Rehearsal Dinners to Make the Weekend Memorable!
Planning the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner
A rehearsal dinner is the perfect chance to unwind, celebrate, and kick off your wedding festivities in style! With thoughtful planning, you'll create an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, love, and great memories. Here's your step-by-step guide to planning the perfect rehearsal dinner.
Step 1: Set Your Budget
First things first—let's talk budget! Before diving into the details, decide how much you'd like to spend. Consider expenses like:
- Venue rental (Farmhouse is just $125/hr - 15% off room rental with $500+ in catering!!)
- Food and beverages (Bar?? We gotcha covered!)
- Decorations
- Invitations
- Transportation (if needed)
Having a clear budget helps you make smart choices and keeps stress at bay.
Step 2: Create Your Guest List
Who should you invite? Traditionally, rehearsal dinners include:
- Immediate family members
- Wedding party members and their significant others
- Officiant and their spouse or partner
- Out-of-town guests (optional)
- It’s a nice touch to include people who travelled from afar to share your special day!
Keep your guest list intimate and manageable, so everyone can mingle, chat, and enjoy the evening together.
Step 3: Choose the Venue
Picking the right venue sets the tone for your rehearsal dinner. Look for a spot that complements your wedding style and comfortably fits your guest count. Popular venue options include:
- Restaurants or private dining rooms
- Hotels or banquet halls
- Outdoor spaces (gardens, parks, or backyards)
- Unique venues (wineries, museums, or historic buildings)
Looking for a charming, versatile venue? Farmhouse is a fantastic choice! With its cozy, bistro-lit outdoor patio and spacious back lawn perfect for lawn games, Farmhouse offers a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere your guests will love. It is also 100% PRIVATE - so no sharing a crowded loud restaurant with strangers!
Don't forget to consider proximity to your wedding venue and accommodations for out-of-town guests - it makes the weekend so much easier!
Step 4: Plan the Menu
Now, let's talk food! Your rehearsal dinner menu can range from casual to formal, depending on your style and budget. Delicious options include:
- Sit-down plated dinners
- Buffet-style meals
- Family-style dining
- Casual barbecue or picnic
Remember to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences by offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options.
Step 5: Send Invitations
Send your invitations about four to six weeks before the rehearsal dinner. Whether formal or informal, make sure your invites include essential details like:
- Date and time
- Venue address and directions
- Dress code (if applicable)
- RSVP instructions and deadline
Step 6: Plan the Evening's Schedule
Keep the evening flowing smoothly by creating a simple timeline. A typical rehearsal dinner schedule might look like this:
- Welcome and cocktail hour
- Dinner service
- Toasts and speeches
- Gift presentations (optional)
- Games or activities (optional)
- Closing remarks and reminders for the wedding day
Step 7: Personalize the Event
Make your rehearsal dinner uniquely yours by adding personal touches like:
- Customized decorations or centerpieces
- Photo displays or slideshows
- Personalized favors or gifts
- Music playlists or live entertainment
- Interactive activities or games (Farmhouse's spacious back lawn is perfect for outside fun!)
Step 8: Delegate Responsibilities
Don't do it all yourself! Enlist trusted friends or family members to help manage the event. Possible roles include:
- Greeting guests upon arrival
- Coordinating with any vendors & staff (at Farmhouse, we got it covered - no stress!!)
- Managing the timeline and announcements
- Assisting with setup and cleanup
Step 9: Confirm Details and Follow Up
One week before your rehearsal dinner, double-check all arrangements with your venue, caterer, and vendors. Provide final guest counts, dietary restrictions, and any special requests. Follow up with guests who haven't responded yet.
Step 10: Relax and Enjoy
Finally, the big day is here! Relax, have fun, and soak in every moment. Your rehearsal dinner is all about spending quality time with your favorite people and setting the stage for your wedding day.
Follow these steps, and you'll create a rehearsal dinner that's joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable for everyone involved. Cheers to a wonderful celebration!