Rehearsal Dinner Trends You Can Try – Guest Post
Written by on December 22, 2013.
Tagged under: Guest Blog, Rehearsal dinner, guest blogger, pre-wedding events, trends, wedding BBQ, wedding picnic
Rehearsal Dinner Trends You Can Try
Weddings are huge events that span beyond just the big day. From the proposal through months of engagement, planning and parties take up a considerable amount of time. Events like the bridal shower (for some) and the bachelor/stag party also take place as the bride and groom prepare for their marriage.
One of the final events happens on the eve of the actual wedding, or days leading up to a wedding, and this is the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is a time to finally slow down and take in the experience. Months of preparation culminate in a relaxed evening to celebrate with close friends and family. The rehearsal dinner marks the end of stressful planning, and the beginning of all the fun.
Here are some fantastic tips and trends to consider when planning your rehearsal dinner.
Finding a Unique Location
Probably the biggest thing to do when setting up the rehearsal dinner is to find a spot at which to host it. Many couples will rent a hotel conference or ballroom and hire a caterer. Others reserve spots at a favourite local restaurant. Depending on how the rental works for your venue, you may be able to have the dinner at your wedding location.
One fun trend that is growing in popularity is throwing a rehearsal barbecue or picnic. This can be held outdoors in a park or public beach for a more casual occasion.
You will also want to consider how many people are invited on your guest list before renting a space. This number will determine what size area you need to book.
It Doesn’t Even Have to Be a Dinner
Another growing movement is the idea that a rehearsal dinner can happen at any time. Some brides choose to host a rehearsal brunch or afternoon lunch. This is a fun way to gather family and friends together and reserve the evening right before your wedding for last minute details.
Other weddings have maintained the evening affair but pushed it a few days prior to the big day. If your venue is available, you can run the wedding rehearsal and then enjoy the after party a couple of days before you actually get married. This is another way to decrease stress for the wedding party.
Bride Club ME founder, Rio, held her rehearsal dinner/pre-wedding event at the Jetty Lounge, Royal Mirage, in Dubai two nights before her wedding.
The event was for international guests and bridal party only and served to welcome family and friends to Dubai and allow for time together before the big day. It was a huge success and many got the chance to meet and mingle for the first time.
Bridal Party Gifts
A modern tradition is the giving of special gifts to the bridesmaids and groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner/pre-wedding event. Typically, in some traditions, the bride will pick out jewellery for her attendants to wear at the ceremony and have as a keepsake afterwards. Sometimes these accessories will be personalised with special engravings of a quote or the ladies’ initials. Though jewellery is a usual present, the gift can be anything that the bride wants, from a box of chocolates to theatre tickets.
The options for groomsmen gifts are also open to creative plans. Monogrammed glasses or custom cufflinks make wonderful presents. Whether extravagant or cheap groomsmen gift ideas, these mementos communicate how much you appreciate your friends’ support during your wedding, and throughout the rest of your life.
With these fun and useful trends in mind, you can plan a successful rehearsal celebration that everyone will enjoy.
Fredro says
Nice post!