Friday, August 19, 2011

How To Avoid Rehearsal Dinner Planning Disasters



The rehearsal dinner is one of the last things most brides are thinking about as they plan their wedding, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways you can mess it up.

DISASTER 1:  Not sending out invitations for your rehearsal dinner.
Unless your rehearsal dinner guest list is just a handful of people (10 or less), you should send out some sort of invites.  Your guests will appreciate knowing where to be and when.
DISASTER 2:  Inviting some (but not all) out-of-town guests.
Traditionally, the rule of thumb for rehearsal dinners has been simply to invite the folks included in the actual wedding rehearsal.  But today, many couples choose to include all out of town guests as well.  No matter which way you go, it's a good idea to make a clear cut through your rehearsal dinner guest list - for example, inviting all or none of your out-of towners - to make sure no one gets offended.  If you are not inviting your out-of-town guests, it's a good idea to make sure they have something else to do.  Leave welcome bags with maps of the area and directions to your favorite restaurant in town (or your favorite take out place) so they feel taken care of when they arrive.

DISASTER 3:  Thinking you don't need any kind of itinerary.
Even though the rehearsal dinner is a more casual get together, you still want to have some kind of game plan. Designate a distinct time period for any toasts and decide who will be giving them.

DISASTER 4:  Assuming that your venue will provide the decor.
Although the amount of decorating you'll need to do depends on your venue, it's a good idea to do something to make our space feel special.  Sure, your rehearsal dinner won't require as much work as your reception, but a few extra candles or flowers can go a long way in upping the festive factor.

DISASTER 5:  Going too formal.
Don't upstage your main event.  Regardless of your wedding style, you don't need to go over the top with your rehearsal dinner.  If you are planning a super-formal reception, it might be a relief for everyone involved if the pre- and post-parties are a bit more low key.

For rehearsal dinner ideas and recommendations, please feel free to call Amy @ 561.577.6686 or email amy@fabulousplanner, at any time.

Happy Rehearsal Dinner Planning!
Amy Lythgoe


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