6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Coat + Tie required for gentlemen.
This is an invite-only event. Commander's Palace has a very strict dress code. Gentlemen are required to wear a coat and tie and ladies should be in cocktail attire. Lesley strongly encourages all guests attending the rehearsal dinner to watch the documentary Commanding The Table to understand the history of this amazingly iconic restaurant before attending.
9:30 pm
No dress code required.
We would like to invite any wedding guests in town on Thursday night to join us for a kick-off cocktail at Hot Tin, the rooftop at the Pontchartrain Hotel. We will be wrapping up the rehearsal dinner around 9 pm on Thursday night and plan to be at Hot Tin by 9:30 pm. (Lesley will not be staying long as she will need to get her beauty sleep!)
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Have fun with your outfit! Wedding chic, Nola style. You do not have to be super formal for the wedding, but most people will be in daytime cocktail. (Todd will be in a suit + tie). Be comfortable and have fun with your outfit! It's New Orleans, anything goes.
Please plan to arrive by 3:15 pm. Transportation will be provided at 6 pm to bring guests to the French Quarter who are participating in the Second Line. (Limited seats available, adults only). Delicious hors d'oeuvres and libations will be served. Ladies feel free to bring a change of shoes for the second line.
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
This will be the best part of the weekend!
One of the most popular traditions for New Orleans weddings is the famous second line parade. At a wedding, it signifies the start of a new beginning of life for the bride and groom. A brass band will lead our group from bus drop off to the after party. A second line parade has two parts. The first line is the brass band and the newlyweds. The newly married couple will lead the second line holding uniquely decorated umbrellas. All of the guests who want to join in the celebration make up the second line. The guests form a line behind the band and the newlyweds and dance to live music with handkerchiefs (and cocktails!) in hand.
7:00 pm
Let's Dance the Night Away!
We will second line to the after party where there will be live music entertainment. This is the last event we have planned for the evening. Light hors d'oeuvres will be provided at the reception, but if you would like to have dinner after the second line, please feel free to make a reservation anywhere in New Orleans (reservations strongly encouraged).
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Dressy casual, but have fun with your outfit! Jeans, shorts, t-shirts or flip flops are not allowed.
If you are awake (and not too hungover!), please join us for a farewell toast in the French Quarter. Light snacks and delicious libations provided. Please make your lunch plans following this event accordingly. Event hosted by Ann Monroe, Jill & Claire Sanchez, Emily & Kyle Godfrey, Katie & Jeb Barber, and Louise & Jim Fruge. Men are required to be in pants + collared shirt for lunch service, but it doesn't have to be boring! Wear something fun that meets the requirements, but also fun bop around the Quarter in after. It’s New Orleans, wear something crazy! Reminder, Galatoire's 33 does not allow shorts, flip flops, t-shirts, or jeans for lunch service. (Coats are not required for this party).