When my friends Scott and Cam's son Jeremy got married, I helped Cam implement her party plan for the after rehearsal dinner--- a casual shrimp boil on the lake. The party was touching tribute complete with speeches and sentimental moments--- a perfect kick-off for a busy wedding weekend. The theme for the party was black and white and all of the guests dressed in black and white attire.

ideas for a rehearsal dinner Martie Duncan

We created a casual yet elegant setting which allowed the perfect opportunity for everyone to relax and catch up. All of the out-of-town family and friends were included in the after rehearsal dinner festivities.

We were able to borrow tables and chairs from the family's church to avoid having to rent them. White tablecloths were not actually tablecloths but twin sheets Cam found for a few dollars each. They were topped with a black and white topper or runner. Lanterns with an antique feel were used along with vases of white flowers and photos of the couple throughout their relationship.

We greeted guests at poolside with cold glasses of iced tea and traditional Southern favorites like Black-Eye Pea dip, cheese straws, bacon and cheese muffins, and fresh fruit.

Family and friends all pitched in to help with the food. The Shrimp Boil was cooked on the dock and served in a huge wooden boat. Tables were set with cocktail sauce and melted butter for dipping. Homemade bread with sweet butter rounded out the menu.

black and white rehearsal dinner plan Martie Duncan

Want an easy idea for a centerpiece for your next party? Check out this fish bowl idea. It's an easy and fun addition to your table. It was inexpensive but added a lot of impact and a little whimsy. I put the vase on a candle holder with a wide base and used mounting tape to secure it but it is equally pretty sitting on a table or on a glass block. I'd use a very stable base if you will have cocktails or children at the party.

Elegant and easy...  find a glass block or candle holder to serve as a pedestal for the globe. — Elegant and easy... find a glass block or candle holder to serve as a pedestal for the globe.

All you have to do is to find a glass container. I used a round globe vase but you can also use a tall cylinder or square glass vase.

These guys almost look real but they are pretty, inexpensive glass fish that you might find at an aquarium store. I found these at Pier 1. Sit them on top of ocean colored sea glass for a lovely change to a flower centerpiece.

Add the sea glass in your party color to the bottom of the vase. This not only adds color, it also adds some weight to the arrangement and that helps with stability. If you don't have or can't find sea glass, you can always use sand or river rocks.

I found some pretty glass fish that I used in the arrangement. You could also add coral or anything else that fits your party theme.

Fish $5 each (Pier 1)

Round Vase: $6 (Wal-Mart)

Sea Glass $6 (Target)

TALL CYLINDER VASE AQUARIUM WITH LIVE FISH

I have also made beautiful tall aquariums with live fish for a party. You have to be sure the water is suitable for the fish and that you have a home for them to go to once the party is over. This one was for an oyster event so I used oyster shells and other seashells to the design. Make sure to add the sand first. Then add the water about 1/2 way up. Add your design elements; shells, coral, etc. Then fill the vase 1/3 from the top. Allow the sand to settle before you add the fish.