Unique Rehearsal Dinner Ideas
Plan a non-traditional rehearsal dinner that your guests will never forget
After your wedding rehearsal comes the rehearsal dinner — but what if you’re looking for something more unique than just a sit down dinner?
Rehearsal dinners are typically the last time your parents, in-laws and wedding party will gather before the wedding day. So why not plan a rehearsal dinner with personal touches, a casual vibe or a fancy feast?
Here are some ideas to help you put together a night your family and friends won’t forget.
Themed rehearsal party.
Whether it’s your favorite sports team, a throwback decade or certain attire — a themed rehearsal dinner is a fun way to get everyone involved in your wedding rehearsal. Not to mention, it makes for great photo opportunities.
But why stop there. Your theme can also include a type of food you want served, such as Italian or Japanese. Our all time favorite? Hire a food truck to come to your celebration — if you really want to give your guests an unforgettable night!
Rehearsal roast.
Your wedding day will be filled with love and lots of happy tears. So why not make your wedding rehearsal loads of fun since it is after all, a pre-party of sorts.
Ask your family and friends to come prepared to roast you, your spouse or the both of you. Take the hot seat, and get ready for a belly aching night of laughter.
Game night.
Play your favorite board games, compete at corn hole or rent an oversized chess board or tower Jenga. Make it a night of friendly competition over drinks and delicious food. Spread out the games to allow people to mingle, and set prizes for the winner after each round.
Make it Michelin.
By this, we mean to splurge on your wedding rehearsal. The night shouldn’t outdo your wedding day, but you could treat your family and wedding party to a fancy dinner at lavish set-up or under the stars. Hire a private chef or book reservations at a Michelin star restaurant. Serve a four course meal or spend extra money on white glove service.
Memorable venues.
Skip the restaurant. Look into booking a spot at a museum, having dinner on a yacht, hosting a backyard BBQ or renting a limo for a wine tour.
Music to your ears.
Hit a high note with your wedding rehearsal by hiring a singer or local band to play live music at your dinner. There are plenty of local musicians who would jump at the opportunity to entertain. Ask them to play you and your future spouse’s favorite song. Or maybe request a childhood song and share a special moment with your parents.
Wondering who gets invited to your wedding rehearsal?
Typically, the invitations extend to your parents, fiancé(e’s) parents, grandparents, the entire wedding party, officiant and anyone else who will be walking down the aisle on your wedding day. That could include ceremony readers, ushers or those you’ve asked to hold the chuppah if you’re having a Jewish wedding.
Although traditionally, the groom’s parents pay for the rehearsal dinner — these days the bill is split however way you’d like. Remember there are no rules to wedding planning, and that includes your wedding rehearsal!
Written By Vows & Forever Founder and Veteran Journalist Maria Cid. V&F is a wedding vows & speech writing service that also specializes in speech coaching and wedding timeline coordination.
San Francisco-Based wedding and elopement photographer Torez Marguerite gives us the ultimate ceremony photo shot list in this guest feature article