Rehearsal Dinner Menu Ideas
- Taste of Tuscany. Italian flavors are a classic and popular option, that also offers a ton of variety. ...
- Small Plates & Tapas. Want your guests to experience loads of different foods at your rehearsal dinner? ...
- Crawfish Boil. ...
- Tacos & Tex Mex. ...
- Backyard Barbecue. ...
Full Answer
How to choose a menu for your rehearsal dinner?
In this post, you’ll learn:
- How To Plan A Rehearsal Dinner 1. Pick A Host: 2. Choose A Theme: 3. Choose Your Guest List: 4. Let Them Know:
- Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Ideas 1. Cheap rehearsal dinner in the park 2. Casual rehearsal dinner in the restaurant 3. Backyard rehearsal dinner 4. Informal BBQ party 5. ...
- Rehearsal Dinner Attire Ideas
- Rehearsal Dinner Activities
- Rehearsal Dinner Favors
What do you serve at a rehearsal dinner?
What Should You Serve at Your Rehearsal Dinner?
- The rehearsal dinner is a chance to be less traditional. "We think the rehearsal dinner is definitely an opportunity to be a bit more playful with the menu, especially if ...
- Choose a theme. ...
- Work with the formality level that suits your venue. ...
- Don't be afraid to choose something that's more hands-on. ...
How to have a successful rehearsal dinner?
Steps to Planning a Rehearsal Dinner
- Decide who will host. Traditionally, the groom's parents take care of the rehearsal dinner, but these days, anything goes.
- Choose a fun theme. A fun way to kick off the wedding weekend is to incorporate a theme into your rehearsal dinner. ...
- Pick a unique location. ...
- Create the guest list. ...
- Consider timing. ...
- Plan out your menu. ...
- Plan to pass the mic. ...
How to plan the rehearsal dinner?
With more modern practices, here are some common options for who pays for the rehearsal dinner:
- A combination of both families
- The bride and groom themselves
- Whoever offers!
What kind of food do you serve at a rehearsal dinner?
Here are some great and easy ideas for your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner:Burrito Bar. Prepare meats and rice ahead of time and rewarm them in crock pots before serving. ... Lasagna. This meal is always a hit with most people. ... Sub Sandwich Bar. ... Simple Grilled Chicken. ... Easy Enchiladas. ... Grilled Burgers and Brats.
What do you serve at a casual rehearsal dinner?
The catering menu for this rehearsal dinner set up can be as simple as sandwiches, chips and a couple salads from the grocery store. Consider a very casual catering menu of make your own street tacos, Brick oven pizzas, Or even bring in a really fun & unique food truck.
What activities do you do at a rehearsal dinner?
Here are 16 ways to make your rehearsal dinner epic.01 of 16. Hire a Local Band. ... 02 of 16. Have a Picnic-Style Setup. ... 03 of 16. Serve Drink-Friendly Escort Cards. ... 04 of 16. Embrace a Cool Bar. ... 05 of 16. Set Up a Fire Pit. ... 06 of 16. Make a Photo Montage. ... 07 of 16. Incorporate a Grazing Table. ... 08 of 16. Create an Experience.More items...•
How do you make a rehearsal dinner cheap?
Keep your rehearsal dinner affordable by holding it at home, a public park, or another low-cost venue. Book buffet-style catering or coordinate a pot-luck dinner in order to reduce food costs. Get creative with decorations by making them yourself or upcycling objects you may already have lying around your home.
Do you serve dessert at rehearsal dinner?
Dessert. At a traditional rehearsal dinner, the groom's cake normally concludes the dinner. Of course, not every rehearsal dinner has to have a groom's cake. Other treats can be served, but every good dinner should end with a yummy dessert.
Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?
the groom's familyTradition dictates that the groom's family pays for the full cost of the rehearsal dinner, even though the bride's family and friends attend the event as well. That includes food, drink, venue fees, entertainment, and transportation. Often the groom's family cherishes this responsibility.
Who speaks at rehearsal dinner?
Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Toast? The host of the rehearsal dinner (traditionally the father of the groom in a heterosexual couple) gives the first speech. This person is followed by members of the wedding party that won't be speaking at the reception (typically anyone other than the maid of honor and the best man).
Do people play games at rehearsal dinner?
After choosing the location and deciding whether your event will be formal or informal, you might want to consider including appropriate games and activities to keep your guests entertained. Plan, shop, and prepare the games, activities, prizes, and supplies in advance.
Who attends rehearsal dinner etiquette?
Here's who definitely gets an invite. Your immediate families, the bridal party (including the parents of the flower girl and ring bearer, even if they're not in the wedding), any ceremony readers, and your officiant (plus his or her spouse, if married) should always be invited to the rehearsal dinner.
Do you have a cake at a rehearsal dinner?
Now on to dessert. Traditionally, the groom's cake is served during the rehearsal dinner as well. Of course, you can serve it alongside the wedding cake on your wedding day, but every good party needs something sweet!
What can you do instead of a rehearsal dinner?
5 Savvy Rehearsal Dinner AlternativesHost a Backyard Barbecue. Follow the "invite every out of town guest" rule, but host a casual, backyard barbecue instead of a fancy dinner. ... Plan an Afterparty. ... Try Afternoon Tea. ... Plan a Group Activity. ... Opt For Brunch Instead.
Are rehearsal dinners necessary?
The rehearsal dinner is not a required event, but it does give the couple's immediate families and members of the bridal party the opportunity to socialize before the wedding.
Who takes care of the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally, the bride’s parents foot the bill for the wedding and the groom’s parents take care of the rehearsal dinner. Even if you’re a non-traditional couple, this is still the recommended format. When you’re getting married both sets of parents will be hassling you for some involvement and responsibility.
Who should be invited to a rehearsal dinner?
Anyone involved in the wedding ceremony must be invited to the rehearsal dinner. It should also include any family members considered to be very close, and you should also consider inviting guests from out of town since they went through the trouble of traveling all that way.
What to serve at a family get together?
Oh, and don’t forget the great food! Serve corn, kebabs, salads, and a variety of chicken, pork (if religion permits), beef, and lamb to make sure that everyone has more than enough options.
Can rain ruin rehearsal dinner?
Wind can easily make any rehearsal dinner speech difficult to hear and rain can ruin the food. Make sure that there is a mic and speaker so that everyone can hear the beautiful speeches, and make sure that there are rented tents set up overactivity and eating areas. Everyone will love the appearance of a food truck.
Can you dish out thousands of dollars for a wedding rehearsal dinner?
If you’re not into dishing out hundreds (or even thousands) of extra dollars on a full-blown wedding rehearsal dinner, you may want to do the exact opposite. The ceremony and reception will be sewn with tons of nerves. There are speeches, routines, and responsibilities for many people involved.
Can you use your best ideas for rehearsal dinner?
You can’t use your best ideas for the rehearsal dinner, those games are best reserved for the reception. But, you do have to provide some sort of entertainment. Since this is a smaller group comprised of people that you know very well you have the luxury of being a little more intimate.
Is there a time limit for rehearsal dinner?
Space is free, there’s no time limit, there’s plenty of room for decor and games, and you decide what you’re willing to pay. There is only one potential downside. You can’t predict or control the weather. Wind can easily make any rehearsal dinner speech difficult to hear and rain can ruin the food.
What is rehearsal dinner?
A rehearsal dinner is a place to try out all of the best things for your wedding. If your speakers are practicing their speeches, learn more about speech order here. If you’re lost in the planning process, check out some of these wedding planner books.
What are some examples of wedding weekend?
One of the most common examples of a wedding weekend include a rehearsal dinner for the wedding party and other close friends and family. This is meant to include a rehearsal of the wedding ceremony, in which the party practices walking in and everyone knows where they stand.
What is a good game night for a wedding?
An outdoor game night to celebrate your wedding is a great way to have all the guests mingling and forming relationships. A big checkerboard like this one is a fun choice.
Is rehearsal dinner a wedding?
However, planning a rehearsal dinner can be a lot of work, especially on top of planning a wedding. From themes to locations to entrees, there are a lot of elements to a rehearsal dinner. Below are some helpful rehearsal dinner ideas for a great night.
Some General Rehearsal Dinner Ideas
Naturally when you’re planning your wedding, most of the energy & attention is focused on the wedding day itself.
SIMPLE WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER IDEAS
If you’re in the thick of planning, I can totally appreciate how even thinking about your rehearsal dinner may feel overwhelming. You’re swamped, frantically adding things up, having nightmares about dollar signs, and on top of it all, you have to plan and host, and pay for a separate party on top of everything else. #nothanks!
WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER IDEAS ON A BUDGET
Essentially, as with most things in wedding planning, you can spend as little, or as MUCH as you’d like on the rehearsal dinner. There are a million ways to go in either direction. I’m guessing you’re not here trying to make things as expensive as possible, so let’s turn the other way shall we? 😀
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Serve a Delicious Showstopper
"I love to kick off a weekend wedding with a dinner made to impress. Our 'Golden Egg' amuse bouche is the perfect start to a fun and impressive dinner. Our version includes smoked custard, a vichyssoise sphere, truffle, and whipped crème fraiche." —Carla Ruben, Owner and Creative Director, Creative Edge Parties
Focus on Fresh Ingredients
Should You Ask Your Wedding Venue's Chef to Create a Custom Dinner Menu?
Be Strategic with Your Starters
"Combine fresh melon and prosciutto to make a flavorful and refreshing hors d'oeuvres. Cantaloupes have high water content and tons of vitamin C, which is essential for getting the party started. Plus, it serves as a perfect addition to a whole variety of hors d'oeuvres." —Claudia Hoste, Owner, Hoste Events
Embellish Favored Cocktails
"Whether your rehearsal dinner is outdoors, on a beach, in an event venue, or your home, having a seasonal cocktail awaiting your guests is always a good idea.
Utilize Seasonal Produce
"With the long, heavy winter behind us, it's time to take advantage of the bright and vibrant seasonal vegetables! What better way to welcome the season than letting the ingredients shine on their own? Asparagus, english peas, and artichokes are all wonderful vegetables that bring the perfect pop of color to any dish.
Highlight Regional Staples
"We suggest having a bit of fun with the rehearsal dinner menu. We love to feature Northwest-inspired dishes (our homebase), whether it's a wild salmon or a bite that represents some of Seattle's most iconic ingredients. For nibbles, some of our favorites are oysters, salmon, clams, mussels, pears, and rhubarb.
Source Local Ingredients
"Create and display charcuterie boards with items such as local cheeses, meats, and nuts for your guests to enjoy." —Miki & Sonja, Owners and Photographers, Miki & Sonja Photography
What to do with fondue at home?
If you're hosting at home, you may want to hire a cleaning crew to wipe up tables and chairs throughout the night to keep the fondue neat and tidy. 3. A Bowling Rehearsal Dinner.
Is rehearsal dinner a rule?
There's no rule that says a rehearsal dinner has to be just dinner. Bowling and arcade games are just the kinds of activities that will help break the ice between your families and friends. You could even make it a competition and give awards at the end of the night (don't forget to honor "Most Gutter Balls").
Who is invited to a rehearsal dinner?
That includes anyone in your wedding party, parents, immediate family (if you choose) as well as their guests. That’s right. Their guests.
What are the cards used at weddings?
Show Guests To Their Seats. Depending on your guest count, you have the option of using escort cards or place cards. Escort cards are typically used at weddings to show guests which tables they are sitting at. Place cards sit at the tables to show guests what seat they should be in.
Can everyone attend rehearsal dinner at a destination wedding?
Keep in mind that if it is a destination wedding, you will have to be considerate that not everyone will be able to attend both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding due to additional expenses and for many other reasons.
What to serve on the night before a wedding?
Now here's another fun way to serve rosé on the night before the wedding. Frozen wine pops are casual and easy to eat—which make them absolutely perfect for your laid-back rehearsal.
Can you have a rehearsal dinner without ice cream?
You can't host a summertime rehearsal dinner without ice cream—that's just a fact. Enlist a local creamery to serve up cups of gelato (these were provided by Splendora's) in your favorite flavors. Finish off the treats with personalized stickers, complete with your names and wedding date.
What is carne deshebrada?
As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with frijoles, tostadas, salsas and huge bowls of salad. Brisket was the dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker.
How long to bake Wellingtons in Minnesota?
Besides being a wonderful, special entree, it is so easy on the cook. Most of it can be prepared a day ahead and it bakes in 20 minutes. —Joyce Moynihan, Lakeville, Minnesota
