Back to Nuvow.com
Planning a rehearsal dinner in addition to all of your regular wedding planning can seem like an added stress. But this event is often a memorable time that lets you kick off the celebrations with some of your most important guests. Organizing and planning your rehearsal dinner can be simple. Keep reading for seven tips to plan an easy, breezy dinner.
Hosting Duties
One of the first important tasks to tackle when planning your rehearsal dinner is to decide who will be hosting the event and who will be footing the bill. Many modern couples choose to split the costs between the two families, but sometimes they will follow the older tradition that allows the groom’s family to cover the costs. (This typically happens if the bride’s family has already covered the wedding expenses.)
If you choose to divvy up the expenses, be sure that communication is open and upfront to avoid any awkwardness later. This night is about celebrating the nuptials to come and honoring your VIP guests!
Venue & Menu
Choosing a venue for your rehearsal dinner can be fun. It is another chance to capture the overall theme of your big day or utilize another space at your wedding venue. You will want to choose a venue according to the size of your guest list. For a smaller, more intimate event, many restaurants offer private rooms you can reserve. For larger events, inquire about private banquet rooms at your wedding venue or hotel.
Also, keep in mind that your venue and menu will go hand in hand, so when looking at venue options, be sure to scope out the food and drink situation. Many rehearsal dinners are more formal with a menu from a rustic Italian eatery, a high-end steak house, or a rooftop or waterfront restaurant. However, more laid-back-style events are also gaining popularity, such as backyard barbeques, pizza and wine nights, or dinner in a casual restaurant setting.
Invitations
When planning your rehearsal dinner guest list, you can easily keep the event smaller by only inviting the wedding party, their significant others, and immediate families such as the parents, grandparents, and siblings. Additional guests to consider inviting might include the officiant or person performing the ceremony or guests visiting from out of town.
The great thing about a rehearsal dinner is that it’s okay to keep things simple! Many couples keep things casual by personally inviting guests to the event with a phone call or in-person invite. If you are planning a larger dinner and prefer to keep track of RSVPs, an invitation via email or e-vite is an excellent solution. At the end of the day, this is your rehearsal dinner, so include the people you feel should be present and invite them in a manner that feels right to you!
Seating Chart
A rehearsal dinner is a great way for families on both sides to get to know one another or maybe even meet for the first time. When creating a seating chart, keep this in mind and make it easy for those guests to chat and easily communicate. This will ensure everyone is comfortable and has an even better time at the wedding the next day when they see all of those familiar faces.
Attire
For the happy couple, there are no restrictions on your rehearsal dinner attire. If your event has a theme, we’d suggest planning your outfit with that in mind. If not, choose whether you want the event’s dress code to be casual or formal based on the venue and menu. (Make sure to let your attendees know about the dress code as well!)
For the bride-to-be, why not play with colors and prints? You could also keep it comfortable and opt for a sundress or classic black pantsuit. Or consider a chic white cocktail dress that lets everyone know who the bride is. The options are endless!
Toasts & Speeches
At a rehearsal dinner, it’s standard for the host of the evening to speak first. This is usually the bride or groom’s parents or a friend or family member who had a hand in putting the dinner together. Once the host has made their speech, the floor is typically open for others to say a few words. The rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity for friends or family who won’t be speaking at the wedding to make a toast or give the couple a heartfelt gesture. A short speech at this event can be less formal and more impromptu.
Remember to keep the rehearsal dinner to a reasonable length of time, approximately two to three hours total. It’s important to keep in mind those guests who may have traveled that day, and you want everyone to be fresh for the busy day that follows!
Little Extras
Thoughtful details can make your rehearsal dinner memorable for your guests. Ask your venue about opportunities to add unique touches to the event, such as a signature drink or music chosen by you and your hubby. Also, be sure to personally thank your guests for being there and helping to start the celebrations off right!
One more “extra” to consider is having your wedding photographer around to snap photos of your ultra-VIP guests attending the rehearsal dinner. If you can spend the extra money for this, the photos you’ll capture will be worth it! If you are on a tight budget, an easy way to ensure you get some great shots is to designate one friend or family member for photo-taking. These are memories you will not want to forget!
Rehearsal dinner planning can sneak up on you with all of the other wedding planning leading up to it. But it’s also a beautiful time to connect with some of your closest family and friends before the bigger group arrives the next day. Keep in mind these few simple tips and you’ll be sure to kick off the celebrations with success!
