Dallas Rehearsal Dinner Planning

Your “to do” list to plan your wedding is endless it seems and coordinating all of the moving parts can seem quite daunting at times. On top of that planning, you still have yet another dinner event to plan, the rehearsal dinner. You probably spent months touring wedding venues before making your selection which means you know the setting and quality of the food is ideal for you and your guests. Why take on yet another venue hunt for your rehearsal dinner? Your reception venue can double as your rehearsal dinner venue as well. Since you and your bridal party and closest family will be on site for the rehearsal, why not just keep the dinner party at the same location?

The Guest List
The rehearsal-dinner guest list typically includes close family members and anyone participating in the wedding ceremony (including your officiant), plus their spouses or dates. But it is also considerate to invite your out-of-town guests to attend as a kind gesture of thanks for traveling all the way there. However, if you end up with a long list of people to include, you can keep costs down by serving only cocktails and hors d’oeuvres or desserts as opposed to a full meal.

Timing is Everything
The rehearsal dinner is traditionally held the night before the wedding directly following the wedding rehearsal. If you are hosting a off-peak day wedding, such as Friday, Sunday or holiday, you may choose to host the rehearsal two nights before or even a brunch or afternoon tea might suit your guests.

Theme Your Rehearsal Dinner
A fun way kick off the wedding weekend is to incorporate a theme into your rehearsal dinner. You can build the party around your cultural background. Consider taking an opposite approach from your wedding day theme to ensure you don’t upstage the main event, your wedding day.

Speeches “Take One”
It’s customary for the host to welcome guests at the beginning of the party. But because the atmosphere at a rehearsal dinner tends to be relaxed, some guests may also want to get up and say a few words about you, so consider opening the floor. The bride and groom should also plan on making short speeches at some point during the evening.

Give Gifts
The rehearsal dinner is also the traditional time to present gifts to members of the wedding party, as well as to the parents, to thank them for their love, guidance, and support.

Heritage Ranch Golf & Country Club can accommodate your large and small dinner parties with customized menu planning or pre-set menu options. Contact Patty Wake today to learn more!