Planning a wedding comes with countless details, deadlines, and decisions. But the rehearsal dinner is the official start of your wedding weekend. It’s your opportunity to finally switch off planning mode and begin celebrating.
This special event kicks off the weekend and sets the tone for everything to come. With thoughtful planning, you can create a memorable night that everyone will enjoy. Check out the ICONA team’s rehearsal dinner ideas and tips to help you plan the perfect event.
Start With the Guest List
The rehearsal dinner usually includes the bridal party, immediate family, and anyone in the ceremony. Some couples now choose to expand their guest list to include out-of-town guests. This can be a nice way to welcome them and thank them for traveling to your celebration.
Send Clear Invitations
Once you decide on your rehearsal dinner guest list, share the details early. You can include the information on your invitations alongside the other events. Other options include mailing a separate invitation or sending a digital invitation.
Whichever you choose, send them well in advance, so guests can coordinate travel plans. If you need them at the rehearsal before the dinner, include that information too.
Pick the Right Venue
One of the most important rehearsal dinner suggestions is choosing the right location for the event. When you host your wedding rehearsal dinner at your venue, you create a full weekend experience. Hosting the rehearsal at the same location saves time and keeps everyone together. Guests can relax and enjoy each event without extra travel.
That’s one of the benefits of booking your wedding at ICONA Resorts. With three resorts in the Jersey Shore area, there are plenty of spaces to choose from.
Unique Venues at ICONA
Options range from a sunset soirée aboard the ICONA yacht to a tented beach dinner under the stars. Gather on a veranda with ocean views or host an upscale evening with a buyout of Avalon Prime Steakhouse.
With so many unique settings, ICONA Resorts offer the best rehearsal dinner venues in NJ.
Choose the Right Timing
The rehearsal dinner is usually the night before the wedding, following the ceremony practice. Keep the event earlier in the evening so everyone can get some rest for the big day. You don’t want to be out late partying and miss your alarm the next morning! Two to three hours allows time for mingling, dinner, and speeches without running too late.
Plan the Menu and Drinks
When choosing the rehearsal dinner menu, think relaxed and approachable. This strikes a nice balance, since a more formal meal usually awaits the next day. A light menu or a family-style dinner sets an easygoing tone. Casual choices like a pizza buffet or a grazing table can add a fun twist.
For beverages, a hosted bar with beer and wine, or a few bottles of wine for the table, is often just right. Guests understand if a full bar isn’t hosted, but offering a little something is a thoughtful touch.
Set the Dress Code
Rehearsal dinner attire is usually more relaxed than wedding-day attire. The dress code should match the venue and mood. Beach dinners call for lighter fabrics and an easy, breezy vibe. Yacht or steakhouse events lend themselves to a dressy-casual or cocktail look. Clear expectations to help guests feel confident and comfortable.
Incorporate Simple Decor
Rehearsal dinner decor does not need to be over-the-top to create ambiance. A few candles and small flower arrangements in the wedding color palette can go a long way. Framed photos, a welcome sign, or handwritten place cards add a personal touch.
Share Your Gratitude
The rehearsal dinner is a chance to share a few words of thanks in a more intimate setting. Couples can express gratitude to everyone who helped with the celebration. It’s also an opportunity to invite family members or friends who won’t be speaking at the wedding to say a few words, if they wish.
Plan Your Rehearsal Dinner at ICONA
Your rehearsal dinner sets the stage for your wedding celebration. With stunning spaces, ocean views, and expert planning, ICONA Resorts make it easy to host an unforgettable event.
Plan your rehearsal dinner at ICONA Resorts. Allow our team of wedding experts to transform your celebration into a full wedding weekend that your guests will never forget.
