There are so many things I wish I could go back and re-do at our wedding. Sure, there were wedding blogs and Pinterest, but those things just weren't what they are today. Which is why, when I have the opportunity to get creative with wedding projects, I basically treat it like my do over. I love sharing these ideas and creations in hopes that those of you planning your own weddings will actually get to execute them and blow all of your friends and family away;) We had a very small wedding, so we had a few family members out to our favorite restaurant in Laguna Beach after our rehearsal. Looking back, I may have made all of the other events surrounding our wedding day a bigger deal. I love seeing couples that have themed rehearsal dinners and Sunday brunches following the wedding. It really is a once in a lifetime occasion that you should celebrate the heck out of.

With more and more couples renting houses in destinations that they frequent in their time off, it really just makes sense to start looking at how your can host fun days and nights (yourself) to round out your wedding weekend. I partnered with BHLDN to share my dream rehearsal dinner scenario. You know I like a mix of high and low, rustic and glamorous... things that have high contrast. So, creating a gorgeous table top full of some of the prettiest decor available for your wedding, was naturally paired with a  pizza bar. Honestly, who would not enjoy a chic pizza party? I love that it would be a super simple way to feed your guests, and let the decor that you put together shine. Still don't think beaded gowns go with a pizza bar? Keep reading...

Invite your guests with a playful invitation suite. Keeping the colors soft, I designed this watercolor suite in pinks and grey and tied it all together with splatter painted vellum and hand dyed silk ribbon.

Create drama by lighting up the night with candlelight. You almost don't need anything else but a few flowers for your table. I mixed pillar candles with classic gold candlesticks for height and to frame our flower arrangements. Once the sun set it was all the light we needed and created the perfect setting for lingering over champagne and conversation.

Treat your bridesmaids to something special they can wear the next day. It makes a unique setting with a little sprig of greenery.

I always mix our champagne glasses for get togethers and dinners. It adds a playful touch, color, and guests aren't guessing which glass is theirs. I topped the bar with one of my favorite phrases and a flower garland.

White breezy dresses are the ultimate summer wedding staple. This beaded gown could easily go from wedding, to dinner, to the beach depending on how you style it.

The key to creating a pizza bar that doesn't remind you of a kids party? It's all about the presentation. We stuck to glass cake stands and wood platters surrounded by gilded serving pieces and gold calligraphy signage. Using individual tables in varying heights also creates something more visually interesting than the usual bar set up. 

My goal for dinner party set ups is always to get people talking while making them feel like their at home. I think this one did the job.

Are there any of you on the hunt for DIY rehearsal dinner ideas? What plans do you have up your sleeve to wow your guests?

Photography | Alissa Noelle Photography

Flowers | Beautiful Savage Flowers

Decor | BHLDN, individual pieces that are available are shown below

Crystal Bracelets | Cake Serving Set | Gold Garland | Gold Candle Boxes | Pink Cakestand | Yay Champagne Glass | Gold Rim Champagne Glass | Advice Cards | Gold Utensil Set | Tapers | Brass Candlesticks | Wood Tray | Votives | Pillar Candles | Coupes | Jasmine Garland | Agate Card Holder | Tall Loop Card Holder | Birch Planter | Short Eyelet Dress | Long Beaded Dress

Post in partnership with BHLDN.