The wedding rehearsal dinner is usually held in a private home or at a favorite restaurant. A formal, sit down dinner is always a wonderful treat, and some restaurants have private rooms perfect for large parties.
In a private setting, plan the first hour of the rehearsal dinner as a cocktail hour where your wedding guests can meet each other before dinner. It is also appropriate to offer hors d’oeuvres to your guests, which can be displayed on a buffet or table, or passed by a server.
If you send rehearsal dinner invitations, they should be slightly less formal than your wedding invitations. While it is not necessary to send invitations for your rehearsal dinner, it is a good idea if you will be reserving space at a restaurant. Make sure the invitation includes RSVP information, and explains exactly where and when the rehearsal will be held. It is also good to include directions from the rehearsal location to the dinner site.
The wedding rehearsal dessert can be an occasion all by itself. Think about having the groom’s cake as your dessert dish. Be creative by asking the chef to make the cake in a shape or style to coincide with the groom’s interests, hobbies, and personality.
If you are dining at a restaurant, be very specific with the chef about your dessert plans. Oftentimes, the restaurant’s dessert menu offers suitable selections for your guests. However, you can always ask the chef about creating a special or favorite dessert.
No matter what you decide, the rehearsal dinner dessert should be a grand event to complement a delightfully joyous dinner gathering.
