8 ideas to host a dreamy rehearsal dinner
Whether you choose a welcome party or traditional rehearsal dinner (or a combination of both), a pre-wedding gathering is a great opportunity to greet your guests and welcome them to the celebrations. Wedding welcome parties seem to be overtaking the more formal rehearsal dinner, but this kind of get-together can be whatever you want to be, from a relaxed BBQ or pizza party, to a wine and cheese soirée or traditional sit-down dinner. Ready to start planning your rehearsal dinner? Here's eight top tips to plan a wedding welcome party that will kick off your celebrations in style.
1. Consider the location when booking your wedding venue
When booking your wedding venue it makes sense to consider where you will host your rehearsal dinner or welcome party, and whether you can do so on-site or will need to find another location nearby. If you can hire your wedding for the weekend, you'll usually be able to have your event there the night before, otherwise you can ask for recommendations for local hotels, taverns or restaurants that can cater for your guest list. The key is to keep planning logistics as simple as possible and make it easy for guests to get to and from their accommodation.
2. Provide a bar or BYOB
A bar is essential for your welcome party but it's up to you whether you supply drinks or put on a cash bar. A nice idea is to offer a first complementary drink, perhaps a signature cocktail or two, then guests can go on to buy further drinks. Depending on your venue and the vibe of your event, you could even ask guests to BYOB. Just to be mindful not to get carried away, especially if it's the night before your wedding! You want to feel fresh not fuzzy, as you walk down the aisle. Hot drinks like tea and coffee are nice touch too.
3. Get creative with catering
Your pre-wedding event is great opportunity to get creative with your catering and provide something different to what you'll be serving guests on the big day. Texas BBQ or freshly made wood-fired pizzas are sure to be a hit and both are ideal for relaxed affairs, as well as sharing food served family style such as tagines, salads, antipasti, mezze or tapas. Sit down dinners are still a lovely celebratory option for rehearsal dinners, or you could even host a potluck to help manage the cost of catering your welcome party.
4. Serve some sweet treats
You can't go wrong with serving something sweet so consider a dessert table, gelato cart or something fun and interactive like s'mores over the fire pit. You could even get family involved in bringing home-baked goodies like cookies, brownies and pies. Yum!
5. Go for beautiful yet simple table decor
Tables laden with flowers are undoubtedly pretty but certainly not conducive to a beautiful welcome party. To differentiate from the wedding reception that lies ahead, consider keeping your table decor simple with potted herbs and natural produce like locally grown fruit and vegetables. Simple and effective.
6. Create a cosy lounge area
Lounge areas are always a good idea as they encourage guests to linger and relax. Some comfy seating will be particularly appreciated by older guests and those who are expecting or have young babies to nurse.
7. Add personal touches
Set the tone for the wedding to come with personal touches that celebrate you as a couple. From signs and photos to monogrammed accessories and details that celebrate the location, the options are endless to have fun getting creative.
8. Wedding welcome bags
Wedding welcome bags are by no means a must-have but a super sweet gesture that's sure to be appreciated. Whether you create a collection of goodies for all of guests; go for a thoughtful local gift for your out-of-town guests, or some wedding day essentials for your bridal party - wedding welcome bags can come in all shapes and sizes.
