A Guide To Hosting A Memorable Rehearsal Dinner

A memorable rehearsal dinner can provide the perfect start to your wedding celebrations. It’s an ideal opportunity for you to take a moment and celebrate the (almost) arrival of your big day with friends and family after months of work and planning.

However, hosting a rehearsal dinner doesn’t need to be a complicated or stressful endeavor. We’ve compiled a list of our top tips for planning this special occasion so that you can look forward to a night of smooth-sailing fun!

What is a Rehearsal Dinner?

A rehearsal dinner is typically held on the eve of the wedding after the wedding ceremony rehearsal has been completed. In the past, the parents of the groom have hosted the dinner, but these days couples often host themselves, or hosting is shared by both families.

Although there are no rules about what format the event must take, these dinners tend to be more intimate and informal. They offer the bridal couple an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends that they might not have on the wedding day.

Who Should You Invite?

Rehearsal dinners provide the wedding party and family members an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal (if they don’t already) and set the mood for the weekend of celebrations ahead.

Usually, only immediate family members, the wedding party, and their partners or spouses are invited to the event, but it is also common for couples to invite out-of-town guests who are making a special effort to travel to the wedding.

You may want to invite the wedding officiant and their partner if they’re close to your family.

Getting the Venue and Timing Right

When planning a rehearsal dinner, keeping things close is key. Don’t choose a venue that is far away from the site of the ceremony rehearsal – your guests will already be doing a lot of traveling over the wedding weekend. It is best to be considerate and choose a venue that is close to the rehearsal venue. This also ensures that the dinner can progress seamlessly from the rehearsal.

You should try for an earlier dinner and aim for the event to wrap up by 10 p.m. at the latest so that you and your guests are well-rested for the next day. In fact, many couples choose to have their rehearsal in the morning and follow it with a rehearsal brunch or luncheon instead.

Give the Event a Personal Touch

Traditionally, the fathers of the bridal couple give a toast to the couple at the rehearsal dinner, and the longer and more formal speeches are saved for the wedding day itself. You may want to set aside time for other relatives and friends to join the toast and share memories and stories about the couple.

The dinner is also an excellent opportunity for you and your partner to thank your families and the wedding party for all their support. You may wish to give them a small gift to show your appreciation. However, the event doesn’t need to be overly serious: some couples include games and activities to get the fun started early!

Looking for the Perfect Rehearsal Dinner Venue in South Florida?

Galuppi’s specializes in hosting weddings, rehearsal dinners, and a range of private functions. Our venue can accommodate parties big and small, and all our event spaces offer sweeping views of the golf course with its pristine landscaping and quaint bridges.

Our events team will work with you to tailor the event to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day.  Our catering expert will guide you through choosing a menu tailored to fit your vision, as well as your budget. Combine all of this and your event is destined to be a most memorable occasion!

Contact us at 954-785-0226 to find out more about our event packages – let’s make it a night to remember!