Informal (And
Inexpensive) Rehearsal Dinners
Written by
Ursula Furi-Perry
Ask any modern bride about the cost of a
wedding, and you'll get a frown...add to that the costs of yet another
party the night BEFORE the wedding, and you may just make her faint!
Rehearsal dinners can be quite the unnecessary expense when planning
one's wedding--not to mention added planning, stress and headaches.
Now, if you're lucky enough to have your rehearsal dinner thrown by a
friend or family member, great! But if you're in charge, consider
having an informal and inexpensive rehearsal dinner. Here are some
ideas:
** Have a simple hors d'oeuvres reception at the ceremony site. If
your site will allow you to use their facilities for a couple of
hours, you may just take advantage by setting up a couple of tables
and holding a short reception right there. You can provide
drinks, party trays, small sandwiches
and dessert. Whether you choose to make the food yourself or raid the
nearest supermarket or deli, you'll be sure to save some money. This
will also cut down on your guests' having to travel to yet another
site the night before the wedding.
** Make yourselves at home. Nothing beats home cookin', right? Your
guests will surely appreciate it if you hold a get-together at your
house after the rehearsal. You can go all out and have a feast, or
keep it simple and sweet. Some ideas include having a cookout or
barbecue, make-it-yourself tacos and fajitas, a homemade pasta
station, and a sundae bar. Of course, if you have a specialty of your
own, make it: your guests will feel pampered and honored to have your
home cooking. This is also a great way to allow for mingling among
your guests, especially if your home presents a comfortable and warm
setting.
** Go out for a quick bite. You don't have to rent a fancy hall or
ballroom to have a nice rehearsal dinner. You may opt to treat your
guests to an informal meal at a local restaurant. Whether it's great
pizza, Chinese, or country cooking, your guests will be happy to join
you for dinner. You may even choose to have a "theme rehearsal
dinner," coordinating the restaurant with decorations and favors. For
example, if you're having Chinese food, why not decorate with lanterns
and give your guests engraved chopsticks? Establishing the menu
beforehand may be easier, as it will cut down on costs, time and
confusion. You may also try having a buffet dinner.
** Combine grabbing a quick meal with a post-dinner activity. Many
recreational places, such as pool halls, bowling alleys, and paintball
places offer food as well. If you think your guests will be up for a
night of good eats and good fun, you may want to book a couple of
tables--as well as a couple of pool tables. This will not only cost
you less, it will also ease everyone's pre-wedding jitters by offering
a fun way to relax the night before the wedding.
The possibilities for a great informal rehearsal dinner are endless,
and planning a pre-party before THE party does not have to be full of
aggravation and anxiety. Now, if you only had the rehearsal dinner
guest list down pat...
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$17.95/Pack of 24
