Rehearsal Dinner
- A DIY rehearsal dinner is a practical option, particularly if your rehearsal is planned for a couple of days before the wedding. Look into wholesale wedding supplies and buy items like wedding linen in bulk, so that you have sufficient left over for your rehearsal dinner celebration.
- Think creatively when planning your rehearsal dinner. It doesn’t have to be a sit-down banquet and it doesn’t need to take place in a fancy restaurant. If a friend or family has the space to host people, ask if they’ll consider holding a buffet meal at home. Not only does this create a relaxed feeling, it takes some pressure off you in the run-up to your wedding. You could ask guests to bring a dish, or negotiate a deal with your caterer to supply simple buffet food.
- Your rehearsal is also a chance to show a glimpse of the way your wedding day will look and feel. As well as using the same wedding linen, you could decorate the tables for your rehearsal dinner in the colours and style of your wedding theme, for example, by using artificial wedding bouquets as table centrepieces or room decorations.
- Wedding party accessories and craft supplies, such as cute wedding party pegs or washi tape can add a finishing touch without being as formal or expensive as versions used for place labels and table signage on your wedding day.
- Do what you love! Everyone wants to be relaxed the night before the wedding, so do what feels good to you. If that’s pizza delivered to your house or a BBQ at your parent’s place, do it. It doesn’t need to be extravagant to be enjoyed and if your wedding the next day involves a heavy meal, guests might be glad of lighter fare the night before.
- Cut the numbers. The rehearsal dinner isn’t a wedding. Only invite those who really need to be there. This includes parents, siblings, and the wedding party—plus their significant others. Some rehearsal dinners will also include the parents of any children taking part in the big day and guests who have travelled long distances or made a special effort to attend the wedding. Think of it as a pre-event thank you and a chance to talk with your nearest and dearest.
- Ditch the drinks. Nobody wants to be hungover on their wedding day, and alcohol is expensive. If your dinner is the night before your wedding, serve virgin cocktails, throw a tea party, or offer a selection of fruit juices and non-alcoholic punch.
Remember, saving money on extras like the rehearsal dinner can pay dividends in the long run.
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