Planning a rehearsal dinner is an important part of the wedding planning process, but it can often be overlooked or neglected. Rehearsal dinners should provide a warm and intimate setting for friends and family members in attendance to get to know each other better before the big day. Unfortunately, there are several mistakes couples make when organizing these events that can lead to uncomfortable situations or even ruined memories. Here are five common mistakes couples make when planning a rehearsal dinner so you don’t fall into the same traps!
1. Not Leaving Enough Time To Plan It
Taking the time to plan and stay organized for your rehearsal dinner will make the whole process much smoother. Not leaving enough time to plan is a common mistake that couples make. When there’s too little time, couples tend to overlook important details or rush through the process, which can take away from a couple’s special night. For example, they may not order the food in time, or family and friends may not receive invitations far enough in advance. Allowing yourself enough time for planning will help ensure you create the fun and relaxed rehearsal dinner of your dreams.
2. Not Having a Clear Budget
One of the biggest mistakes couples make when planning their rehearsal dinner is not having a clear budget. Taking the time to make a clear budget outlining exactly what you can spend on food, decorations, and entertainment will ensure your wedding festivities stay within your financial limits. Avoid surprises from any unforeseen expenses related to your rehearsal dinner by setting aside enough time to sit down and create this budget. It’s an important step when considering how to make your special evening as perfect as possible!
3. Forgetting To Include Out-of-Town Guests
One mistake couples often make is neglecting to include out-of-town guests. Those traveling in from out of town may have difficulty paying for lodging and a flight when they didn’t have time to plan ahead. If a couple forgets about someone, stress can arise in the days leading up to the wedding as well. Fortunately, being mindful of out-of-towners before creating the guest list helps eliminate these issues before it’s too late! Kindly asking your farther-flung friends if they can join you at the rehearsal dinner is a simple way to show that you value their presence at your wedding.
4. Not Making the Rehearsal Dinner Fun
When couples plan a rehearsal dinner, they may overlook the importance of making it enjoyable. While there may be some speeches and announcements to make, this night should still be one that couples and their guests remember as a great time. Make sure to choose a restaurant or venue that everyone can enjoy, have some music or entertainment, and incorporate a few fun games. All these activities will turn an ordinary dinner into something special. Additionally, if couples have any special requests for the menu or decor, it will show how much care and attention they put into the evening’s details. For example, couples could serve traditional dishes from their heritage or have unique decorations reflective of their style. Making a rehearsal dinner fun is an easy yet important detail that will ensure everyone has a great evening before the big day!
5. Not Sending Invitations in Advance
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to forget the little details. One major detail couples often overlook is sending invitations in advance. Properly extended invitations are essential since they serve as a heads-up to all guests on when and where the rehearsal dinner will be and ensure everyone can schedule accordingly. Not sending out invitations could result in unpreparedness, leading to an unorganized event and confusion among guests.
It’s easy to make mistakes when planning a rehearsal dinner. From not leaving enough planning time to forgetting to send invitations in advance, these are all common missteps couples take when organizing the event. However, with careful consideration of your budget, thoughtful planning of fun activities, and sending out invites early on, you’ll ensure everyone enjoys this prelude to your big day!
