If you've poured your heart and soul into your wedding day and completely forgot about your rehearsal dinner, we've put together some style ideas to inspire you!
It's true: it isn't your wedding; however, the rehearsal dinner sets the precedent – as well as the tone – for your nuptials before the big day even begins. Though you'll be focused on planning your ceremony and reception, it only makes sense to focus some of your bridal energy on this matrimonial milestone to commence the celebration.
If you've poured your heart and soul into your wedding day and completely forgotten about your upcoming pre-wedding dinner, we've put together some style ideas – from real rehearsal dinners – to inspire your creativity and assist in the aesthetic and design of this important event!
While your centerpieces and floral arrangements likely won't be as extravagant as those at your wedding ceremony and reception, adding fresh flowers to your rehearsal dinner table will make quite the impression. If you were on the fence about a certain color palette or theme – or you wanted a flower that was too expensive for more table centerpieces, the rehearsal dinner is the time to make all of your décor and flower dreams come true!
Whether you're having a formal affair with a multi-course menu or a laid-back barbecue for your rehearsal dinner, make sure you pay attention to the menu! Choose fare that you and your spouse-to-be love or food that fits a particular destination or theme you're going for. Have fun, choose something special to you or the location, or show your guests the cuisine that you both love to eat on a weekly basis. Now is the time to personalize your special weekend with the food.
Your stationery and paper goods extend far beyond the wedding day! If printed items are important to you, your family, or your guests, make sure your rehearsal dinner invitation, menu, signage, and more are all worthy of taking home as a keepsake. If you've hired a calligrapher for your invitations or your wedding stationery and paper goods, continue the theme through your rehearsal dinner!
Since rehearsal dinners are often more intimate than the wedding day, it's a wonderful opportunity to use the tablescape to set the scene for your special pre-wedding dinner. If you want guests to feel warm and inclusive, have everyone sit at one table decorated with low centerpieces that encourage conversation and flickering candlelight to set a beautiful ambience. If you'd rather preface the opulent celebration to come, go all out with towering centerpieces and jaw-dropping décor. The choice is yours!
For even more stunning rehearsal dinner décor, check out rehearsal dinner themes, or browse images from real rehearsal dinners and wedding events in our photo galleries!
Opening photo by Maya Myers Photography; From Real Event: Colorful Tented Rehearsal Dinner with Garden Elements in Brooklyn