The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
Rehearsal dinners are a chance to celebrate with loved ones the night before the wedding after the run through of the ceremony and really bring in the wedding celebrations. Some couples that don’t have an actual rehearsal still choose to have a rehearsal dinner to celebrate the coming events! It’s the perfect time for everyone to relax and say thank you to everyone involved in the planning of the wedding.
When the wedding industry began to boom in the fifties is when rehearsal dinners became the norm. With the rehearsal of the wedding meaning everyone is in the right place at the right time, coupled with weddings becoming more lavish and ornate - the rehearsal dinner was born.
Whilst the rehearsal dinner isn’t as big an event as your special day - it is a huge part of the overall celebration and will take some planning and prep. The celebration can be as casual or extravagant as you’d like it to be - however do make sure it’s not as extravagant as the wedding itself! We’ve got the ultimate guide on how to plan the perfect rehearsal dinner that answers all your questions and queries, so you can make sure you have a wonderful celebration to set you in good stead for the wedding.
Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Rehearsal dinners traditionally used to be hosted (planned and paid for) the night before wedding celebrations by the parents of the groom. This is because the bride’s family typically pays for the wedding, but now many couples take the reins and host the dinner themselves. Nowadays the lines of tradition become blurred for people to do things the way they want to but if you’re sticking with tradition then it's a rule of thumb that the groom's family pay for the rehearsal dinner.
Where should I have the wedding rehearsal dinner?
As rehearsal dinners are usually hosted the night prior to your wedding it’s important to pick a location that is close to the venue. If your guests have travelled far to celebrate your wedding weekend they’ll appreciate the rehearsal dinner close to your wedding venue and clear directions to the venue will be much appreciated.
Which guests do I invite to the wedding rehearsal dinner?
Who attends your rehearsal dinner is completely up to you! Some people prefer to just have immediate family and their wedding party but some people go further and choose to invite a range of guests and people who might have travelled to be at the wedding from far and wide!
The general consensus is that anyone who is at your wedding rehearsal should be included in the rehearsal dinner. Then you can decide whether you want to give the bridal party and groomsmen plus ones and if you want any extended family and other guests to be there! Remember that it’s completely up to you and how much you can accommodate for people.
Is there a schedule for the rehearsal dinner?
There is generally a set sequence of events at a rehearsal dinner which is as follows:
Dinner
Gifts
Toasts
Dessert
Celebration time - activities, slideshows and dancing…
Who gives a toast at the wedding rehearsal dinner?
The hosts of the rehearsal dinner are the first to give speeches. This might be a parent of the groom or it might be the couple themselves. After this members of the wedding party that won’t be doing speeches at the ceremony will speak at the rehearsal dinner. Any additional friends and family may also do speeches if this is a big focus of the night!
Toast Tips:
Write early and remember to rehearse
Think about the tone - parents speeches tend to be emotional but with the audience and closeness of family the speeches can be more relaxed and casual
Don’t mention old flames
Speak from your heart and how you see the couple - include memories
Ensure speakers are introduced by someone
Share stories that reflect the couples core values and personality
Address the couple and make sure both of them are included in the toast
With the toasts and the night itself being memorable and personal you might want your wedding photographer and videographer to be there to capture the special moments of your rehearsal dinner as well as the wedding!
What should people wear to a wedding rehearsal dinner?
The dress code all depends on when and where the rehearsal dinner is taking place. The couple hosting might be having a huge, extravagant celebration or something pared but. The dress code should be stated on the wedding invites, especially if there is a theme, but the wedding rehearsal dinner is usually less formal than the wedding.
Ideas for Rehearsal Dinner
Rehearsal dinners are a perfect chance to celebrate with loved ones and many people prefer to make a proper event out of it rather than just a dinner. Here are a couple of ideas if you’re looking for something a bit outside the box for your rehearsal dinner:
Casual BBQ or Picnic
Host a laid-back outdoor BBQ or picnic at your wedding venue. Serve classic BBQ dishes, burgers, hot dogs, and refreshing salads. Set up lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, or frisbee for entertainment.
Food Truck Festival
Hire a variety of food trucks to park at the rehearsal dinner venue, offering guests a diverse selection of cuisines to choose from. This option provides flexibility and caters to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Interactive Entertainment
Wine Tasting, Cooking Classes, Portrait Painting, Games Night. Having activities will encourage guests to bond and form relationships which will make everyone feel at ease on the wedding day.
A Themed Dinner
This could be inspired by anything from a colour scheme, a country or a favourite activity - it’s a chance to get creative and make it all about you as a couple whilst having fun with your guests!
Bonfire Beach Party
If you're near the coast or a lake, consider hosting a bonfire beach party. Guests can roast marshmallows, make s'mores, and enjoy the sound of waves crashing in the background. It's a relaxed and memorable way to celebrate.
Timeline:
Now you’ve got all the information you need, here’s a handy checklist you can print out or jot down so that you can be organised and get everything planned and ready.
Five Months Prior
Decide who will host
Choose a theme
Book the venue and the time of the dinner
Decide on the guest list
Decide on Menu
Three Months Prior
Decide who will give the toasts
Organise any slideshows or photo projectors with the venue
Send out the invites - make sure you include the theme, dress code, address and directions
One Month Prior
Draw up a seating plan
Purchase bridesmaids and grooms men gifts to present at the dinner
Clarify everything with the vendors
Order flowers for tables
Pay vendors
Make a playlist or sort out a band
Wedding Week
Send final guest count to the venue
Create place cards for the tables
Decorate according to your theme and set the scene
HAVE FUN and start the celebrations!
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