Rehearsal dinners are an essential part of preparing for your big day, even when you’re having a destination wedding. In fact, it can be even more important because you and your guests are unfamiliar with the area and need to learn what to expect on your wedding day. However, a wedding rehearsal and dinner often look different when you’re getting married away from home. Knowing how to plan your rehearsal dinner will ensure your event goes off without a hitch.
In this guide, we’ll help you through every step of the process, from the traditions of wedding rehearsal dinners to the logistics of carrying out your rehearsal and dinner to start your wedding celebration early. Once you know what a rehearsal dinner is and why you should consider having one, you can begin the process of planning for this pre-wedding event, along with everything else that will make your destination wedding extra special.
What Is a Rehearsal Dinner?
In general, wedding rehearsal dinners are pre-wedding events where the couple and their wedding party get together to practice the wedding itself and then share a meal together afterward. It’s also an opportunity for the couple to thank their bridal party, parents, and sometimes other guests for attending their wedding and all the assistance they have provided throughout the planning process. These dinners can be casual or more upscale, but they are usually a smaller affair than the wedding itself.
One of the reasons a rehearsal dinner is a great option for destination weddings is that it can serve multiple purposes. In addition to the above, it often becomes a welcome dinner or a weekend kickoff event since these dinners are more likely to include all guests versus just the wedding party and close family members.
What Happens at a Rehearsal Dinner?
While the overall schedule for wedding rehearsal dinners varies depending on your unique needs and preferences, there are a few things that will usually happen during the course of the day.
The event typically starts with a ceremony rehearsal so that everyone involved knows what is expected of them. This activity reduces the risk of things going wrong on your big day.
After the rehearsal, you will move on to a dinner gathering where you and your guests will mingle and share a good meal. Family members or members of the wedding party may make a toast or speech, and the couple can take this opportunity to distribute the thank-you gifts for their bridal party. As you plan your wedding rehearsal and dinner, consider adding personal touches or your own cultural traditions to make it even more special.
Is It Necessary to Have a Rehearsal Dinner?
No, having a rehearsal dinner is never a requirement for your wedding, but there are many good reasons to consider adding one, especially if you’re having a destination wedding.
Some of the benefits of hosting a rehearsal dinner include reduced stress before the wedding, stronger connections with your family and friends, and setting the tone for the entire celebration. It’s also a great way to express your gratitude.
However, there are some downsides to having a rehearsal dinner as part of your destination wedding. This activity can add to your overall cost and may create scheduling challenges, especially if your guests are arriving right before your wedding. Your guests may be tired from traveling and may not be interested in starting the celebration early. Choosing not to have a rehearsal dinner doesn’t mean that you have failed your guests or are missing a crucial component of a wedding. If you decide it’s not for you, that’s okay.
To help you determine if a wedding rehearsal and dinner is right for you, ask the following questions. Does your wedding party need a run-through of the ceremony to understand their roles? Do you want to spend time hosting your guests as a thank-you or welcome event? Do you have enough time in your schedule and room in your budget to pay for dinner? Is the rehearsal dinner already included in your wedding package, or would it cost extra?
In the end, there is no right or wrong answer. However, if you’re having trouble deciding, speaking with our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists can provide guidance and help you make the best decision.
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Where Do You Have the Destination Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
While you may be more limited in options for a destination wedding rehearsal dinner, most all-inclusive resorts will have on-site venues you can consider for this pre-wedding event. They may have beachfront terraces, private garden spaces, or specialty restaurants you can book for your guests.
As you consider the available choices, think about how many people are in your group, how much privacy you want, and which amenities are available at the resort you choose. The resort’s on-site wedding coordinator or one of our Specialists can help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Indoors vs. Outdoors Rehearsal Dinners
Many all-inclusive resorts that offer destination wedding packages give you greater flexibility for wedding rehearsal dinners, with both indoor and outdoor options available. There are pros and cons to each option, including ocean views and tropical breezes for outdoor venues and greater comfort and elegant decor for indoor dinners.
Outdoor Rehearsal Dinners
Pros
- Beautiful views of the ocean or other surroundings
- A natural ambiance
- A more memorable experience for your guests
- A relaxed vibe
- Unique photo opportunities
Cons
- The potential for bad weather
- Hot and humid environment
- The requirement to have a backup plan
- Lighting and sound challenges
- Accessibility issues
Indoor Rehearsal Dinners
Pros
- A more comfortable environment, including air conditioning
- A weather-proof option
- Less noisy
- Greater variety in venue options
- Convenient amenities, such as bathrooms
Cons
- A less-scenic environment
- A less natural ambiance
- A restricted amount of space
- Potentially higher costs
- Less of a vacation feel
Some of the things that can help you make the best decision for your dinner are the season of your wedding date and the climate at your wedding destination. For example, if you are getting married during the rainy season, an outdoor dinner isn’t the best idea. It’s also important to consider the comfort of your guests and whether they need a more accessible location.
Who Hosts the Rehearsal Dinner?
Your wedding rehearsal and dinner can follow whatever rules you choose. However, traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom’s family. Today’s modern couples may decide to follow this tradition or deviate from it.
Couples may choose to host it themselves, both families may contribute, or friends and other loved ones may decide to host. The key is to be flexible with your plans and communicate with each other when planning for the dinner to ensure everyone has a say and no one is disappointed.
Who Pays for the Rehearsal Dinner?
Like the hosting, the payment for a rehearsal dinner is typically made by the groom’s family. However, that doesn’t mean you have to follow this tradition. Many couples choose to pay for it themselves as a thank you to their guests and family members. Others may split the meal in other ways, depending on their needs, budget, and the willingness of others to help. As long as everyone communicates clearly and makes decisions in advance, there is little chance of misunderstandings.
Who Attends the Rehearsal Dinner?
The guest list for your wedding rehearsal and dinner may vary and is up to you and your preferences. In general, the couple and the entire wedding party are invited to the rehearsal dinner. Close family members, including parents, siblings, and grandparents, and the officiant and their spouse, are also frequent guests at these events.
When you’re hosting a destination wedding, however, your guest list will often expand beyond the usual. Due to the limited size of the guest list, destination wedding rehearsal dinners typically include all of the guests to help them feel welcome and thank them for traveling to the wedding.
As you create your guest list, start with the essential guests and expand upon the list as your budget allows. Remember that you are not obligated to invite everyone. The style of your event may also dictate the guest list. For instance, if you plan a casual welcome dinner, it’s easier to invite all your guests, but if you prefer a more intimate formal gathering, it’s best to keep it small.
In the end, your rehearsal dinner is about celebrating the couple and thanking those who have supported them along the way and helped make their wedding possible.
Destination Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Tips From the Pros
Planning your destination wedding rehearsal dinner can be fun and memorable if you know how to do it with less stress. Many all-inclusive resorts offer on-site wedding coordinators to help you book everything you need for a seamless process. It’s best to start working with your on-site wedding planner as early as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines that can impact availability, especially when it comes to reserving the restaurant or other venue. The earlier you can secure a reservation, the more likely you are to get the exact date and time you prefer.
To make your event more memorable, incorporate local cuisine and culture into your rehearsal dinner. Look for entertainment from local bands or consider a cultural experience. Overall, the goal of this dinner is to have a relaxed celebration where you can socialize with the people closest to you before you tie the knot. The easier the event is for your guests, the more successful it will be. Don’t get stuck on everything going perfectly. Let the evening go with the flow, just like the relaxed destination you have chosen.
Ready to Start Planning Your Destination Wedding in Paradise?
Now that you know everything needed to plan your wedding rehearsal and dinner, it’s time to start the planning process for your destination wedding. Choosing to get married in a tropical destination allows you to enjoy a more relaxed, memorable experience for yourself and all your guests.
However, the planning process can be complex and confusing if you don’t have assistance from an experienced team. As you get ready to start planning your destination wedding, along with the rehearsal dinner, we invite you to reach out to our Certified Destination Wedding Specialists.
Simply fill out our online wedding planning form, and we’ll get in touch with you to start discussing what you want for your big day. We’re excited to help you plan the wedding of your dreams in the location of your choice!
