FLORIDA WEDDING VENUES
Planning a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner in Florida
The wedding is getting so close and it’s time to step away from the wedding planning mindset and step into planning a wedding rehearsal dinner. Luckily, not as much planning goes into the rehearsal dinner as the full-blown wedding, but there are still some things to get in order.
We’ll cover everything that goes into planning a wedding rehearsal dinner: who’s in charge, choosing a location, your guest list, the menu, decor, and budgeting. Let’s get into it!
Who’s in Charge of Planning a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
Traditionally, the parents of the groom plan and pay for the rehearsal dinner since the bride’s family covers most of the wedding day. However, anyone close to the couple can plan the rehearsal dinner. Even the couple themselves can plan the dinner if they want to!
We’ve seen the maid of honor and best man plan the dinner together, or both sets of parents plan it. It really depends on who wants to do it! See if anyone offers to plan it. If it’s about six months from the wedding and no one has offered, put feelers out there to close family or friends.
Choosing a Rehearsal Dinner Location
The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner usually happens a day or two before the wedding day. You get the wedding party together to rehearse the ceremony at the venue. It’s appropriate to choose a rehearsal dinner location close to the venue. Don’t ask your wedding party to travel more than they already have!
These are some popular venues in Florida to host a rehearsal dinner:
Restaurant
Historic venue
Hotel
Winery or brewery
Botanical garden
Yacht
Golf course
Look for venues with private rooms or spaces that accommodate your guest count. Consider if you need special arrangements, such as:
In-house catering
Bar service
DJ stand / live music set up
Microphone for toasts
Photo booth
TV for slideshow
Special lighting
One more thing to consider regarding your rehearsal dinner location: have a backup plan in case of inclement weather. You never know what the Florida weather will do! If your venue space is outdoors, see if they have an indoor option you can use last minute, or be ready with umbrellas, fans, or blankets. It’s always better to be safe!
Crafting a Guest List
Luckily, the guest list is much smaller than the wedding day! Sometimes couples will also invite out-of-town guests and host more of a welcome party. The traditional guest list typically consists of the following:
The couple (of course!)
Parents
Grandparents
Wedding party
Plus ones
Officiant
Formal invitations aren’t necessary, but are a nice touch if the hosts would like to do that! If you decide to send invitations, get those in the mail a few months before the wedding weekend so your guests can be available for the rehearsal dinner.
Deciding the Menu
When deciding on the rehearsal dinner menu, consult with the couple. They should have a say in what is served at the dinner honoring them. There are typically a few appetizers, a main course with sides, and desserts. However, that totally depends on what the rehearsal dinner venue offers or if you’re bringing in an outside caterer. Work with your chosen caterer to set the menu and accommodate your guest count.
You’ll choose between a buffet, plated dinner, or family-style service. It all comes down to the couple’s preference and your budget when deciding between them.
Buffet: Guests serve themselves from dishes set up on tables.
Plated Dinner: Sit-down meal where guests are served individual courses at their tables by waitstaff.
Family-Style: Serving large food dishes to each table, and guests help themselves, passing dishes around the table.
Another thing to consider is dietary restrictions. The couple might have this information already from their wedding RSVPs. Check with them, or reach out to your guests to ask about allergies or dietary preferences.
Planning the Decor
While rehearsal dinner decor isn’t necessary, it’s a fun touch to incorporate Florida’s natural beauty into the decor. You could make a whole theme out of it! Touch up the space with special lighting, centerpieces, and table settings.
You can also add personalized touches to the space, such as:
The couple’s engagement photos
Photo slideshow
The wedding colors
Monogram on napkins
Place cards
Custom menus
Consider Your Budget
When planning a wedding rehearsal dinner, budget should be top of mind. These are some of the costs associated with a rehearsal dinner in Florida:
Venue rental
Catering
Decor
Entertainment
Invitations
Photographer
Gifts
Gratuity
Bar fees
Prioritize your spending. Just as the couple had to set and manage their budget for the wedding, you need to do the same for the rehearsal dinner. It’s easy to go overboard, trying to make everything perfect for the couple. But trust me - there are things you can skip or DIY and it will still be an amazing experience for the couple and guests.
There’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding rehearsal dinner, but it’s such a great time for the people closest to the couple to come together and celebrate in a more intimate setting. We hope this guide will help you in planning a wedding rehearsal dinner! We would be honored to capture the rehearsal dinner and wedding on camera. Book a free inquiry call to get started!
