See How One Dallas Couple Threw a Haute Honky-Tonk Rehearsal

By Ryan Conner

For one Texas couple, a haute honky-tonk rehearsal was the perfect way to pay tribute to their Lone Star roots.

For their June 2022 wedding weekend, Dallas native Megan Riney and Austin-born Christopher Bybee wanted to pay homage to their Texas roots. Their Bent Tree Country Club reception was to be a black-tie-optional affair, so a kickoff party at Gilley’s Dallas would prove the perfect opportunity to infuse some Lone Star flavor. They tasked planner Allison MacNealy of Allison & Co. Events with planning a rehearsal dinner that was festive, fun, and a little bit country. She thoughtfully planned every detail—from the music (country tunes, courtesy of The Rustic Avenues) and the menu (barbecue and ranch waters) to an interactive hat bar, where guests designed cowboy style hats that doubled as favors. Remembers Megan fondly, “It was the best way to kick off the weekend.”

Megan & Christopher's Rehearsal Dinner, Exterior

Throw a Rule-Breaking Rehearsal

Take notes from the Bybees’ wedding weekend and consider a more relaxed rehearsal dinner. A laid-back flow allows the couple to mix and mingle with guests more freely. “Our party was a chance to have more close-knit conversations with friends and family,” explains Megan. Planner Allison MacNealy also notes that the wedding eve is an opportunity to have more fun with a theme that reflects you. “You could do it at a bowling alley, a dance hall, an arcade,” she says. “The rehearsal dinner is a chance to make the event that much more unique.”

Megan & Christopher's Rehearsal Dinner, Custom Cowboy Hats

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During the evening’s cocktail hour, Allison surprised the couple with an interactive “hat bar.” The personalized cowboy hats served as favors for the party guests. “It was a great activity during cocktail hour and gave our nearest and dearest a little memento from the weekend,” says Megan.