The rehearsal dinner is a time for the bride and groom to spend quality time with the wedding party.
A wedding rehearsal dinner can be elegant, fun, or intimate--and can be planned at home. Considering the couple's style and preferences when planning a home rehearsal dinner will make the dinner another memorable event leading up to the big day.
Casual Dinner
If the wedding is taking place in the spring or summer, have the rehearsal dinner in the backyard or on the deck at home. A barbecue is a great way to feed a large wedding party. Add to the festivities by organizing sports games or making the backyard pool available for guests. Prepare traditional barbecue fare, like hamburgers and hot dogs, or make it special by grilling steaks, chicken breasts and vegetables. Paper plates and tableware are acceptable to use for an outdoor rehearsal dinner, and make for easy cleanup. Use the colors that the bride has chosen for the ceremony and reception for a pretty presentation and backdrop for pictures.
Potluck Dinners
If the wedding party is small, hold the rehearsal dinner at home and ask each member of the bridal party to bring a dish or food item that is considered a family favorite, in order to evoke sentimental memories that will make the rehearsal dinner even more enjoyable. Set a theme for the potluck ( i.e. Mexican foods, Italian foods) to keep the dinner organized. Prepare a dessert that the bride or groom enjoyed as a child to finish off the meal and bring the rehearsal dinner to a memorable close.
Family-Style Dinner
Schedule a semi-formal, family-style dinner for an intimate wedding party, as it is easier for the host to prepare speciality foods for a small group. Sending invitations to the semi-formal dinner is optional, but adds an elegant touch to the event. It is traditionally the mother of the groom's responsibility to organize the rehearsal dinner, but the mothers of the bride and groom can work together as well. Prepare foods that are favorites of the bride, groom, and wedding party if possible. Establish a theme for this meal as well, such as 'wedding white' foods like pasta with white sauce, baked cauliflower, or coconut cake for dessert. Use fine china for the dinner, and select chargers and napkins for each place setting in the wedding colors.
Tags: rehearsal dinner, wedding party, bride groom, rehearsal dinner, that bride