6:15pm  Wedding Rehearsal Party (Wedding Party Only)

                 Chartres House Cafe
                 601 Chartres Street
                 New Orleans, Louisiana

    9 pm    Rendezvous Point - (Everyone can meet for drinks)

                Pat O'Brien's Patio Bar
                718 St. Peter Street
                New Orleans, Louisiana

                A brief history of the "Second Line" --- The "second line" is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The term is also used for an associated traditional dance style.  Music is an important part of most public events in traditional New Orleans culture.  Processions with music include the parades of benevolent societies, social aid & pleasure clubs, such as Zulu, other Carnival krewes, and of course the famous funerals with music, often called "jazz funerals."

                The "first line" of a funeral consisted of the people who were an integral part of the ceremony, such as the members of the club or kewe, or family and friends of the deceased.  Usually brightly coloured items such as beads and feathers were offered to the "second line."  The "second line" originally referred to people who were attracted to the music.  Traditionally such people would follow behind the "first line."  In the final decades of the 20th century it became more common for some such onlookers who joined the procession to mix in or even get ahead of the band and first line, behavior considered a social faux pas by older New Orleanians.  To follow such processions because one enjoyed the music came to be known as to "second line" or to be "second lining."  Uninhibited dancing at processions also came to be called second lining.

                Today, "second line" types of dances are held independently of funerals, and it is quite common for a bride and groom to lead a second line parade from the Church, in celebration of their first steps into marriage.  We are sure everyone will have a great time partaking in this old New Orleans tradition -- we even have a couple of surprises in store for you during the parade!  We will provide alternative transportation to the reception for elderly family members who may prefer not to promenade with the rest of us crazy people. . .

    6:30 pm   Wedding Reception

                    Omni Royal Orleans - The Royal Garden Terrace
                    621 St. Louis Street
                    New Orleans, LA 70140

Every city has a centerpiece. In New Orleans, it is the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel. A Mecca for sophisticated travelers and memorable events, the Omni Royal Orleans is known for its exquisite attention to detail and resplendent luxury. Spanish, wrought-iron balconies and a classic French facade showcase the hotel's Old World charm and stand as a testament to its proud history and lineage.  The Royal Garden Terrace is a set of banquet rooms and an adjoining large outdoor terrace on the second floor of the Omni Royal Orleans hotel.


What to do with your free time. . .

This is probably the easiest city in the world to "pass a good time" with little effort.  Incredible dining, shopping, gambling and tourism are all within walking distance from your hotel.  Below are a few ideas to get you started . . .

 www.frenchquarter.com/maps/

Restaurants

Cafe du Monde Not only is this a must visit New Orleans landmark, it is the cheapest meal you'll find in the French Quarter.  Last we checked, you can get 3 hot beignets loaded with powdered sugar and a cafe au lait (half coffee, half milk) for less than $5.  If you don't like coffee, they have milk.  If you don't like milk, too bad, it's all they serve.

NOLA 504.522.6652 NOLA is right across the street from the Omni... yummy spot

Cafe Pontalba Located at 546 St. Peter, Cafe Pontalba offers a wonderful view of the St. Louis Cathedral and of Jackson Square. Ideal for a casual lunch while wandering through the Quarter, their menu consists of several classic New Orleans dishes as well as sandwiches, burgers, ribs, etc.

Red Fish Grill 504-598-1200

Crescent City Brewhouse 504-522-0571 Tons of different beers on the menu and often have live jazz bands at night.