Ideas on Where and the Type of Rehearsal Dinner to host.

A rehearsal dinner has been a wedding weekend tradition since the late 19th century. It was originally a time designated for the two families to meet before the wedding day. It also allowed couples and their officiant a time to practice the vows and confirm the sequence of the program for the ceremony.

While it is ideal to have the opportunity to rehearse the ceremony where it will take place that is not always the scenario. Some venues have full calendars and rehearsals require some creativity. An off-site rehearsal is just as beneficial . As long as the wedding party knows how to process, where to stand, and how to recess and the bride, groom can ask their questions the ceremony will be a success.

Photo Credit: J Graced Photography

Rehearsal dinners are held in a variety of venues, usually reflecting the personality of the bride and groom. Here are some ideas that we have seen that work for rehearsal dinners :

  1. The traditional rehearsal dinner includes the entire wedding party, their spouses or significant others, parents, siblings and grandparents attend a sit-down dinner. In this more intimate setting, toasts are a highlight of the evening and the groom’s family pays for this event.

  2. A rehearsal dinner where it can be wedding party, spouses, immediate family and out of town guest with a buffet or stations, sometimes toast or a slide show are done at this type of dinner.

  3. There are weddings where the dinner is 2 days before the wedding so that the night before the wedding there can be a welcome party for everyone to attend. This allows some special time for the couple to see guest throughout their wedding weekend vs trying to visit with everyone on wedding day.

  4. Welcome parties after a rehearsal dinner are very popular. This can either be done at a hotel where the block is or at the rehearsal dinner venue. It can be paid by the couple, groom’s parents or it is acceptable for guest to pay for their own food and drinks and just visit with the couple.

Photo Credit: Hellohelaine

Photo Credit: Lauren Bailey Photography

Lauren Perez