspired by the makeup styles made popular by Euphoria. Since blue is my favorite color and I wanted to incorporate it as much as possible into my wedding, I opted for a striking blue smokey eye. It was the perfect way to make a statement while staying true to my love for bold, creative looks.

Shoes

I’ve always loved anything and everything that sparkles. When looking for the perfect shoes for my wedding events, I wanted something versatile to pair with different looks while still making a statement. Comfort was also key, so I set my sights on finding the perfect platform heel.

I spent countless hours in my free time searching for the right pair, and it paid off. I found a fabulous pair of sparkling platform heels at DSW for under $70! They were everything I wanted—stylish, comfortable, and perfect for all my wedding festivities.

Dress

Even though my dress for the rehearsal dinner was recycled from a wedding I attended back in 2018, it ended up saving me a ton of money—and I couldn’t be happier about it! Finding areas to save when planning a wedding is so important because the costs can add up quickly.

When I pulled the navy dress out of my mom’s closet, I instantly fell back in love with it. The silhouette, the fabric, and especially the deep midnight blue color were everything I wanted. While it’s traditional to wear white to a rehearsal dinner, I wanted to step outside the box. This sparkly, midnight blue dress was the perfect fit—it felt unique, glamorous, and totally me.

Accessories

Gloves: I wore elbow-length gloves to effortlessly and timelessly restyle my look with a modern edge. However, when I tried them on, the ring finger on my left hand just wouldn’t fit. That’s when I cut the four fingers off and left the fabric for just the thumbs. This little tweak turned a classic accessory into something edgy and unique.

Necklace: I knew I wanted a dainty pearl choker necklace that was elegant but not over the top. Pearl necklaces can be costly, and I struggled to find an affordable option—until I turned to Etsy. While Etsy can be frustrating with long shipping times and occasional high shipping costs, it’s a fantastic resource for finding unique, personalized pieces.

I bought a freshwater pearl dainty choker necklace for just $54, which was a steal! It was beautiful, elegant, and precisely what I was looking for. Plus, I still wear the necklace, making it a timeless keepsake from my wedding.

Hair

I wanted to go all out with a dramatic, voluminous look for my hair. I styled big curls in a half-up, half-down way to perfectly complement my bold eye makeup and midnight blue dress. To complete the look, I bought multiple hair accessories because options are always great.

Initially, I ordered a headband from Etsy, but I hated it. Instead, I went with sparkly bride hair clips, which were much more fitting for the vibe I was going for. I paired the clips with a cute sparkly bag on Amazon, which perfectly matched my shoes. You can never have too much glitter, and this look was proof of that!

Menu Proposal

Appetizer (Passed on Arrival)

Petit Steak and Ale Pie

Grilled Chicken Satay

With Picked Cucumber and Remoulade

Dinner Menu

Starter

Grilled Romaine Ceasar Salad

With Tomato Confit, Crisp Bacon, Shaved Asiago

And Roasted Pepper Ceasar Dressing

Main Course

Pan Seared Snapper

On Creamy Grits, Roasted Corn Relish

And Ancho Chili – Honey Sauce

Dessert

Warm Chocolate Cake

With Berries

Location: 2314 Dunlavy St. Houston Tx, 77006

I had my rehearsal dinner at the same place as my bridal shower—a beautiful house in Montrose owned by a sophisticated couple. The space had such a chic and artistic vibe, with curated decor and plenty of stunning artwork that made it feel like an upscale art studio.

What made the experience even more special was their personalized touch—they created a custom menu just for the event. It was the perfect spot to celebrate, blending elegance and creativity in a way that felt so uniquely me.

I know this might sound a little wild, but if you can find a reasonably priced photographer for your rehearsal dinner, do it! The day before the wedding is so chaotic, and as much as you think you’ll remember everything, you won’t. You only get one rehearsal dinner, and it goes by so quickly. That little time you have is so precious.

Having a photographer there allowed me to truly relax and enjoy the moment, precisely how I wanted to feel before the big day. It also took the pressure off me or my guests to capture everything. Let someone else handle the photos so you can soak it all in!

We wanted something truly special for our rehearsal dinner, and the Heights House Hotel was the perfect backdrop to make it happen. The venue's retro charm, vibrant colors, and mid-century vibes reminded me of something straight out of Bates Motel—but with a much more glamorous and euphoric twist. The moody neon signs, 80s-inspired architecture, and chic atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

We were already staying at the hotel for the night, making it easy to blend the magic of the rehearsal dinner with a fun photoshoot. My bridesmaids and I enjoyed every moment leading up to the big day, and having the chance to capture these timeless, creative photos made the night even more special. The space felt like a character, adding depth and personality to every shot we took.

The venue had an incredible bar with delicious food, giving us the perfect opportunity to relax and celebrate with our bridal party. The meaningful moments, stunning aesthetics, and playful energy made this evening a dream come true. It was the perfect way to kick off the wedding weekend in style.

Looking back, I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out. These photos and memories will stay with me forever, a creative and magical prelude to one of the most important days of my life.