It may sound like a simple task, but you would be surprised at how much drama can happen over a simple wedding rehearsal dinner. You have to keep all the in-laws happy and make sure everyone else is okay with the food and having a good time. For all intents and purposes, this is the last time everyone is going to be together as a group before the wedding and you want to make sure everyone walks away feeling great to ensure a wonderful wedding. If you are planning a wedding rehearsal dinner, follow these tips and everything will be perfect.
1. Make sure you know exactly who is coming and what kind of food they enjoy. You don’t have to have their favorite foods, just know what everyone can eat. You don’t want to have in-laws that are vegans and have nothing but meat dishes being served.
2. Go on the internet and check the local restaurants that are close to the rehearsal hall and see what kind of menu’s they offer. Write down all of your salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts that you think will cover the group.
3. Visit the restaurants that make the final cut and make sure they can handle a group of your size without everyone being crowded on top of each other. If they have a private dining room, it is a good idea to try and get your reservation there so you will have a devoted server for that area.
4. Work out a fixed menu with the restaurant. The costs of a rehearsal dinner can get out of control if you give everyone the run of the menu, so take the choices that you have and see what they can work out to have available for your group. Again, make sure you have something on there for everyone. You may also want to arrange for some type of appetizer to be on the table when you first arrive. A nice anti-pasto will do just fine, but it will get everyone to sit down right away and get them involved in the dinner to avoid and awkward moments of silence.
5. Pre-arrange for some wine with dinner. Alcohol runs up the tab and you don’t want anyone getting too drunk or embarrassing themselves. Make sure the restaurant has the wine ready when you first walk in and let everyone know that you “took the liberty” of ordering some wine with dinner. Everyone will pretty much get the hint and it will keep things under control.
6. Call the restaurant as you are leaving the rehearsal and let them know you are on the way. This will usually ensure that they have your server and the kitchen ready to go immediately upon your arrival.
That is all there is to it. Now all you have to do is get through the rehearsal without messing up your vows and you can enjoy a great dinner!
