Rehearsal Dinners...should you, or shouldn't you?

There was once a time when the rehearsal dinners during the wedding weekend were expected and a “must have.”  It was a time when the wedding officiant would run everyone through the steps of the big day, followed by a  sit down dinner. It was an event that would be hosted by the groom’s family since the bride’s family was then responsible for the wedding.

Zip forward to the last several years when destination weddings are becoming more and more popular and the idea of a rehearsal dinner gets put on the back burner because of guests arriving from out of town locations.  With all the hype and stresses that go in to planning your BIG day, it’s easy to get distracted and forget how to relax and appreciate the simple small affairs with family and friends.  So….should you host a rehearsal dinner?  YES!

• Rehearsals are the ‘open-mic night’ of a wedding celebration
• Chance for people involved in wedding party to meet and relax before the big day
• Invites? Not necessary.  Email or phone call is ok
• Who do you invite?  Bridal party, parents of the bride and groom, grandparents, officiant.
• Where?  Local restaurants offer great package pricing for group dining!  They can create customized dinner packages for your group and even add décor to make it extra special. But, you can also keep it casual with a pizza party or pot luck too.
• Speeches & thanks!  Rehearsal dinners are the perfect time to give thanks to the parents and wedding party.  Bridal party gifts are great to hand out at this time too!
• Celebrate!  Socialize!  & Relax!

Where, when, how to give them during a rehearsal?  Is it even appropriate?

• YES!  Traditionally they take place during the transition from the main course to dessert.  Although, given the more laid back/ informal atmosphere of a rehearsal dinner, they could occur frequently throughout or at the conclusion of the meal.
• What do we drink?! Soda to water to mixed drinks.  Typically champagne toasts are saved for the actual wedding reception.
• Who speaks?  Often the father of the groom, who is the one who hosts the dinner.  Following him, anyone can jump in to give their thanks or congrats!  The b&g may also speak to express their thanks to everyone involved.  But remember, this is fun and informal – the maid of honor & best man are the ones that are expected to be witty on your big day
• Length and what to say?  Speeches are less formal and even encouraged to be longer and silly to contribute to the relaxation and ease of the night.  They can be sentimental & humorous.

We love the idea of a casual atmosphere for the rehearsal dinner.  The day of the wedding can be stressful for a bride so a fun evening the night before, surrounded with family and friends, is the perfect opportunity to relax.

Lake Tahoe has great rehearsal dinner locations, from casual to very fancy.  We can help you plan the dinner along with your wedding.