W.W.
I would ask my daughter what she plans on doing for her special day before I make any plans to show up.
Talk with her fiance to make sure he doesn't have anything planned for her and let him know what YOU want to do to SURPRISE her.
Richmond is NOT a small city. It's the capital of Virginia. Is she in Richmond proper or is she in Mechancsville, Montrose, Clopton, etc.?
How much money do you want to spend?
WHAT type of cuisine do you both like?
VERY PRICEY steak house?
Buckhead Steak and Grill - it's IN Richmond.
Brio Tuscan Grill - again IN Richmond
Middle pricey:
Stella's - it's a greek place - it's about 9 blocks from the James River.
Down by the James River are A TON of restaurants - just depends upon what you are looking for.
Driving to DC for dinner? I wouldn't do it. It's 2 to 3 hours - maybe 4 depending upon traffic. No kidding. Friday took me 3 hours to get from The Toll Road to Exit 143B (Stafford). It was NUTS!!! I mean CRAZY!!!
Yesterday on our way back from Norfolk? It took us 4 hours!! YIKES!!!