6 Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
By Amanda Zack, Lantern Room Creative
The wedding rehearsal dinner may be on your mind, but it’s not the only thing competing for your attention. You and your partner are likely also considering how to achieve your wedding vision without breaking the bank! Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money on your wedding rehearsal dinner and delegate funds intentionally to feel confident in the final result without a financial burden.
As you build a spending plan with your partner, consider your must-haves and opportunities to reduce costs — not just for your wedding but for your rehearsal dinner.
While it is an essential introduction to the festive weekend, rehearsal dinners also tend to be easygoing events with your closest friends and family. If you’re eager to get the most out of your budget, follow these six tips to save money on your rehearsal dinner.
Host an at-home rehearsal dinner
Skip the venue rental fees and opt for a casual, homey setting instead! Hosting a rehearsal dinner at your home or a loved one’s house is an excellent way to save on costs and create a cozy atmosphere for your pre-wedding party.
Backyard rehearsal dinners are gaining popularity for their cost-effectiveness and the chance to kick off the wedding festivities in a comfortable, intimate setting. Planning an event at your home also offers flexibility in decoration and cuisine. From a fun pizza night to a classic family BBQ, you have more freedom with your menu options.
Photo credit: Donna Von Bruening
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!
DIY your décor
While a professional florist may be essential for wedding flowers, consider going a simpler route for your rehearsal dinner with simple DIY arrangements. Head to a nearby grocery store and try your hand at making your own centerpieces! While flower prices may vary, you’ll undoubtedly save on professional design fees. If DIYing your blooms is outside your comfort zone, look to online DIY guides to create a unique display.
As for other décor elements, why purchase new decorations for a one-time event when you can make your own? Pinterest is the go-to app for all DIY crafts, so spend some time exploring the many ideas to gain inspiration. Better yet, make your DIY projects a group affair by hosting a fun crafting party with your entourage to prepare décor for the rehearsal dinner! Creating simple centerpieces, designing faux florals, and adding your own personal touch are fun ways to make your rehearsal dinner even more memorable.
Aim for buffet or family-style
The cost of plated dinners can add up, especially when hosting a large wedding party. Instead, choose a potluck or buffet display with light appetizers and desserts. While many restaurants offer buffet options, don’t worry — if you’re hosting at home, you can still reduce costs by serving family-style!
If professional catering is a must, consider sticking to heavy hors d’oeuvres and bite-sized starters, like sliders and tacos. In addition, food trucks have gained traction as an economical option for weddings; however, keep your guest count in mind, as food trucks are more efficient for smaller groups than larger ones (The Knot, 2021).
Limit your guest list
The rehearsal dinner typically includes your immediate family, wedding party members, and their plus ones. Although some couples want to invite all their friends, a larger guest count means a larger bill.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on guest lists, check out our article breaking down the wedding rehearsal dinner guest list.)
Since you will celebrate with everyone the next day, keep your rehearsal dinner guest list short. With a smaller group, you can reserve an intimate venue and bond with your inner circle without the stress of entertaining a large party or overextending your budget.
Enjoy a brunch option
It should come as no surprise that dinner prices are higher than other meals, so consider avoiding unnecessary costs by hosting a rehearsal brunch instead. A brunch is a fun, budget-friendly solution that will have everyone anticipating the upcoming wedding weekend!
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on unique wedding rehearsal parties, check out our article on how to host the perfect wedding rehearsal brunch and take a look at other dinner alternatives!)
Wondering how to enhance your brunch theme? Consider setting up a DIY mimosa bar, a sweet donut cart, or a pancake-making station. On the savory side, omelet and bacon bars are strong contenders to balance the sweetness. Of course, be mindful of making adjustments to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
Photo credit: Donna Von Bruening
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!
Skip the open bar
Open bars are a great way to double your rehearsal dinner budget! Although open bars are a common tradition at wedding celebrations, they can add anywhere from $200 to $1,500 to your check, with an average rate of $20–$30 per guest (Thumbtack, 2021).
Instead of spilling over your spending plan, allow guests to buy their own drinks or offer a few drink tickets and let them cover the rest. Alternatively, you could offer an open bar limited to beer and wine to avoid the higher cost of spirits and mixed drinks.
Or, if alcohol is unnecessary for the rehearsal dinner, consider keeping it dry and saving the open bar for the following day. Bonus: No wedding day hangovers!
Wedding festivities have many moving parts, but establishing an overall wedding budget will guide you through each step of the planning process with ease. Set aside time with your partner to discuss a spending plan and determine how much you can dedicate to your rehearsal dinner.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on budgeting, check out ‘Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Budget: How Much & Who Pays?’ and ‘Do We Need To Hire Vendors For Our Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?’)
Remember: Your rehearsal dinner or brunch marks the beginning of your celebration, so it’s the perfect opportunity to make a splash with your guests. But an impressive start doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny! You can still throw an unforgettable celebration while maintaining your budget.
From DIY décor to backyard parties to a trimmed-down guest list, there are plenty of methods to save money and still revel in every moment with your loved ones. So let your innovative ideas take the reins and make your event magical!
If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, don’t miss some of these must-read resources:
Does The Rehearsal Dinner Have To Be The Night Before The Wedding?
Do We Need To Hire Vendors For Our Wedding 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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Amanda Zack is the owner of Lantern Room Creative, a boutique copywriting agency that specializes in brand messaging and digital marketing solutions for creatives and wedding professionals.