Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Ideas
From LoveToKnow Weddings
If you’re looking for something different, you might be interested in some wedding rehearsal dinner ideas. Many are under the impression that wedding rehearsal dinners are formal affairs to be held in restaurants and catering halls, but this doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re not sure of what to do, consider one of these wedding rehearsal dinner ideas.
Buffet
Sometimes the simplest wedding rehearsal dinner ideas are the best. If you’d like to host the rehearsal dinner in your home but don’t really have the seating space, you might try providing a buffet. Whether the affair is catered or potluck, a buffet enables you to accommodate everyone. Dishes can be placed on a table or counter so your guests can serve themselves and sit wherever they’d like. This is a great way to make guests feel at ease as they can mingle as they eat and don’t have to feel obligated to make small talk with the people sitting next to them.
Restaurant
Of course not everyone wants to cook and clean. Having the rehearsal dinner inside a restaurant allows you to relax and enjoy the company while someone else serves and cleans up after you. Many restaurants will work with you to create a pre-fixe menu for your guests to choose from, saving you money.
Other Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Ideas
- Picnic – Who says a rehearsal dinner has to be indoors? Imagine a lakeside picnic where everyone brings his or her specialties for everyone to enjoy. Dress is casual and there’s plenty of room to invite anyone you want. Plan a game of softball or volleyball and let the little ones run around. What could be more memorable.
- Barbecue – Like the picnic, a backyard barbecue is a casual, low key affair. It’ll give family members and the wedding party a chance to get to know each other before the wedding.
- Hawaiin Luau – A luau is a fun change from the usual formal sit down affair. Guests can dress casual and be treated to some wonderful food and entertainment.
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Tips
When looking into wedding rehearsal dinner ideas, there are several important considerations:
Budget
It doesn’t make sense to host a fancy sit down dinner if it’s not something you an afford. If money is an issue, have something more casual. Most guests will agree the night is a celebration of the next day’s festivities. It’s about good company in anticipation of the next day’s events. How much you spend isn’t important.
Guest List
You don’t have to fill a restaurant or your home with friends and family members. The only people required to be in attendance at a wedding rehearsal dinner are those who participated in the wedding rehearsal: the bride and groom, their parents and the wedding party. If you can’t afford to feed everyone, you’re under no obligation. Many people chose to invite the officiant as well as family members and dates of single members in attendance. If money is indeed an object, only invite the key players.
The Menu
If the mother of the groom is allergic to fish, it’s probably not a good idea to have the rehearsal dinner in a seafood restaurant. If the maid of honor is a vegetarian, you’ll want to choose a menu with at least one meatless option. Do consider your guests when planning the menu.
Invitations
Invitations aren’t necessary. Guests can be phone, emailed or invited in person. Many hosts enjoy the convenience of evite a perfectly acceptable alternative.
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