8 Great Rehearsal Dinner Ideas - For a Spectacular Evening

Planning a wedding rehearsal dinner can seem like a daunting task. It used to fall on the mother of the groom to plan this event. More and more couples are financing their own weddings, and that includes the rehearsal dinner and the responsibility of planning it. Here are 8 great ideas to ensure your dinner is easy and enjoyable.

Pick a Place/Location:

Select a location that is easy to get to from your wedding venue. The main reason for the wedding rehearsal dinner is to gather everyone to rehearse for the wedding at the venue a day or two before the event. Having the dinner close by allows for minimal travel time and more time for celebrating.

A Casual Rehearsal Dinner:

There is no need for a formal dinner. In fact, the more formal your wedding, the more casual your rehearsal dinner should be. A picnic in the park or backyard BBQ are fun ways to host this dinner event.

Stick to your budget.

Don’t feel obligated to spend outside your means. This dinner should be about taking time to relax and express your gratitude to family and friends involved in the wedding.

Plan to give a Toast:

The couple should be prepared to toast their friends and family for all their past and present support. If public speaking makes you a little uneasy, write down your toast and practice a few times before giving it.

Make the dinner reflective of you as a couple:

If your favorite thing to do is be outside, host the dinner at an outdoor venue. If your first date was at a Mexican restaurant, plan a Mexican style dinner. Whatever theme represents you best.

Express your thanks:

Some people choose to give gifts to each of the wedding party participants to thank them for their involvement in the wedding. If gifts are outside your budget, give each person a personalized note of your gratefulness for their role in your union.

Invite your Out-Of-Town Guests:

Invite other family members who are not part of the ceremony and out-of-town guests to join your rehearsal dinner. This is only suggested if you have the means to provide for the extra people. It’s always great to have more time to spend with your family and out-of town guests that you may not see often.

Send out Rehearsal Dinner invitations:

Again, not a necessity but it is a good organizational strategy so everyone knows the exact place and time of both the rehearsal and the dinner. These invites should be less formal than the ones for the actual wedding. Check out PurpleTrail’s selection of invites that can be sent via email or print.

Enjoy your dinner for what it is, an opportunity to relax, unwind, and begin the celebration of your wedding! For more information on Rehearsal Dinner ideas, check out our Rehearsal Dinner Basics article.