Practice Makes Perfect
All fabulous productions start with a rehearsal. And though you might not think of it as a production, your wedding is definitely an event that shouldn’t go off without a dry run. The rehearsal and prenuptial dinner go hand in hand in helping prepare you for the big day. Though the actual rehearsal might be a bit of a chore for your attendants, you’ll be able to thank them for their patience and assistance with a fabulous dinner. Here are a few ideas to make the rehearsal and prenuptial dinner a memorable first act to the wedding production.
The Cast
In the past, the groom’s parents hosted the prenuptial dinner, which was attended by the bridal party, their spouses, and the immediate family of the bride and groom. Now anyone can host the dinner, but usually the groom or his parents do the honors. As far as who attends, the sky’s the limit. You should always invite every attendant along with their significant other, and many couples choose to also include any out-of-town guests and family member who might have arrived early for the wedding. It’s a great way for the out-of-towners to get acquainted with the locals, and a nice gesture to those who have traveled from afar to celebrate your nuptials.
The Scene
Choosing the setting for your prenuptial dinner is nearly as important as choosing your reception site. While you’ll have a bit more flexibility in locations, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to decide. The site you choose sets the stage for the production to come, so you’ll want it to be special. The obvious venues are restaurants with significance in your relationship (like the bistro where you had your first date), locations that are unique to your area, or attractions where you can combine dinner with entertainment (like a football or baseball stadium during a home game). But don’t rule out the banquet room, restaurant, or private dining room of the venue where your wedding will be held. It’s convenient for out-of-town guests, and you might be able to negotiate a great rate if you hold all of your pre- and post-wedding events at the same venue.
Prime Time or Matinee Performance?
The rehearsal and prenuptial dinner are usually held the evening before the wedding. All the wedding participants usually gather at the ceremony site for a short run-through of the next day’s events. Afterward, everyone heads to dinner to celebrate the next day’s main event. But as with many wedding traditions, times continue to change and trends evolve. One of the newest trends in rehearsals and prenuptial dinners is bidding farewell to the Friday evening rehearsal and holding the event at a different time. Out-of-town attendants, work issues, and even weather concerns have many couples choosing to hold their rehearsals and prenuptial dinners on the Thursday evening before their event. This works well for wedding parties where most of the attendants live in the same area where the wedding will take place. Everyone can attend the pre-wedding event on Thursday, then have Friday evening to relax and take care of any last minute preparations for the Saturday event.
If the majority of your attendants are from out-of-town, another option is to host a brunch or luncheon rehearsal in the mid-morning hours before the wedding. It’s a thoughtful option for attendants who might need to travel and wouldn’t arrive in time for a Friday evening curtain call. If you do choose to hold a day-of brunch or luncheon, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get ready for the main event. The whole idea of a rehearsal is to be prepared, not rushed.
There is an added bonus to a Thursday evening or Saturday morning rehearsal; you might be able to score a better deal with the restaurant or caterer of your choice. You won’t be competing with the Friday night dinner crowd and they’ll have a guaranteed plate count for whatever alternate day of the week you choose. It’s a win-win situation.
To Theme or Not to Theme?
That really is a good question. Your prenuptial dinner can be as formal or as fun as you’d like it to be. One easy way to liven up a traditional dinner is to tie it to a theme. You can go with what you know, like a laid-back picnic or BBQ theme complete with potato salad, babyback ribs, and ice-cold beer. Or be more festive with a Tuscan feast and serve Italian wedding soup, large platters of home made pastas and sauces, and warm loaves of crusty bread. You can even host a south-of-the-border fiesta with sizzling fajitas, frosty margaritas, and strolling mariachis for entertainment. Too tame for your taste? Dig a pit in the backyard, hang the tiki lights, and throw a traditional luau for all your prenuptial guests. Feast on roast pig, fresh tropical fruits, and frozen daiquiris as you let warm breezes (and sweet rum) soothe those last minute jitters.