Rehearsal Dinner Guide

Author, Brittany Champion

A rehearsal dinner is an intimate experience, with guest sharing personal stories about the lovely couple. The rehearsal dinner is a great way for those involved in the wedding to relax and enjoy a few laughs while eating a great meal. Planning a rehearsal dinner is about what works for each individual couple. There are a number of entities to take into consideration, such as budget, location, guest, food, toasting, seating arrangement etc. Below is a layout of guidelines that are sure to make this “pre-wedding” event as delightful as the couple hosting it.

 

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The Budget

 

The budget should be determined before any plans are in effect. Establishing the budget early can lighten stress that are sure to arise during planning. As with planning any event, the budget will mainly go towards choice of location, food, and beverages. You are not limited to upscale restaurants and venues so be creative when considering your location. Be sure to stand firm on your expected expenses and double check all agreements before signing and moving forward with your plans.

 

The Guest

 

Guest can be determined single handedly by the couple or by both the couple and the couples parents. Guest list are a slippery slope, especially when considering who you, as the couple, want to invite and who your parents desire to invite. A common ground has to be established early, and it may help to keep you location, food, and beverage limits in mind. The list should include all parents and grandparents, siblings and the wedding party. If you intent to keep the dinner modest, the aforementioned are the only individuals essential for attendance. All close friends and relatives are welcome to attend but remain conscious of your location, food, and beverage budget.

 

The Location

 

As mentioned earlier, the location of your dinner is one of the most important aspects of planning. It is important to secure a location as early as possible. Keep in mind, there are various options available for rehearsal dinner celebrations, such as:

 

  1. Restaurant private dinning
  2. Dining room of a hotel
  3. Your home
  4. The home of a close friend or relative

 

If you choose option 3 or 4, your guest list and food and beverage options are slightly expanded. For example, if the weather permits, you can do a cookout themed event for ultimate relaxation and fun. In addition to enjoying the weather, fun activities and music can be incorporated as well.

 

The Menu

 

If planning to do the cookout theme, the menu can be quite broad. If you’re hosting your dinner at a venue, switch it up a bit and choose options different

from what guests will be eating the day of the wedding. Keep the flower girls and ring bearer in mind when deciding on the vittles.

 

Seating

 

Depending on the size of the guest list, seating can be a bit challenging (not for the cookout option of course). Ultimately, guest can be arrange however the hosts deem fit. For example, mixing guest and doing random placement will allow them to get to know one another more. The alternative is to seat guest with people they already know. Not everyone will be seated with people they can hold lengthy conversations with, but people tend to blend either way.

 

Toasting

 

Toast are typical at rehearsal dinners. The couple can begin the chain of speeches by thanking all for being involved in and assisting with their big day. Couples can use this as an opportunity to present their guest with any token of appreciation as well.

 

Option 3 and 4 Checklist

 

This is a checklist of essentials you may need if choosing a formal route for location option 3 or 4. I want your event to be successful, and remember this is just a reference list, I will in no way have listed everything for your individualized requirements.

 

Cocktail Hour

 

Assortment of Cheese

Assortment of Crackers

Assortment of Meats (include turkey option if possible)

Assortment of Chocolates

Cheese Knives

Cocktail Glasses

Variety of Dip

Music (Event appropriate)

Fruit

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Holiday Cocktails

*Link includes information intended to help you, the host, successfully shake-up, serve and sip cocktails all evening long!

 

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Dinner

Menu (optional)

Centerpieces

Napkins

Place Cards

Place card holders (optional)

Tablecloth

Candles

Taper Holders

Napkin Rings

 

Serving

Dinner Plates

Dessert Plates

Salad Plates

Silverware

Steak Knives (optional)

Wine Glasses

Champagne Glasses

Breadboard

Cheeseboard

Serving Platters

Coasters

Water Pitcher

Beverage Dispenser

Staff (If necessary)

 

Food/Beverages

Bread/Crackers

Salad

Appetizer

Entree (First, Second, and Third Courses)

Desert

Mints

Sweet Table/Station

Wine

Champagne

Fruit Juices

Soda

Bottled Water

I hope this post is helps  you in planning your rehearsal dinner. Good Luck!

Do you have any interesting drink recipe to share? Let us know in your comments.

Author, Brittany, specializes in weddings and both, formal and informal social affairs. Brittany can help you plan your dream marriage proposal, from the moment you decide to pop the question, to the moment your significant other says, “Yes”!

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Categories: Wedding Parties, Wedding Planning, Wedding Tips

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Date: April 5, 2013

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