A Guide to Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner
Rehearsal dinners are an important part of the wedding weekend. It's a time for the bridal party, family, and close friends to come together and celebrate the upcoming wedding. With proper planning, you can plan an enjoyable and memorable rehearsal dinner:
1. Choose a venue: The first step in planning a rehearsal dinner is to choose the venue. Consider the number of guests, location, and budget when selecting the venue. At the John Joseph Inn, you can opt to have guests dine in our restored carriage house as they delight in organic, seasonal fare, or host a more laid back, yet sophisticated homestyle BBQ and cocktail party!
2. Invite guests: Once you have finalized the venue, the next step is to invite guests. Make sure to give your guests plenty of notice, so they can plan their schedules accordingly. We suggest either including a rehearsal dinner invite card when you send out your wedding invitations, or inviting guests via e-mail.
3. Decide on a menu: The menu is a crucial part of any rehearsal dinner. You can select a menu that complements the wedding theme, or you can choose a menu that reflects your taste. It's essential to consider dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests when deciding on a menu.
4. Secure decorations: Adding some decorations to the venue can create a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere. You can add flowers, candles, or balloons to create a beautiful ambiance.
5. Plan for toasts and speeches: Rehearsal dinners are an excellent opportunity for guests to give toasts and speeches. It’s an ideal time to ask anyone in your lives who is very important to you, such as a parent, grandparent or mutual friend, to speak, especially if they aren’t speaking at the main event tomorrow! Keep in mind the timing and duration of speeches to ensure they do not go on for too long.
6. Make sure Relax and enjoy yourselves: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but the rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones! Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the occasion and have fun.
Planning a nice wedding rehearsal dinner takes some effort, but by following these steps, you can plan a rehearsal dinner that reflects your style and creates a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere. The John Joseph Inn would be delighted to host your rehearsal dinner. Contact us for availability today!
