Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Decorating Ideas
Ring in your wedding weekend with engaging and creative wedding rehearsal dinner ideas. For most couples, after all, the wedding weekend begins with the rehearsal dinner.
In addition to carving out space and time to — well, rehearse — the rehearsal dinner is a fantastic time for family and close friends to connect before the hubbub of the big day ensues.
So What Do You at a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
Good Question. When it comes to planning a successful wedding rehearsal dinner, renowned event planner Keith Willard of Keith Willard Events tells us "to keep it simple." He rightfully reminds us that guests may have traveled long distances to partake in the wedding celebration.
With that in mind, we've come up with some essential steps to hosting a two to three hour affair. Of course, a lot can happen in a few hours — including great food, memorable speeches, and personalized touches.
When it comes to planning a successful wedding rehearsal dinner, renowned event planner Keith Willard of Keith Willard Events tells us 'to keep it simple.'
Read on to discover our 14 favorite wedding rehearsal dinner ideas. From creative décor to unique catering displays, PartySlate knows all the way to host an unforgettable wedding rehearsal dinner.
1. Select a Theme with Meaning for Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
Think about it. Due to the smaller guest list and more intimate atmosphere, rehearsal dinners are the perfect opportunity to create a theme that represents a couple's unique personality.
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2. Opt for a Favorite Venue for Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
Yes, you read that right. When it comes to selecting a venue, keep it personal. Willard says, "Using a favorite location will help bond you to your guests." For many, there's no more favorite locale than their own home or city. After you peruse our favorite wedding rehearsal dinner ideas, check out some our favorite beautiful backyard weddings. After all, home is where the heart is.
All Aboard
Elkhorn, WI
For this Wisconsin couple, it was important to choose a venue that represented their deep connection to home.
They threw a spectacular rehearsal dinner, planned by LK Events, aboard the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. As guests celebrated the couple-to-be, they enjoyed views of lakeside estates built between 1870 and 1920.
As Willard tells us, "Try and find a place with a view so that even when the conversation goes quiet, there is something else to look at."
photographer: Christy Tyler Photography | planner: LK Events | florals: Lilypots | venue: Lake Geneva Cruise Line | caterer: Gooseberries | entertainment: Bourbon Aristocracy | transportation: Jones Travel
Room with a View
New York, NY
This rehearsal dinner at The Press Lounge, designed by Elegant Affairs, stunned guests with panoramic views of New York City.
The glass atrium-style architecture of the Greenhouse gave everyone plenty of talking points and reasons to celebrate this vibrant city — as well as the couple at hand.
photographer: Bayo.Olukotun | design & décor: Elegant Affairs | venue & caterer: The Press Lounge
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3. Welcome Guests with Eye-Catching Signage
We're not through yet. The rehearsal dinner is the first opportunity for a couple to welcome their wedding guests, so do it with style. From neon glow to calligraphy, these rehearsal dinner ideas signal a good time had by all.
Neon Glow
Lahaina, HI
For this oceanside rehearsal dinner at Fleetwoods on Front Street, event planner Elements by K.H. & co. greeted guests with a neon "so glad you're here" sign. The sign made the perfect backdrop for a bohemian lounge area.
Other welcoming details included a kid-friendly crafting station and signature cocktails for the adults.
Sunya's Flowers & Plants added to the whimsical aesthetic with eclectic floral arrangements.
photographer: Tamiz Photography | coordination, design, décor rentals: Elements by K.H & co. | florals: Maui Floral & Sunya's Flowers & Plants | venue, caterer, & bar: Fleetwoods on Front Street | vintage bottle rental: Rustic Maui Creations
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4. Set the Scene with Florals at Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
Look: Floral décor is often the starting point for determining the overall aesthetic of any party. These floral-forward rehearsal dinner ideas capture the imagination with beauty and creativity.
Whimsical Fun
New York, NY
Designer and florist Ovando Design and Production brought vibrant colors to the forefront at this rehearsal dinner set at La Sirena.
Blue-and-white patterned linens perfectly accentuated the colorful candles and floral arrangements.
We especially love how a white wall decorated with red and yellow flowers made for a unique dining backdrop.
photos courtesy of & event design: Ovando Design and Production | venue: La Sirena
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5. Get Creative with Décor at Your Rehearsal Dinner
In case you may be wondering, florals aren't the only way to add beauty and color to your venue of choice. In fact, the rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to think outside of the box and get creative. When it comes to wedding rehearsal dinner ideas, the sky's the limit.
RELATED: 14 Small Backyard Weddings That Prove Home is Where the Heart Is
6. Honor Your Guests with Personalized Touches
Wedding rehearsal dinners are often intimate affairs, attended by the couple's family and closest friends. At PartySlate, we know that personal touches go a long way in creating a meaningful celebration that honors your most important guests. These wedding rehearsal dinner ideas are guaranteed to make your guests feel extra special.
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7. Dress Up the Table with Chic Linens
But wait, there's more. A wedding rehearsal dinner, as the name implies, means wining and dining. With that in mind, we love stylish linens as much as a delicious meal. From paisley to tie-dye, these wedding rehearsal dinner ideas will elevate your tablescape.
Rustic and Charming
Bluffton, SC
Printed linens stole the show at this rehearsal dinner set at Montage Palmetto Bluff.
Ornate glass votives, crimson dinner plates, and pink roses created an aura of romance during the dining experience.
We especially love how the venue's exposed-wooden beams and brick fireplace added to the rustic aesthetic.
photographer: Donna Von Bruening | venue: Montage Palmetto Bluff
RELATED: 11 Wedding Planning Tips for Couples Affected by COVID-19
8. Experiment with Inventive Catering Displays
It's true, cooking is an art form. So why not display your catering in an artistic fashion that accommodates mobility? Willard says "Stations or buffets allow people to meander and not be tied down to a seat." He also tells us, "Comfort food is always appropriate, and make sure you have vegetarian options available." Keep reading for engaging (and delicious) wedding rehearsal dinner ideas.
Perfectly Plated
Lake Geneva, WI
The Geneva Inn brought their award-winning (and artistically-plated) cuisine to this intimate rehearsal dinner.
Florist Willow Design graced the banquet table with white and blush roses.
Ivory-tapered candles and gold-geometric votives added additional elegance.
photographer: Krysta Holden Photography | design & florals: Willow Design | venue: The Geneva Inn | rentals: Collins Custom Creations
RELATED: 9 Unique Wedding Ceremony Ideas for a One-of-a-Kind Celebration
9. Give Your Rehearsal Dinner Guests Plenty of Reasons to Toast
We haven't even started. Your guests will want to toast to your happiness, so make sure to include a bar station. Besides, as Mark Twain once said, "Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right."
Airstream Pop-Ups
Orleans, MA
We love how this tented rehearsal dinner at Winslow Estate, planned by Daylynn Designs, created the perfect photo op with an Airstream bar by Hive Events.
This bar-on-wheels also served as a chic lounge area for relaxing guests.
The trailer's chalk backdrop allowed the couple to display their names along with on-theme hand-drawn seashells.
photographer: Kelsie Corbett Photography | planner & design: Daylynn Designs | florals & flower crown station: Whitemoss and Twigs | venue: Winslow Estate | tent rental & lighting: Undercover Tent | tables & chairs: True North Event Rental | airstream bar: Hive Events | mini ice cream sandwiches: Ellie's Providence | stationery: Modern Vintage | caterer: Clambakes, Etc. | tabletop rentals: PEAK Event Services | transportation: Cape Destinations
Eye Candy
Charleston, SC
Cannon Green turned on the magic at this rehearsal dinner, planned by Ooh Events! with bubbly rosé.
In between delicious bites and beverages, guests had the opportunity to watch photos of the couple projected on a spacious-white wall.
Twinkling string lights and towering palm trees made for simple, yet elegant décor.
photographer: Taylor Rae Photography | planner & rentals: Ooh! Events | venue: Cannon Green
Fashionable Winery
Chicago, IL
Wine was in abundance at this rehearsal dinner set at the elegant City Winery Chicago.
Guests enjoyed cocktails in the outdoor Wine Garden before moving into the main dining room for the evening.
Indoors, guests enjoyed the comforts of a majestic brick fireplace.
Shelves of wine wrapped around a curving staircase for dramatic (and photographic) décor.
photographer: I Luv Photo | venue & caterer: City Winery Chicago
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10. Get in the Celebratory Mood with Music
Look: No celebration is complete without music. Whether you want to get guests out on the dance floor or simply serenade them while they dine, music infuses a party with energy. These wedding rehearsal dinner ideas are bound to get the party started.
RELATED: 11 Wedding Theme Ideas for Every Type of Couple
11. Include Meaningful Speeches at Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
It's true, speeches are a great way to bring the entire room together for a magical moment. Willard offers great advice on how to give a winning rehearsal dinner speech. "I typically say a great speech is two minutes or less. The opening statement should be something that everyone can relate to. A great speech starts with a heartwarming story, a mention of something heartfelt, followed by something funny, then a personal statement regarding the love between the couple, and then the toast."
photographer: André Maier Photography
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12. Entertain with a Unique Activity Station
Like with any celebration, activity stations are a great way for guests to have fun and make new friends. Willard tells us, "Remember that most of your guests will not know each other, so finding opportunities to interact will help your guests become more comfortable for the following day." Keep reading to see discover unique wedding rehearsal dinner ideas.
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13. Spread the Love with Heartfelt Party Favors
What better way to thank your guests (and get them ready for the weekend ahead) than with a care package? Spread the love with these heartfelt rehearsal dinner ideas.
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14. Create an Unforgettable Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Moment
Between greeting guests and going through the usual pre-wedding rituals, the bridal couple has plenty of activities to keep busy. With that in mind, we love the idea of carving out time in the celebration for a heartfelt moment.
Make a Wish
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
This destination rehearsal dinner at Esperanza, An Auberge Resort gave everyone the perfect chance to mindfully celebrate the joy of marriage.
Event planner LK Events provided wish lanterns for guests to write down their hopes for the couple.
As the sun began to set, everyone released their lanterns into the evening sky.
photographer: Chris + Lynn Photographers | planner: LK Events | décor, florals, lighting, & rental furniture: ELENA DAMY | venue: Esperanza, An Auberge Resort | videographer: I Do Films | entertainment: DJ Spider and DJ Chris Kennedy
See Any Rehearsal Dinner Ideas That You Love?
It gets better. PartySlate can help you find your dream team of vendors to bring these ideas to life. Click here to discover photographers, caterers, décor teams, and more. You can further narrow down your search by location and services.
Looking for a venue to host your wedding rehearsal dinner? You can also browse PartySlate's curated list of top venues for a wedding rehearsal dinner here.
You can also find more wedding rehearsal dinner ideas here.
Who Comes to the Rehearsal Dinner for a Wedding?
While the final guest list is always up to you, we recommend extending an invitation to immediate family, the wedding party, and any people participating in the wedding ceremony or reception — along with any spouses.
If your budget allows for it, you may also want to include close friends and out-of-town guests.
Remember, the rehearsal dinner is both an opportunity to spend time quality with loved ones and thank them for their support and participation in the wedding itself.
In the end, you want to feel happy with your guest list. After all, your wedding day is likely to be one of the busiest (and most momentous) days of your life. Let the wedding rehearsal dinner be at time to slow down and bask in all the love and support.
Do Out of Town Guests Attend the Rehearsal Dinner?
Traditionally, couples have often extended rehearsal dinner invitations to out-of-town guests as a way of thanking them for the time and expense that comes with traveling.
However, you may prefer to have an intimate wedding rehearsal dinner that only includes immediate family and close friends. In that case, there are many other ways to make your out-of-town guests feel special and appreciated.
One of our favorite ways to show appreciation includes providing out-of-town guests with welcome gifts or party favors. It also just happens to be one of our favorite wedding rehearsal dinner ideas.
PartySlate can connect you with some of our favorite favors and gift professionals. Often, invitations and print companies also offer chic gift ideas.
You can also use PartySlate's image search for more gifting inspiration. You'll find everything from monogrammed swag to personalized party favors.
How Long Does a Rehearsal Dinner Last?
A rehearsal dinner often begins with a run-through of the actual wedding ceremony. We recommend scheduling this "rehearsal" after working hours for the convenience of your guests.
The rehearsal usually takes 30 – 45 minutes. After that, the festivities begin. Many couples choose to arrange transportation from the ceremony venue to the rehearsal dinner venue. PartySlate can help you find top transportation services in your area.
The wedding rehearsal dinner can last anywhere from an hour to several hours. This will depend on how much time you decide to allocate for dining and additional activities. For example, you may want to include time for a cocktail hour, speeches, and entertainment.
Just remember, you want to make sure you get a good night's rest for the wedding day. While we hate for any party to end (especially one with so many great wedding rehearsal dinner ideas), we also suggest ending the dinner at a decent hour. After all, the next big celebration is only a night's sleep away.
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Decorating Ideas
Source: https://www.partyslate.com/best-of/wedding-rehearsal-dinner-ideas/
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