Whilst many wedding days are all about the timeless touches that ensure elegance at every turn, taking a hint from the latest wedding trends can provide the modern twists most couples crave when planning their big days.
The rehearsal dinner is one trend that has become an essential part of many UK couples’ wedding timelines, and for good reason. Read on to discover the benefits of hosting a rehearsal dinner as well as how to plan a rehearsal dinner that gets all your guests ready for the main event.
What is a rehearsal dinner?
A rehearsal dinner has long been a part of wedding tradition in the United States of America. We’ll let WeddingWire explain exactly what a rehearsal dinner is:
“Traditionally, a rehearsal dinner comes immediately after the wedding rehearsal, usually the night before the wedding itself. The dinner kicks off your wedding weekend and it offers your closest friends and family members a chance to bond and spend quality time with each other — and with you! — before the chaos of the big day.”
Taking place just before your wedding day – traditionally the evening before the main event – a rehearsal dinner is attended by all your nearest and dearest, including the bride and groom’s parents, siblings and wedding parties.
Why should I host a rehearsal dinner?
There are many benefits that go hand-in-hand with hosting a rehearsal dinner before your wedding day.
Known as the ‘party before the party’, a rehearsal dinner offers another opportunity (besides the hen and stag parties) for would-be wedding guests to become better acquainted with each other. For members of the wedding party, it’s also a chance to give those designated roles a whirl before the big day itself.
At a rehearsal dinner, many brides and grooms choose to finalise those all-important big day plans, clearing up any queries regarding the roles each VIP will play on the day. This will leave you feeling more confident to take on your wedding day.
After the chaos of wedding planning, a rehearsal dinner is the break couples deserve, offering the chance to let your hair down with the people you love without the big day nerves. Some brides and grooms use their rehearsal dinner to give gifts to their wedding parties and other guests.
Any tips for rehearsal dinner planning?
The key to any successful rehearsal dinner is to keep it as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. With a rehearsal dinner, you’re not bound by tradition, which means it can be as informal as you want it to be. When planning your rehearsal dinner, opting for a theme that revolves around good company and good food is a great way to go.
Choose your venue with care; whilst here at Country House Weddings, we don’t have a specific facility for rehearsal dinners, our Dinner Date Events (which take place throughout the year across all our venues) offer great settings for rehearsal dinner events.
For couples looking to stick with tradition and host their rehearsal dinners the night before their wedding days, our Night Before packages – available at St Audries Park, Clearwell Castle, Leez Priory and Gosfield Hall (subject to availability) – can be used to greet and entertain guests a little earlier.
For further information about our venues and the night-before facilities they offer, please contact our team today.
