Outdoor vs. Indoor Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: What to Know
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
When planning your wedding rehearsal dinner, one of the first decisions you'll make is where to host it. Whether you choose an open-air garden party or a cozy indoor affair, the setting can shape everything from your menu to your mood. While many couples assume indoor is the safer, simpler route, others are drawn to the charm of an outdoor celebration. However, both options come with their own set of perks and pitfalls!
Factors like the season, vibe, and even your dress code can all play into the decision. Before locking in your plans, it’s worth weighing both sides—and we’re here to help you do just that.
Photo credit: Mandee Johnson Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Outdoor Pros
Let The Scenery Take Center Stage
One of the biggest perks of an outdoor rehearsal dinner? Mother Nature does most of the decorating for you. From twinkling string lights under a canopy of trees to mountain views that look like they belong in a painting, natural settings create an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate indoors.
Loni Peterson, MLS, Owner of LP Creative Events, shares, “When enjoying the outdoors for your rehearsal dinner, you might be able to do less for the decor on the tables and surrounding event space if you are in a scenic space!”
Outdoor venues are especially great if you want a more relaxed, organic vibe. Plus, your photos will thank you. There’s just something magical about capturing those golden, glowing moments outside.
All The Good Vibes
An undeniable energy tends to come with being outside. Guests typically feel more relaxed, conversations flow more freely, and there’s more room to breathe.
“Outdoor events are more relaxing in nature than indoor events,” notes Keith Willard, Owner & Planner at Keith Willard Events. “When you have friends and family that may not know each other, creating a friendly environment goes a long way to cultivate conversation. There is less sense of being trapped in a closed space, and it is difficult to reproduce nature’s sounds, like crickets and birds.”
Backyard BBQs and elegant vineyard dinners alike benefit from the relaxed atmosphere of outdoor settings, which naturally encourage mingling and movement. The fresh air and open space help set a joyful, easygoing tone that carries through the rest of the weekend.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more inspiration on choosing a theme for your wedding rehearsal dinner or welcome party, check out our list of top 10 rehearsal dinner themes.
Photo credit: Melani Lust Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Outdoor Cons
Inclement weather
Let’s be honest—weather is the wildcard that can turn even the most perfectly planned outdoor event into a scramble. Rain, wind, extreme heat, or an unexpected cold snap can throw a wrench in your big night.
Jen Avey, VP of Marketing at Destination Weddings Travel Group, says, “Inclement weather - it's a given that outdoor rehearsal dinners come with the risk of experiencing inclement weather. We recommend having a plan B location (covered/indoors) for this reason. Many venues have hybrid indoor/outdoor options where you can get the best of both worlds.”
Weather doesn’t just affect comfort; it can impact things like food service and hair and makeup. So if you’re going outdoors, prepare for flexibility and have some tents or fans on standby just in case.
Tougher logistics
Hosting a rehearsal dinner outdoors can sometimes feel like putting together a mini wedding. From renting tables and chairs to figuring out lighting, restrooms, and power sources, outdoor venues often require a lot more coordination.
“You may need to rent additional equipment, rent heaters or AC, restroom trailers, etc.,” reminds Kim Moody, Owner + Director of Sales at The Estate at River Run.
There’s also the question of permits, noise ordinances, and parking, especially if your location is off the beaten path. It’s all doable (and often worth it!), but it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. If you're not working with a planner, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and stay on top of the details.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more help on how to make your rehearsal a casual, laid back event, check out our advice on how to make your rehearsal dinner different from the wedding day.
Photo credit: Mandee Johnson Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Indoor Pros
Avoiding Weather Woes
A certain peace of mind comes with choosing an indoor venue. You don’t have to obsessively check the forecast or stress about the wind messing up your tablescape. With temperature control and a stable environment for food and décor, you can breathe easy knowing what you planned is what your guests will experience.
“An indoor rehearsal dinner is definitely a safe way to go from a planning perspective,” confirms Michelle Jackson, Owner & Photographer at Bambino International. “You have the comfort of knowing you'll be able to control the narrative and not have to worry about the weather interrupting your plans.”
Indoor spaces also tend to come with built-in amenities—like bathrooms, lighting, and sound systems—that you don’t have to coordinate separately. For couples who want a more hands-off experience or are planning from afar, going indoors can really simplify things.
Accessibility
Indoor venues typically win when it comes to guest comfort and accessibility. Having a space everyone can enjoy is a thoughtful way to ensure each guest feels included and at ease.
McKenzi Taylor, Owner & Event Experience Coordinator at Gather After, adds, “Accessibility for all guests is another biggie you may not think of right off the bat when choosing between an indoor and outdoor venue. Indoor venues must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. So, if you’ve got a handful of mobility-impaired guests, an indoor venue may be better.”
Plus, indoor spaces are often located in central spots near hotels or the wedding venue, which cuts down on transportation hassles. If you’re juggling a tight weekend schedule, having everything in one place can be a major win.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more on the night before logistics, check out our advice on who to invite to your rehearsal dinner, and info on how long a rehearsal dinner should last.
Photo credit: Amy Sims Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Indoor Cons
Unexpected Interruptions
Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean you’re in a perfectly private bubble. You might have to deal with outside noise, venue staff walking through, or even being in a space that’s shared with another event.
“Depending on the type of indoor space where you are considering holding your rehearsal dinner, there may be the potential for interruptions from others using other areas of the property,” emphasizes Elena Markwood, Owner and Lead Planner at Adoration Weddings & Events. “Some examples of this would be a private room in a restaurant, an event space in a hotel, or a country club. Many popular options for indoor rehearsal dinners will also be popular with other diners, and some couples and families may prefer a more intimate, private setting to celebrate their rehearsal dinner.”
Unfortunately, not all venues are soundproof. Be sure to ask yours about what other events might be happening on the same night and how much privacy you can expect.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more on the night location, check out our advice on the pros and cons of a rehearsal dinner at a restaurant, and tips for selecting a rehearsal dinner venue.
Decor Limitations
While indoor spaces offer structure, they can also come with design limitations. You might have to work around fixed furniture, strict venue policies, or existing color schemes that don’t quite match your vision.
Taylor explains, “The owner of the space might limit how you can decorate. This might be especially true in historical buildings. Spaces that were previously used for a different purpose may not have all the bells and whistles of a true event space.”
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer—just what feels right for you. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of an open sky or the cozy ease of an indoor space, your rehearsal dinner should reflect your vibe and what makes you feel most comfortable.
As Craig Peterman, Owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography, puts it, “The best choice is whatever feels the most natural for the couple and the people they love. Outside or inside, no matter; the goal is to kick off the weekend with good energy and real connection.”
And that’s exactly what it’s all about!
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Meghan Ely is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. Through her work, Meghan Ely has helped clients earn placements in top-tier media outlets including The New York Times, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, and People, and she also leads the OFD Collective, a PR membership community for industry pros.