Best Kept Rehearsal Dinner Secrets Revealed
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
Rehearsal dinners are too often considered an afterthought of wedding planning. But for many couples, this pre-wedding event turns out to be one of the most memorable moments of the weekend! Much like the calm before the storm, the rehearsal dinner is your time to relax, celebrate, and spend time with your favorite people before the excitement of your wedding day. It’s also a time to thank those who have helped with planning and supported you and your partner.
As you plan your wedding experience, don’t overlook the rehearsal dinner! Instead, use it to express your personality, show appreciation for loved ones, and kick off the weekend with a bang. Keep reading for pro tips from industry experts!
Photo credit: Manda Weaver Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Think Outside the Box
A lot of thought goes into planning a wedding, so many couples view their rehearsal dinner as a chance to have fun and approach it differently.
Colton Simmons of Colton Simmons Photography encourages couples to do something unique for the pre-nuptial celebration. “Maybe you rent a few food trucks or have a themed event where everyone wears a specific color,” he says. “Have fun with it! Everyone’s gotten together to celebrate you, so lean into it.”
It’s also a great opportunity to highlight other aspects of your relationship that don’t fit into your wedding plans. For instance, you may want to embrace a shared love of baseball or hint at your first date at a coffee shop.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For some great ideas for unique wedding rehearsal dinners, check out this couple’s pizza party rehearsal dinner or this couple who combined their wedding rehearsal dinner with a Western hat-making party!)
“Think about the two of you as a couple and what you would like to do for your rehearsal,” suggests Kate Hickey of Sunshower Weddings. Then, “call around and ask if the business will host private events. You will be surprised by how many places do!”
Hickey offers a few venue ideas for couples: bowling alleys, sports bars, piano bars, wine-tasting rooms, breweries, and even chain breakfast restaurants like Waffle House (a la Ciara’s birthday gift!). An unexpected venue or activity will make for a memorable rehearsal dinner!
Buffer Plenty of Time
You rehearse for the ceremony, then convene for dinner. It’s that simple…except for when it isn’t. Poor weather conditions, power outages, or a late wedding party member can cause delays and push your rehearsal dinner behind schedule.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more advice on rehearsal dinner timelines, you can check out our articles on the ideal timeline for planning your wedding rehearsal dinner or check out ‘7 Steps To Planning A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner’)
“The last thing you want to do is rush your rehearsal because you know dinner is immediately following,” assures Sarah Chianese of Mangia and Enjoy!. “Planning for additional time is even more imperative if the rehearsal is in a different location than where the dinner is being held.”
In addition to rehearsal-related delays, padding the schedule provides a buffer for traffic and parking, especially if dinner is hosted at a busy venue with street parking.
Photo Credit: Mandee Johnson Photography
Make It Guest-Oriented
Since rehearsal dinners are traditionally smaller, more intimate affairs, they’re an excellent way to celebrate your closest loved ones with personalized details. You might not be able to do this for 100+ guests at your wedding, but it’s much more feasible with 20-30 people — and it’s the perfect way to honor those who have supported you.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more personalized touches, check out these personalizeable invitation printables and thank you tags.)
Instead of setting out engagement photos, Chandai Raghunauth of Chandai Events recommends displaying pictures of yourselves with the guests in attendance. “This will give them a personal touch, and each guest can see each other,” she explains.
You can also show appreciation for your guests by “creating a menu that is guest-centered and fun for them,” Raghunauth adds. “Have a poll when you send out your invites to get their input.” You could even indicate who suggested each dish on the menu or with table cards!
Don’t Forget the Flowers
Rehearsal dinner decor is typically low-key, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add your personal touch to the celebration! Framed photos are always an easy choice, but Mandy Hess of MJM Designs also recommends adding flowers to the mix.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For your flowers, consider native flowers and plants, or if you can’t do live flowers check out these wooden flower centerpieces.)
“It doesn't have to be much,” Hess says. “What I love most is when couples use a design or color palette that is completely opposite of their wedding flowers.”
So, if your wedding design features sophisticated all-white florals, consider playing with colorful blooms for your rehearsal dinner! Beyond flowers and photos, you won’t need much else to set the tone for a beautiful and welcoming celebration.
Photo Credit: Tracy Autem Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Keep a Grip on Alcohol Consumption
It’s common for rehearsal dinner hosts to offer an open bar as a gesture of appreciation. However, overconsumption can become an issue when it comes time to head out for the night — especially for those with an early start time for the wedding.
Chianese urges couples and hosts to “limit alcoholic beverages to merely wine and beer at most, with spritzers or non-alcoholic beverages available.”
“Keeping it light for the rehearsal dinner offers everyone a chance to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the wedding day,” Chianese adds. From morning-of mimosas to bottles of bubbly, there will be plenty of opportunities to imbibe with loved ones the next day!
There’s no formula for an “ideal” rehearsal dinner because it only matters that it’s perfect for you. But by following these best practices, you can avoid common pitfalls and plan a memorable occasion for all!
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, don’t miss some of these must-read resources:
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner & Western Hat Making Party in Aspen
Here’s The Ideal Timeline for Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner
About Let’s Get Rehearsed!
Welcome to stress-free and easy wedding rehearsal dinner planning and ideas! Let’s Get Rehearsed is the best, most helpful planning and inspiration resource for all things wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding welcome parties, and the night before the wedding celebrations. If you’re in rehearsal dinner planning mode or looking for unique ideas, check out our real rehearsal dinner and welcome party photos, rehearsal dinner ideas and inspiration, advice for planning a wedding rehearsal dinner, and a rehearsal dinner printable and download shop.
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Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.