The rehearsal dinner is a celebration of food and family that takes place after your wedding rehearsal. After everyone has rehearsed their roles and positions for the ceremony, it’s customary to celebrate with your wedding party over a shared meal. Rehearsal dinners are almost always hosted at a fine restaurant near your wedding venue, and they’re a way to welcome and thank your most valued guests before the big day.
The question is: How do you plan a successful rehearsal dinner? Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can put together a beautiful dinner with a few tips and tricks.
Rehearsal Dinner Traditions
In a highly traditional wedding, the bride’s family pays for the ceremony and the groom’s family pays for the rehearsal dinner. This may also involve planning, inviting, and booking. However, most modern couples have a personalized approach to planning and financing their wedding. It’s perfectly normal these days for the couple, bride’s family, groom’s family, or everyone working together to plan and sponsor the rehearsal dinner—and every other part of the wedding.
After all, it’s your wedding. Do whatever works best for you.
The Guest List: Who to Invite
The rehearsal dinner guest list typically includes everyone participating in your wedding rehearsal. The rehearsal itself is a walk-through of the wedding ceremony. Participants include the close family and friends in your wedding party like parents, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Your officiant, ushers, flower girl, and ring bearer may also be on the guest list as they have a part to play in your rehearsal.
Consider inviting guests who traveled for your wedding as a thoughtful gesture and extend the celebration by hosting multiple catered dinners in event spaces for a multi-night experience.
The Venue: Where to Host Your Dinner
Rehearsal dinners are typically hosted at a nearby restaurant. A high-end restaurant is appropriate with everyone dressed up for the wedding rehearsal and sharing a special night. Considering the typical size of a wedding party or extended rehearsal dinner guest list, it’s a good idea to make a reservation at your chosen restaurant several weeks before the big event. This guarantees a properly prepared table for your arrival, accommodating everyone after working up an appetite during the wedding rehearsal.
For larger parties, you can reserve an entire dining room or even book an event space with catering to ensure all your guests can enjoy a delicious meal in beautiful surroundings.
The Schedule: When to Make Rehearsal Dinner Plans
When should you book your dinner? Should you plan the menu ahead of time? What should your schedule look like?
These are important questions, and we’re happy to answer them. It’s best to book your rehearsal dinner one to three months in advance. Send invitations, gather RSVPs, and secure restaurant reservations at least four weeks before the event. This helps confirm attendance, determine your guest count, and ensure the restaurant has enough space to accommodate your group.
Planning your menu one to two months in advance can also be helpful. Your chosen restaurant may offer a focused catering menu or you can build a unique menu based on your wedding theme with the right restaurant as your venue.
Choose The Refuge for Your Long Island Rehearsal Dinner
If you’re getting married in Long Island, The Refuge is a beautiful place to host your rehearsal dinner. Whether you want to book a table, one of our cozy dining rooms, or our breathtakingly beautiful event hall, our team of experts will ensure that your guests enjoy a delicious meal and celebrate your upcoming wedding in style.
Contact us to explore reservations, catering, and personalized menu options for your wedding plans. Your rehearsal dinner at The Refuge is sure to be a grand success.