The gals over at Big Events Inc. are sharing their insider perspective and expert tips on hosting a memorable + thoughtful rehearsal dinner that is enjoyable for everyone on your invite list. The Big Events team is one of our all-time favorites to work with…We are indebted to them for sharing their ideas that stem from creating (literally!) hundreds of rehearsal dinners. Get the inside scoop from wedding planner + designer Lacey below…
ON THE EVE OF THE WEDDING – While the wedding day is full of love and celebration, the night before is a chance to spend time with those in your closest circle. Rehearsal dinners are usually quite personal – with even the littlest details uniquely curated to the taste and personality of the couple. Families unite, friends walk memory lane and everyone shares the joy over a delicious meal. Make yours even more memorable with these night-before ideas:
THE TOASTS – This is the most sentimental, sweet, funny and entertaining portion of the evening…but only if the toasts don’t drag on and on, don’t turn in to roasts and aren’t hijacked by Uncle Billy!
– Kindly request that their toasts not exceed 4 to 5 minutes.
– Ask your Best Man or a close family member to act as the evening’s MC. He is in charge of the mic and knows the order in which friends and family members plan to speak. He’ll take the mic at the end of each toast and pass it with introductions to the next speaker.
– Traditionally, the Father of the Groom will open the toasts with a greeting and some words of gratitude for all those who have traveled near and far to share this weekend before speaking directing to his son and future daughter in law. The Groom goes last and closes the toasts and the evening with some sweet sentiments for his bride to be!
THE MUSIC – We’re in Music City!! Hire a singer/songwriter to give your out of town guests a true taste of Nashville music. Ask your musicians to play their songs during cocktail hour, transition to light background music while guests are eating, take a break during toasts and come back to play as guests say their farewells after dinner. If not live music, then certainly consider the venue and don’t forget the tunes.
THE DRINKS & DINNER – It’s the groom’s night, so let him shine with his favorite signature cocktail or brew. Be sure to consider your wedding menu when planning the meal. If you’re having chicken at the wedding, serve pork or beef at the rehearsal dinner. Keep this simple by offering only one entrée option, rather than a selection. If guests have dietary restrictions – they will likely let you know and most caterers are willing to accommodate. Let dessert be his choice…if he loves apple pie and ice cream, he gets apple pie and ice cream!
WRAP IT UP! – You have a long and exhilarating day ahead of you and everyone needs their beauty sleep. Start the dinner early (no later than 6:30pm, if possible) so that you can leave at a reasonable time.
Gorgeous paper reflecting the couple sets the tone for a thoughtful event long before the celebration ensues! The team at EOH would love to help you make your ideas (a very pretty!) reality. Be sure to browse the signature EOH line of rehearsal dinner invitations (& wedding suites!)
Big thanks to Lacey for these helpful hints + creative ideas with us!
Photos courtesy of Mary Rosenbaum via Big Events Inc.
