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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.
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.
Image by EFEGE. See more of this artistic wedding here.
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.”
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.
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.
Get inspired by these spring wedding ideas, perfect for a celebration full of seasonal charm! Image by Mckenzie Bigliazzi
Spring weddings are all about fresh beginnings, blooming florals, and effortlessly romantic vibes. With longer days, warmer weather, and nature coming back to life, it’s the perfect season to embrace light, airy, and colorful details. From pastel color palettes to garden-inspired decor, spring weddings offer endless ways to celebrate the season of renewal. If you’re planning a springtime celebration, here are some refreshing spring wedding ideas to make your special day feel as vibrant as the season itself.
Spring Wedding Ideas
Trees as Ceremony Centerpieces
Spring is the perfect time to incorporate nature into your wedding design. If your venue features blooming trees, use them as a natural focal point for your ceremony. Drape soft fabric from the branches for an ethereal touch, hang chandeliers or lanterns to create a romantic glow, or weave in fresh blooms to enhance the seasonal beauty. Whether as a statement altar backdrop or subtle decorative accents, trees add an organic elegance that seamlessly blends with the surroundings.
The enchanting outdoor ceremony of this botanical garden wedding took place beneath a majestic willow tree, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Image by Hennygraphy
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Experience
Take advantage of the fresh spring air by creating a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large open doors, glass walls, or tented areas help blend the beauty of nature with the comfort of an indoor setting. Enhance the transition with lush greenery, potted plants, or soft, airy fabrics to create a cohesive, inviting atmosphere. Whether it’s a garden-inspired reception or a courtyard ceremony that leads seamlessly into an indoor celebration, this approach lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Lush florals, charming vintage decor, and heartfelt details made this English garden party wedding absolutely unforgettable. Image by Laklin Brooke Photography
You won’t want to miss the dreamy details from this whimsical garden wedding! Image by Briggs & Co.
Flora-Lined Curvy Aisle
A curvy aisle is a standout 2025 wedding trend, bringing a natural, whimsical touch to your ceremony. Instead of a straight path, a winding aisle lined with wild greenery, wispy grasses, and delicate florals creates an organic yet refined look. This ties into theRefined Naturale aesthetic—where overgrown textures meet effortless elegance. You don’t need an abundance of flowers to achieve this dreamy feel; layers of greenery, soft earthy tones, and natural movement make for a romantic and visually stunning entrance.
With endless mountain views as the backdrop and a curved aisle lined with lush florals, this stunning wedding was pure magic. Image by KT Marry
A spring wedding is the perfect time to keep your beauty look fresh and effortless. Dewy skin, rosy cheeks, and soft pink lips create a natural, radiant glow. For hair, loose braids, soft waves, and relaxed styles add to the breezy, romantic feel of the season. A light floral fragrance like Daisy Wild by Marc Jacobs or Bloom by Gucci ties it all together, while pastel nails offer a subtle, polished touch. It’s an easy, timeless approach that feels just right for a spring celebration.
See more of this botanical garden wedding here. Image by Hennygraphy
See all the the swoon-worthy details of this Italian elopement captured by Maria Bryzhko right here.
Interactive Flower Bar
A flower bar is a fun and interactive way to incorporate florals into your wedding. Let guests create their own mini bouquets or floral crowns as a unique keepsake from your big day.
For a relaxed and intimate reception, create cozy picnic-style lounge areas with blankets, pillows, and low tables. This is especially fitting for an outdoor garden or backyard wedding.
A tree planting ceremony is a beautiful way to symbolize your growing love. You and your partner can add soil and water together, representing the care and commitment that will help your relationship thrive. Plus, it’s a fun, eco-friendly touch!
JB Tip: Choose a tree that thrives in your climate and wedding location, or opt for a potted plant that can be taken home and replanted later.
Floral Wedding Attire
Spring is the perfect excuse to embrace floral wedding fashion. Brides can go for embroidered floral gowns, printed dresses, or delicate appliqués, while grooms and wedding party members can incorporate floral ties, pocket squares, or even full floral suits. We also love to see the mother of the bride incorporate florals, as well as bridesmaids, or even guests! Request a spring-inspired dress code by asking guests to wear soft pastels, vibrant hues, or even floral prints for a lively, seasonal touch. Whether through dresses, accessories, or boutonnieres, florals can beautifully tie everyone into the celebration’s aesthetic.
If your venue has a pool, pond, or fountain, consider adding floating florals! From floating arrangements to sprinkled petals to lotus-shaped candles, there are several creative ways to add this romantic and unique touch.
Create a soft, dreamy look by having each bridesmaid wear a different pastel shade while carrying a bouquet that perfectly matches their dress. This subtle monochrome effect adds depth to your bridal party while keeping the overall aesthetic cohesive and elegant. To enhance the seasonal feel, choose spring blooms in complementary hues.
A fresh take on traditional florals, fruit centerpieces are a top 2025 wedding trend. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges or berries and figs bring a natural, vibrant element to tablescapes.
Add a fun, spring-inspired touch to your cocktails by incorporating edible flowers. Freeze them into ice cubes for a pretty (and easy!) detail, or go all out with a floral ice sculpture as a statement piece. For a simple but elegant touch, just pop a few edible blooms right into the drink.
A gorgeous way to incorporate seasonal blooms, pressed flowers on wedding cakes have been making waves in recent real weddings. This delicate, nature-inspired detail feels effortlessly romantic.
A spring wedding pairs perfectly with a daytime brunch reception. Serve mimosas, fresh fruit, and seasonal dishes for a relaxed and stylish way to celebrate. Or, go the direction of a whimsical tea party, mix colorful table settings with delicate prints, lace, or moss.
Spring’s renewal theme makes it a great time to prioritize sustainability. Opt for locally sourced flowers, reusable decor, and eco-friendly wedding favors to make your big day as green as it is beautiful.
With so many ways to incorporate spring wedding ideas to your big day, from lush floral installations to breezy outdoor settings, your celebration can be as timeless or trend-forward as you want. Check out our guide to 2025 wedding themes for even more inspiration!
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