Beautiful Style Ideas for an Unforgettable Rehearsal Dinner
Draw inspiration to throw an elegant pre-wedding event that brings family and friends together!
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!
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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!
Rehearsal Dinner Floral Arrangements
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!
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For autumn nuptials, going with a darker, slightly more rustic hue in your floral accents – similar to this deep red and purple hydrangea arrangement – is not only appropriate, it's festive and organic! Photo by Jose Villa Photography; Consulting by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Event: Incredible Rooftop Rehearsal Dinner with Striking Striped Tent
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For couples that want to go with a more expansive cluster of blooms: you can add various coordinating branches and vines to your centerpieces to embolden their presence at your dinner. Photo by Roey Yohai Studios; Invitations & Calligraphy by Lehr and Black; From Real Event: Beautiful Rooftop Rehearsal Dinner Overlooking New York City
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If you and your sweetie want to keep your event simple, consider making one hue the center of attention – as seen in the style of this arrangement of white orchids and roses. Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Event: Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford's Southern-Style Rehearsal Dinner
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To make your event really stand out, select a bloom or two that matches the color scheme of the evening, add some verdant leaves, and you'll have your entire rehearsal dinner motif in a vase! Photo by John Russo Photography; Planning & Design by International Event Company; From Real Event: Armie Hammer's Rehearsal Dinner: A Stunning Affair
Rehearsal Dinner Food
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.
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Quell your guests' appetites with these meat-lovers hor d'oeuvres – filet mignon on a crostini garnished with sour cream, bell peppers, and parsley. Photo by Roey Yohai Studios; From Real Event: Beautiful Rooftop Rehearsal Dinner Overlooking New York City
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If you want to keep to a coastal theme, consider having a seafood dinner – complete with a lobster bake – for your evening with family and friends. Photo by Justine Ungaro; From Real Event: Charming Lobster Bake Rehearsal Dinner in Nantucket, Massachusetts
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To keep things comfortable and cozy, include a flatbread on your menu – guests will feel at home with this classic dish! Photo by Jessica Claire Photography; From Real Event: An Intimate Alfresco Rehearsal Dinner in California
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For brides and grooms that desire adding some spice to their night, present attendees with a "flight of salsa" to accent your flavorful menu. Photo by Vue Photography; From Real Event: Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford's Southern-Style Rehearsal Dinner
Rehearsal Dinner Calligraphy
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!
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For a garden-inspired event, keep your invitations, menu, and escort cards soft and delicate like this style, which is accented with graceful greenery and perennials. Photo by Jessica Claire Photography; From Real Event: An Intimate Alfresco Rehearsal Dinner in California
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For a more feminine look, consider this rose styling, embellished with an artful blossom to match. Photo by Roey Yohai Studios; Invitations & Calligraphy by Lehr and Black; From Real Event: Beautiful Rooftop Rehearsal Dinner Overlooking New York City
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We love how this particular style matches the floral arrangements so perfectly – it never hurts to coordinate! Photo by Jose Villa Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; Menu by Lehr and Black; From Real Event: Incredible Rooftop Rehearsal Dinner with Striking Striped Tent
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This sentimental poem is masterly penned and decorated, giving the dinner a sweetly simple warmth. Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Event Design by Bob Gail Events; From Real Event: An Intimate Garden-Themed Rehearsal Dinner in Ojai, California
Rehearsal Dinner Tablescapes
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!
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If your dinner happens to be in a wine cellar – or another dimly lit venue – this is a wonderful way to bring some love and light to your tables! Photo by Elisabeth Millay Photography; From Real Event: Romantic Neutral-Hued Wedding at a Paso Robles, California Vineyard
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For alfresco events – such as brunches or garden-themed parties – these floral-print linens and mossy centerpiece concept are sure to delight. Photo by Elizabeth Messina; Event Design by Bob Gail Events; From Real Event: An Intimate Garden-Themed Rehearsal Dinner in Ojai, California
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If you're going for opulence, integrate gold and champagne hues into the décor – similarly, choose an open venue with plenty of space! Photo by Elisabeth Millay Photography; From Real Event: Alfresco Ceremony and Reception at Central California Vineyard
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Keep your evening playful and light with whimiscal pops of color and and intricate, multi-colored patterns. Photo by Roey Yohai Studios; From Real Event: Beautiful Rooftop Rehearsal Dinner Overlooking New York City
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
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