Does Our Rehearsal Dinner Have to Be A Dinner? What Are Our Other Options?
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
A rehearsal dinner is the perfect pre-wedding gathering to officially introduce both of your families in their entirety, and it’s an exciting way to spend the night before your big day. But the timing and logistics may not be the best fit for every couple. So, does a rehearsal dinner have to be a dinner?
We rounded up some wedding experts to share their thoughts and some fun alternatives to try on for size.
Photo Credit: Kelly Hornberger 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!
Do you have to have a dinner?
The short answer is that your rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be a dinner, especially as we consider that many couples are continuing to break tradition and do what feels right for their particular situation.
Nora Sheils of Bridal Bliss and Rock Paper Coin sums it up perfectly: “While dinners were the traditional event that followed a ceremony rehearsal, anything goes today! Many couples are hosting welcome parties for not only the wedding party but all of their guests, in town or not. It's like a kick-off to the festivities of the weekend.”
Exciting alternatives
If dinner isn’t your thing or if you simply don’t have room in the itinerary to make it work, there are plenty of options for gathering all of your loved ones in one place to celebrate pre-wedding.
If weather permits, Katy Padilla of Scarlet Rose Events suggests the idea of a summertime pool party. “Welcome your guests to a themed afternoon of relaxation, swimming, and sipping specialty cocktails. This is a great idea for those who are hosting a destination wedding, allowing guests to experience the beautiful beaches, weather, etc.”
Colton Simmons of Colton Simmons Photography recommends a more hands-on alternative. “With the popularity of arcade-themed bars over the last few years, renting one out would be a unique way to host your guests after rehearsal. It gives your friends and family time to have some fun playing some classic and new games while catching up on the opening night of your wedding weekend.”
For the engaging, entertaining types, Samantha Leenheer of House of Joy notes, “Why not do it in a fun way through a karaoke night? Make it an open mic night where guests can sing some karaoke or share funny, heartfelt stories of you. It will be a night to remember, and the energy will carry into the wedding day for a night you won't want to miss.”
Kelsey Strickland of Twickenham House and Hall adds, “Consider a themed party as a delightful alternative to a traditional rehearsal dinner. This fun-filled event allows you and your loved ones to unwind and enjoy the evening before your big day, filled with emotions. With various snacks and drinks, you can create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can be their truest selves.”
A cozy alternative? Leo Sotelo of Story Alley Photography says that an outdoor movie night is the move. “This choice is great if you're inviting out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner but want to keep things simple and affordable. It's great for easygoing couples or anyone who enjoys an outdoor movie night. Rent a kit to set up an outdoor movie, and choose a couple of your favorite films that hold special meaning for both of you. And to make it even better, grab some pizza or bring in a food truck.”
Photo credit: Mandee Johnson Photography
Elevated meals that aren’t dinner
You’re always welcome to host a meal if that’s your style, but there are definitely ways to amp up your guest experience if the idea of a traditional rehearsal dinner menu doesn’t speak to you.
Jen Sulak of Weirdo Weddings endorses brunch as the go-to. “Some of the most successful meals together involve a wonderful daytime brunch. If your location affords gorgeous views and weather? All the better! You can enjoy a nice chill brunch or picnic-style food spread and play a few games while enjoying yummy treats.”
“A bistro-style, world-themed, takeout-style arena can be created with informal cafe tables, allowing guests to meet one another prior to the wedding day with zero pressure of needing to be the center of attention or having awkward seating arrangements. This casual style can be very different from the wedding day, offering the couple a chance to express themselves creatively while incorporating elements of their cultures or preferred world cuisines, particularly if their wedding day is more standard fare,” says Sarah Chianese of Mangia and Enjoy!
According to Mandy Hess of MJM Designs, an earlier, relaxed meal is key. “Another idea would be a brewery tasting room and pizza truck! We did this for our ‘rehearsal dinner,’ and it was actually during lunchtime. It allowed our guests to enjoy themselves and then get rested for the wedding, including ourselves!”
A full-fledged party might not be your vibe, and that’s okay! Kelley Nudo of Momental Designs adds, “Some couples have decided to offer their guests the opportunity to dine on their own the day prior to the wedding but then will gather their guests for something sweet later in the evening. Coffee, desserts, and possibly a nightcap can be a nice way to treat the guests and allow them the opportunity to connect.”
With any classic wedding tradition, there can be pressure to follow in line with what’s typically been done by couples before you. However, the choice is up to you - it’s your budget, your guest list, and your preference on how you’d like to spend time leading up to your wedding!
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!
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Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.