We oftensee struggles with rehearsal dinners more than most parts of the planning process…
Maybe it’s because the groom’s family is often pay for or arranging it and there are times we have little contact with them until this point…
Maybe it’s because there are so many varying points of view or opinions on what it suppose to be….
In either case we wanted to share some sage advice on what we see and how to best navigate rehearsal dinners…
1. The rehearsal dinner should NEVER compete with the reception – it’s a chance for people from various parts of your life to mix and meet…
A local favorite restaurant or something at home –
We were just invited to lunch by Megan Conway of Pit Masters, LLC {who own several local Famous Dave’s} – we recently had a client who used their BBQ for a rehearsal dinner at home around the pool – they can offer something as simple as drop off, add staff to serve (and clean up) or even build a menu for you with things not necessarily on their menu…
We’ve also notices several of the local caterers we work with have excellent BBQ divisions as well
Things can be a little challenging if you are already doing a really informal wedding, but you can still do it… we’ve had couples who hosted a pizza and beer night in their apartment buildings community room
2. There is no real formal structure… a cocktail hour for people to get acquainted and allow for more casual seating….
It’s a great time to show a slide show or short video clip (images from engagements shoots or childhood photos work well)…
It’s also a great time to allow people who might not ordinarily get to toast at the wedding to say something – try to keep wedding toasts to two…
We often suggest that the couple give their bridal party and parents their gifts at the rehearsal dinner
3. We ALWAYS see struggles over who to invite…. We find that immediate family, and the bridal party (with spouses) works well…
If it turns into a situation where you feel you HAVE TO invite all of the out of town guests think about hosting a post rehearsal dinner mixer…. Often held in the hotels bar, it can be light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails or desserts and after dinner drinks, it works well for a larger crowd …
Best rule of planning a great rehearsal dinner is just like everything else in wedding planning….
Plan ahead so there are no surprises and allow time to get feedback from all those involved… relax and enjoy your family and friends