While your rehearsal dinner does serve a purpose of running through the ceremony, it also sets the tone for you big day! Add these special touches to The Night Before to prepare your family and bridal party for the wedding day.
Signage
While some may argue that welcome signage doesn’t serve a purpose and is a thing of the past, we beg to differ. It’s true that if guests are there, they probably know what event they’re at; however, it’s the special touches that make the evening more special. A personalized welcome sign that fits the theme of the evening not only sets the tone, but it’s also a great photo opportunity!
Purchase the welcome sign below on Etsy from BellabooPrintables!
Groom’s Cake
A tradition in the Southern United States and depicted in the 1989 comedy “Steel Magnolias,” a groom’s cake is typically themed to the groom’s hobbies and is planned by the bride as a surprise. The Rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to serve the groom’s cake, so it’s not overshadowed by the wedding cake the next day.
Photos from Pinterest.
Nods to Your Big Day
Items like these “One Day Away” cocktail napkins are a great addition to your rehearsal dinner that can help build *even more* excitement about your wedding day.
Make it Personal
A great way to make “the night before” even more special is to include things that are important to the couple. Do you and your fiancé love watching a game with wings and beer? Have that for your rehearsal dinner. Is there a certain game that you and your friends always play when you get together? Include that in the night’s schedule. Utilize the rehearsal dinner as a more intimate time to connect with close family and friends, since the wedding day will be much larger and more hectic.
Have the party in a space that’s comfortable and casual if that’s what you and your fiancé prefer. Conversely, you can have a formal event. Remember, the vibe of your rehearsal dinner doesn’t always have to be the same as your wedding!
Include an Activity
Like mentioned above, don’t be afraid to stray from the “typical” structure of a rehearsal dinner. Consider hosting the event earlier in the day so the group can enjoy a sporting event in the evening. Another idea is to hold a pickle ball competition earlier in the day prior to dinner.
Not a sports fan? Go out for karaoke or have a game night. By including a fun activity for everyone, it can calm the nerves of the couple and family while creating a core memory for everyone involved.
Purchase these personalized corn hole boards from LittleBigPartyCo on Etsy.
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke Virginia, Richmond Virginia, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia or in Charlottesville/ Lynchburg Va. we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
