Practice makes perfect, as they say, and with the biggest day of your life rapidly approaching, it would be wise to squeeze in a dry run! That’s why many couples, in the lead-up to their wedding, host a rehearsal dinner: a pre-wedding event that usually takes place the night before the wedding day. This is an opportunity for the bride and groom, along with their wedding party, close family members, and out-of-town guests, to come together to relax, socialize, and celebrate the upcoming nuptials.
Now that you know what a rehearsal dinner is, we understand that it might sound overwhelming – it’s difficult to plan one event, let alone two! In this article, however, we’ll provide tips and ideas for hosting a unique and successful rehearsal dinner that your guests will love. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard BBQ or an elegant dinner at a fancy venue, we’ve got you covered – with the personalized decorations and invitations to match every occasion. Let’s get started!
Planning a Successful Rehearsal Dinner
Set a Budget
Before you start planning your rehearsal dinner, it’s important to determine your budget. This will help you make decisions about the venue, menu, and guest list. Don’t forget to factor in any additional costs, such as décor or entertainment – that DJ we mentioned earlier, for instance.
Send Out Invitations
Mail your invitations at least a month in advance to give your guests ample time to RSVP. According to Kristen Gosselin on WeddingWire.com, all rehearsal dinner invitations should include the host of the rehearsal dinner; the couple’s names; the event time and location; the RSVP deadline; and any additional information regarding the wedding website, dress code, and so on.
Plan the Menu
Select a menu that complements the style and theme of your rehearsal dinner – there’s probably no point in bringing your barbecue grill to the art gallery, for instance. Consider dietary restrictions and preferences when choosing the dishes – you could ask guests for this information on your RSVP cards. There’s also our “What to Consider When Planning Your Wedding Menu” article, which covers this subject in greater detail!
Prepare Speeches or Toasts
The rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity for the wedding party and family members to give speeches or toasts, or to practice them at least. Encourage them to prepare something heartfelt and memorable to share with the couple and guests. For more advice on this, check out our “How to Make a Wedding Toast” article!
Who Should You Invite to a Rehearsal Dinner?
When it comes to the guest list for a rehearsal dinner, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a more intimate gathering than the wedding itself, and the guest list will be a lot shorter as a result. The people you invite should be those who have played a significant role in the wedding planning process and those who’ll be involved in the ceremony itself. Here are some suggestions for who to invite:
- Wedding Party Members: There wouldn’t be much point in having a wedding rehearsal without the main participants, would there? Each member of your wedding party, including the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers, should all be invited to the rehearsal dinner. This is a great opportunity for your wedding party to get to know each other better and to go over any last-minute details for the wedding day.
- Close Family Members and Friends: Close family members and both sets of parents and siblings should also be invited to the rehearsal dinner. Additionally, close friends who have played a significant role in your lives can be included – perhaps invite that mutual friend who paired you up in the first place?
- Out-of-Town Guests: If you have out-of-town guests attending the wedding, it’s a nice gesture to invite them to the rehearsal dinner as well. This will help to welcome them to the area, introduce themselves to the other guests, and make them feel included in the wedding festivities.
What Are Some Unique Ways to Host a Rehearsal Dinner?
A traditional rehearsal dinner, as described by The Knot.com, operates much like you’d expect: it’s a formal meal, designed to facilitate a run-through of the wedding ceremony. It’s typically scheduled the night before your wedding and is often paid for by the groom’s parents. However, we have a few more alternative and budget-friendly ideas for you to sample, too:
Themed Rehearsal Dinners
- Destination Wedding-Inspired: Bring the destination to your rehearsal dinner by incorporating elements from your wedding location. For example, if you’re having a beach wedding, serve seafood and cocktails in beachy hues.
- Rustic: Go for a cozy and rustic vibe with a rehearsal dinner in a barn, cabin, or outdoor space. Decorate with candles, twinkle lights, and natural elements like wood and greenery.
- Beach or Poolside: If you’re having a summer wedding, embrace the season with a beach or poolside rehearsal dinner. Serve light, refreshing fare like seafood and salads, and keep guests entertained with some of our lawn game products.
Alternative Venues
- Backyard BBQ: Host a laid-back and casual rehearsal dinner in your own backyard. Serve classic BBQ dishes, set up lawn games, and decorate with string lights for a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
- Brewery or Winery: If you’re a beer or wine-loving couple, consider hosting your rehearsal dinner at a local brewery or winery. This allows you to incorporate your interests into the setting and provide guests with unique libations. This might also be an opportunity to provide guests with a preview of your wedding wine labels as well, courtesy of Zazzle!
- Art Gallery or Museum: For an elegant and sophisticated affair, consider hosting your rehearsal dinner at an art gallery or museum. Serve hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while guests explore the exhibits!
Interactive Rehearsal Dinners
- Cooking Class: Host a cooking class for your rehearsal dinner, where guests can learn to make their own meals and enjoy them together (or, if everything didn’t go according to plan, sympathize with each other over the results).
- Game Night: Host a game night for your rehearsal dinner, with board games, card games, or even a murder mystery. Breaking the guest list up into groups will help people to mingle and get to know each other better.
- Karaoke or Dance Party: Host a karaoke or dance party for your rehearsal dinner, with a DJ or karaoke machine to keep guests dancing all night long!
Overall, while rehearsal dinners aren’t necessary, they still play an important role in allowing the wedding party and close family members to come together and celebrate. It’s a time to relax, enjoy good food and company, and, most importantly, to make sure that everything goes according to plan on the big day.
With careful planning and attention to detail – as well as a Zazzle Ideas article or two – you can make your rehearsal dinner a memorable and enjoyable event for everyone involved. Start by establishing that budget and guest list, and you’ll soon be able to create a night that you and your guests will cherish forever!
Nicole is our Content Strategist. She enjoys long walks to Taco Bell, rollerblading into the sunset, and eating Reese’s Cups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find her writing about iPhone cases, holiday card messaging and even music festival tips!
