Hosting a Great Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Somewhere, in the midst of bridal registries and dress fittings and venue tours, you need to take time out to think about the rehearsal dinner for your wedding.

wedding-rehersal

Compared to the big event itself, this smaller evening might seem like an afterthought. But consider that you’re gathering so many people you love in one place at one time, right before you become a married couple. When you think about it that way, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event. This special evening can give you the chance for more than a quick minute with your closest friends and family, so it’s worth the time to make it a success.

DO IT YOUR WAY

The words “rehearsal dinner” can bring to mind stuffy restaurants and the stress of figuring out seating arrangements, prix fixe menus, food allergies and budgets. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can choose any venue – the more relaxed the better! Just add the support of a good catering services team and you’ll have the refreshing, intimate pause you need before your wedding day.

Instead of a sit-down event, what if you …

  • Had a pizza party with lawn games and craft beer?
  • Chose delicious pasta and salads with especially good wines?
  • Opted for barbecue or regional favorites with lots of napkins and ice-cold drinks?

This gathering can be flexible, relaxed and fun – and you can delegate the planning to anyone you like. Rehearsal dinners have traditionally belonged to parents, and this makes it a great project to hand off to mom, dad or a sibling so you can simply show up.

A FEW POINTS OF (MODERN) ETIQUETTE

First up, do you even have to have a rehearsal dinner? 

The best answer is that only you (or possibly your parents) will know for sure. In some parts of the country, a rehearsal dinner is considered 100% mandatory. In other places, people can take it or leave it. So if you’re not sure if you want one, ask around and see what everyone thinks. (Then decide if you care what they think … and trust your own instincts.)

Who comes to a rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally, this event was only for immediate family, the wedding party and their dates. (You know, the people that would otherwise be at a wedding rehearsal.) But these days, rehearsal dinners can include everyone from out of town, or just … everyone. You’re free to decide how big or how small to make your celebration.

Who pays?

In the past, rehearsal dinners were hosted by the groom’s family, since the bride’s family paid for everything else. But those days are long gone. That means the rehearsal dinner costs are usually considered part of the general wedding expenses, which can be divided up any way you want. Of course, if parents want to pay, why not accept?

Does the rehearsal dinner have to match the wedding? 

Nope! Why throw the same party back-to-back? This is your chance to do something easier and more fun.

What about toasts? 

Back in the day, the father of the groom did his toast here, because his family paid for the party. These days, anyone can speak … and in fact, if you have a particularly chatty (and long-winded) relative who would love to give a toast, the rehearsal dinner may be the perfect opportunity. Shorter toasts make the wedding more fun by getting everyone out on the dance floor!

Does it have to be dinner? And does it have to follow the actual rehearsal?

Not at all. Brunch? Cocktails? A softball game and picnic? The answer to all of these questions is: Why not?

Any other pointers? 

Try to start and end relatively early, and don’t make it a total booze fest. You and your guests don’t want to be sleep-deprived the next day!

Whatever you plan, DON’T try to do everything yourself. Accept family help and hire a catering services team to handle the menu, serving and cleanup for you. It’s money well-spent to assure a pleasant, easygoing evening.

TIE THE KNOT IN STYLE WITH JERRY’S KITCHEN

The experts at Jerry’s Kitchen can help you plan a stylish wedding meal or rehearsal dinner! Our catering services team will work closely with you to create a unique and delicious menu that will please all your guests.

To arrange catering services for your wedding or rehearsal dinner near Philadelphia or Doylestown, Pennsylvania, get in touch with us now.

Source

A Practical Wedding

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