Start planning your perfect rehearsal dinner and add these tips to your checklist.
Planning your rehearsal dinner is up to you and your partner. Whether you want a low-key gathering or a party before your special day, you’ll still need to consider a few key steps.
Creating a checklist for your rehearsal dinner can help ensure you don’t miss anything and maintain clear communication among you, your partner, and the venue. Start planning your perfect rehearsal dinner and add these tips to your checklist.
Have a Budget
Solidifying your budget will help make the planning process run smoothly. Your budget will help you, your partner, and any financial contributors to your rehearsal dinner gain a clear understanding of what you can include in this event. The cost per person for your rehearsal dinner is dependent on your guest list, venue, decorations, and dinner menu.
Choose a Venue
Couples are getting creative with their rehearsal dinner venues. A popular venue option is a large table or room at a restaurant, but you can find any venue that will meet your guest list and budget requirements. You can host your rehearsal dinner at a family or friend’s house for a more intimate feel. You can have a catering company deliver food or have your loved one cook up a delicious meal for everyone. Other venue spaces to consider include a hotel ballroom or event space, a local park, your favorite bar, or other unique spots in your area.
Pick Your Date
The most common date couples choose is the day before their wedding. However, it depends on the officiant and the venue’s schedule. Most of your guests will be in town on the day before the wedding, so it’s the best day to ensure everyone on your guest list can make it.
Choose a Menu
Whether you plan to cook the food yourself, place a catering order, or dine at a restaurant, you’ll want to establish the menu for your dinner.
If you’re taking your group out to a restaurant, a helpful tip is to coordinate a special menu for your party. Creating a limited menu helps you stay within your budget and makes the ordering process smoother. Another tip is to serve up a different meal than the one at your wedding. Spice it up with a local favorite or your partner’s and your favorite type of food.
Decide on Your Guest List
Deciding who to invite to your rehearsal dinner is entirely up to you and your future spouse. That being said, you should generally invite both of your immediate families and your wedding party. You’ll also want to ask the parents of any children in your wedding party.
Other guests that typically make the list include your officiant or priest, wedding party plus ones, and any out-of-town guests. Creating a guest list is essential for booking your dinner venue and staying within your budget.
HISTORIC OAKLAND MANOR: THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Nestled in a peaceful wooded area in the heart of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland Manor stands proudly in natural splendor. Elegant Oakland is the perfect setting for ceremonies, wedding receptions, bridal showers, holiday parties, family celebrations, business meetings, or retreats. Schedule a tour today with our expert venue coordinators! Please call (410-730-4801), email ([email protected]), or visit our chat on our homepage to book a tour appointment.