How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner
How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner.
In the throes of wedding planning, it may cause you anxiety to think about planning a rehearsal dinner, too. But this event is a wonderful occasion to gather with your closest friends and family after the wedding rehearsal to relax, recharge and thank them for their support. Rehearsal dinners are also usually hosted by someone other than the bride and groom and are smaller, more laidback and full of memorable moments. Here are some pointers to keep in mind when thinking about your rehearsal dinner:
· Decide who is hosting. Although tradition tells us the groom’s family hosts the rehearsal dinner because usually the bride’s parents pay for the wedding, anyone can host the event since many split the wedding costs these days. Just be sure whoever you tap to take care of the rehearsal dinner is on-board with your plans and is comfortable being responsible for the bill.
· Close in on a theme or style. Think about what type of rehearsal dinner you want it to be. And consider whether you want a sit-down dinner or a more carefree event. If your wedding is more formal, it might be fun to keep the rehearsal dinner casual with a barbeque, picnic or even food trucks! Your preferred style and/or menu will dictate when and where it should be held, too.
· Suggest convenient locations with great menus. Help your host choose a rehearsal dinner location near your wedding venue for easy access. If there isn’t one available, be sure it’s easy to find for your guests. Look into restaurants, facilities and venues that have great menus for large groups and make handling the dinner part a breeze for your host. Or, if someone offers up their expansive backyard or private property, bring the catering to them for a more intimate setting.
· Make a guest list. Provide a list to your host of everyone you intend to invite. Remember, this is not the wedding day so you can keep the list smaller and more intimate. All the key players of your wedding should be there if they participate in your rehearsal, as well as extended family members who assist you on your big day. Also, try to supply the host with any special dietary restrictions for those you plan to invite so they can pass it along to the caterer.
· Think of this as a time to say “thanks.” On your wedding day, you’ll be inundated with details and to-dos that you may not get the chance to properly thank your loved ones for their support of your union. Use the rehearsal dinner as the opportunity to publicly thank your family and friends for all of their love and help. Use this time to also gift your loved ones and bridal party with “thank you” gifts if you feel so inclined.
· Provide helpful reminders before the group departs. If there are any critical reminders you need to share with your family or bridal party about the wedding day, speak up and remind them at the rehearsal dinner before they say “goodnight.”
Rehearsal dinners are full of fun, light-hearted moments that allow the couple to truly share in the joy of their upcoming wedding with their dearest loved ones. Sit back, let someone else take the reins, and enjoy your last evening before the big wedding day.
