Plan the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner

You’ve nailed down all the details for the wedding, now it’s time to talk about the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is the pre-wedding dinner that generally follows right after the actual wedding rehearsal.  It is typically hosted by the groom’s family. I love planning rehearsal dinners because they truly set the tone for the wedding weekend. It often feels like a reunion, gathering people who may not have seen each other in a while for good conversation. While planning your Alabama wedding rehearsal dinner, here are some components you’ll want to consider in making it a special event all its own.

Make Your Guest List

Rehearsal dinners should have a far smaller guest count than the actual wedding. Some brides choose just their wedding party and immediate family, while others invite some out-of-town guests and extended family.  

 If you have trouble limiting the guest list, you can always host a fun gathering after dinner and invite others to join in for celebratory drinks. This will keep the actual rehearsal dinner more intimate.

Choose a Venue for Your Rehearsal Dinner

When choosing a venue, it’s important to consider its proximity to where the actual rehearsal is. You’ll want to make it convenient for your guests to seamlessly go from one event to the other. If the two locations aren’t close, you may consider providing transportation.  

You’ll also want to think about what type of rehearsal dinner you want. I’ve seen everything from buffets to sit-down dinners and even live music and entertainment.  If you’re having a super formal wedding, you might want to consider a more relaxed rehearsal dinner. Some couples even choose a theme for their dinner. 

Pick a venue that matches your style as much as possible so it’s easy to add in special details about you as a couple.

Once you figure out those details, you’ll want to make sure the venue not only accommodates your guest count, but everything else you’d like to include in the evening.  You’ll want to consider space for a cocktail area, food tables, and potentially an area for live entertainment. If you are hosting outdoors, you’ll want to have an idea of a rain plan.

Consider the Flow of the Evening

Rehearsal dinners are generally shorter than weddings, but the flow of the evening is still important. Most of the rehearsal dinners I’ve planned start with 30-45 minutes to mingle and have cocktails followed by two hours of dinner, toasts, and speeches. Recently a few couples have added a post-party with additional celebratory libations and live music, but you’ll want to keep in mind the time of your wedding the following day.

You’ll also want to get an idea of how many speeches are planned and decide if you want to say a few words as well. Most couples are now choosing to do all the speeches at the rehearsal dinner. This way people can really speak from the heart in a more relaxed setting. It also helps the wedding reception flow a little easier.

Differentiate the Rehearsal Dinner from Your Actual Wedding

Although the rehearsal dinner should absolutely compliment your wedding, it should feel like a totally separate event. With a smaller guest count, you can focus on special details from your relationship that might be harder to do with a bigger crowd. This could be anything from serving a certain wine you discovered when traveling together or bringing in pizza from your favorite hometown spot.

We are seeing more couples bring in details that the groom would appreciate like his favorite colors as part of the design, a groom’s cake, or favorite dessert at the rehearsal dinner.

I always make sure my couples don’t give anything away about the actual wedding so that the wow factor remains when people walk into the wedding for the first time.

Send an Invitation

The rehearsal dinner should have its own invitation sent out four to six weeks before the dinner. The invitation should really set the tone for the type of rehearsal dinner you’re planning, giving hints on the theme, design, and atmosphere. Of course, it should also let the guests know the flow of the evening, attire, and any other pertinent information.

Have Fun!

Don’t forget to soak in the moments with your closest family and friends, they’ve come from near and far to celebrate your special day.  Hiring a photographer or videographer for the night will help you relive the speeches and memories from the night for years to come. Need help planning your Alabama wedding rehearsal dinner? Contact me here!