Rehearsal Dinner Checklist

Do you have what you need for your wedding rehearsal?  Are you sure?  There are so many things to remember on the day of the wedding, and even in the planning phase, details can be overlooked for the night before.  This is the reason why many brides-to-be hire wedding planners who are so familiar with the planning process that they are far less likely to overlook the smaller things that make a wedding truly wonderful.  In order to help you as you prepare for your big day, we have compiled a list of the things that you should be considering for the rehearsal.

Facility While the actual rehearsal generally takes place at the same venue as the ceremony to ensure that everyone knows the part that will be played and where they will be expected to stand, the dinner isn’t always at the same venue.  Very often, the rehearsal dinner is served elsewhere.  Be sure that you have the facility arranged well in advance, because, just like the reception halls, rehearsal dinner venues can book up fast.

Caterer/Food Depending on the size of the party attending the rehearsal dinner, you may want to consider having it catered.  Often restaurants can’t accommodate such a large party comfortably, and you don’t want to have to worry about preparing all of that food in advance, just a day before your wedding.

Bartender/Bar Will you serve alcohol at the reception?  Even if you don’t intend to, you will have to have beverages prepared.  If you will serve alcohol, it is a good idea to have bartender on hand to take care of your guests.

Dishes, Glasses and Coffee Mugs Don’t forget the tableware, including all of the necessary silverware and the many different types of glasses that will be needed.  It is common practice to serve coffee and tea as well, so you’ll also need mugs or tea cups.

Tablecloths and Napkins If you are having the rehearsal dinner at a hall or at your home, then you will need to dress your tables.  That means an abundance of tablecloths and napkins.

Centerpieces You will want the place to look as beautiful as you will, and centerpieces can help. Be as creative as you like here, as ideas abound in wedding planning these days.

Transportation Especially when serving alcohol, but also when hosting out of town guests, it is a good idea to have transportation arranged in advance.

Music/Entertainment It doesn’t have to be a DJ or band for the rehearsal, but some form of entertainment will be appreciated.

Coat Check Be sure that there is a designated area for bags, purses, coats, and other items that guests don’t want to cart around with them.

Photographer Pay for the extra day.  You will likely appreciate the photos of the rehearsal as much, or even more than those of the wedding.

Gifts It is not uncommon for the bride and groom to exchange presents, and also to give gifts to the bridal party at the rehearsal dinner.