Ideas for a Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner gives the entire wedding party and families the chance to relax together before the big day. Whether you have a small or large budget for the event, there are many options for sharing a meal together. Consider the size of the rehearsal dinner guest list when planning the details. The size of the location and the cost of the meals helps narrow down the rehearsal dinner ideas.
Backyard BBQ
A backyard barbecue creates a relaxed environment for the rehearsal dinner. This option also saves money over hosting the dinner at a restaurant. Depending on the exact budget, you can serve anything from grilled steak to hot dogs and hamburgers. Simple barbecue side dishes such as chips, cold salads and baked beans make the preparation simple. Check your local deli to see if they sell different types of pasta and potato salads, so you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen. Another option is to ask your relatives or close friends to help out in the kitchen.
Bowling Night
A rehearsal dinner at a bowling alley combines both the meal and entertainment. Bowling alley food isn't generally gourmet, but it will keep the troops from getting hungry as they bowl away the night. The specific bowling alley you choose will influence the food selection. Most bowling alleys have some sort of kitchen, but the food selections can be limited. They might allow outside food into the bowling alley, but you should check on this before making any plans.
Restaurant
A restaurant is a classic rehearsal dinner option. If you live in a larger city, you'll have plenty of options to consider. A restaurant that has significant meaning to you is a good choice. This could include the restaurant where you had your first date or where you proposed. Grill-your-own-steak restaurants offer a more casual environment and add an entertaining activity to the meal. You might also consider a restaurant with a specific type of cuisine. Choosing a restaurant with a party room is ideal so the group can have their own space.
Casino Night
A casino night takes a little more coordination but offers more entertainment for the guests than a typical rehearsal dinner. If you live near a casino, you can always move the rehearsal dinner party there. The other option is to create your own casino night at home. This might include Blackjack, poker and other common casino games. Party rental stores often have casino gaming equipment you can rent for the night. This type of rehearsal dinner lends itself well to appetizers or a buffet-style meal, either of which can be catered or handled at home.
Game Night
If casinos aren't your thing, there are other game night options for the rehearsal dinner. A board game tournament is one option. Murder-mystery dinners are another way to get everyone involved. You can purchase murder-mystery game sets that provide all of the details needed to do your own. Another idea is to have the rehearsal dinner at a restaurant or bed and breakfast that hosts murder-mystery dinners.
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