While your wedding day naturally commands the most attention during planning, the rehearsal dinner plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your celebration weekend. We consulted Junebug’s top wedding vendors to identify rehearsal dinner mistakes couples face when organizing this important pre-wedding event. From managing your guest list effectively to creating the perfect timeline, our experts shared their insights on avoiding common pitfalls and missteps within a rehearsal dinner. These 10 expert-backed tips will help you create a meaningful rehearsal dinner that kicks off your wedding festivities with warmth and intention.
Rehearsal Dinner Mistakes and Missteps to Avoid
Don’t Save Speeches for the Reception
Wedding photographer and Junebug Vendor Andrew Franciosa suggests saving those heartfelt toasts for the rehearsal dinner – it’s the perfect time for friends and family to share their stories in a cozy, laid-back setting. This way, your reception can focus on celebrating and bypass lengthy speeches that can drain the momentum (we’ve all been there). Consider reserving only the Best Man and Maid of Honor speeches for the wedding day, and encourage other loved ones to express their sentiments during the rehearsal dinner.
Image by LIT Photography. See more of this intimate Belfast wedding here.
Don’t Miss the Chance to Be Sentimental
If you’re planning a hometown or local wedding, think about hosting your rehearsal dinner at your family home or a favorite local restaurant. It’s a wonderful way to spend the night before your wedding, surrounded by the comfort of familiar faces and places.
Junebug Tip: When choosing a rehearsal dinner venue, keep it close to both the ceremony location and/or your guests’ accommodations. Minimizing travel time ensures a smoother, stress-free evening for everyone!
Don’t Invite Too Many People
No one likes leaving people out, especially during your wedding weekend when it feels like everyone should be included. But the whole idea of a rehearsal dinner is to keep it small and intimate. Stick to inviting immediate family, your wedding party, and their plus-ones. This keeps costs down, makes the evening special, and helps avoid unnecessary complexities before the big day.
Don’t Drag Out the Rehearsal Dinner
Destination wedding photographer Alicia Nacenta shares that she encourages couples to keep the evening short. Ideally, the rehearsal dinner should last no more than 2 to 3 hours, giving everyone enough time to head home and prepare for the big day ahead. After all, the bigger celebrations are still to come!
Don’t Go Overboard
“You want the guest experience to build toward the wedding day,” says Michele Fox Gott of Center of Attention Events. In other words, your rehearsal dinner doesn’t need to be an elaborate, over-the-top affair. Instead, think of it as a small preview of the fun to come!
Luxury event planner Aimee Dunne tells us, “Don’t make it too formal. Guests may have traveled a long way, gone through the hassle of scheduling, packing, traveling, and purchasing a gift. It’s thoughtful to create an experience they can genuinely look forward to, without stressing over things like what to wear or strict timelines.”
Image by Monique Ivette Photography. See more of this eclectic wedding here.
Don’t Overlook Guests Not Attending the Rehearsal Dinner
German wedding planner Uschi Glas of 4 Weddings & Events offers valuable advice for those hosting destination weddings. “Arrange something for those who aren’t invited to the main events. It can be overwhelming to be in an unfamiliar place, especially if you don’t know anyone else there and feel alone. We’ve had great success with inviting all guests to a casual gathering at a bar (perhaps in your hotel), where you can cover the cost of one drink and some light snacks before the family heads off to the rehearsal dinner. This way, guests can connect and make plans to have dinner together somewhere in town.”
Don’t Miss the Chance to Keep Everyone in the Loop
The people attending your rehearsal dinner are the key players in your wedding day—your parents, siblings, and wedding party. Before saying goodbye, take advantage of this moment to share important reminders for the big day. Let everyone know where and when to meet for wedding prep, what time they should arrive at the ceremony space, and any other crucial information that will help to prevent any mishaps.
Image by Jennifer See Studios. See more of this bistro wedding here.
Don’t Consume Too Much Alcohol
Aimee Dunne wisely advises to not drink too much. “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but no one wants to feel hungover on the big day. Keep things laid-back but consider setting an unofficial “end time.” Hosting the event in a venue with a time limit can help, and limiting alcohol service after a certain point is a smart move. Offering low-alcohol cocktails or similar options is another great idea—most guests probably won’t even notice the difference!”
But Don’t Forget to Have Fun
We can’t wrap up this rehearsal dinner mistakes list without our favorite reminder: have fun! It may seem simple, but don’t let the decorum or traditions of the evening dictate how it goes. These are your closest relatives and friends, and spending time with them the night before you say “I do” should be easy, relaxed, and enjoyable. So create a playlist of your favorite tunes, keep the atmosphere light, and make sure to fill the evening with laughter.
Don’t Force a Rehearsal Dinner
Elexis Canny, owner and lead planner of Placid Planner, offers great advice for couples with guests who have traveled from far away. “For our destination wedding couples whose guests have all traveled quite a distance, I always encourage them to forgo a traditional sit-down rehearsal dinner and instead opt for a more relaxed Welcome Party that everyone can attend.” Whether you have guests coming from afar or simply prefer a larger guest list and a more casual atmosphere, a Welcome Party might be the perfect option for you. Remember, a rehearsal dinner isn’t mandatory. Do what feels right for you and your celebration.
By keeping these key reminders in mind—such as prioritizing guest comfort, maintaining a relaxed atmosphere, and embracing the fun—you can avoid those pesky rehearsal dinner mistakes and create a meaningful, memorable evening for everyone. Next, check out the best places to snag a rehearsal dinner dress you love.
Image by Nikki McCrone Photography
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