5 Rehearsal Dinner Alternatives
Written by Curator Gina Anderson of Urban Allure Events
Most wedding traditions are, well, traditional, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. If you’re not into the formal rehearsal dinner vibe, don’t fret! Here are some unique, entertaining and unconventional ideas to consider.
Welcome Cocktail Party
This is the biggest trend wedding planners are seeing couples lean towards. For anyone who doesn’t want a formal sit-down dinner limited to a certain number of guests, hosting a welcome cocktail party allows for a larger group of guests to enjoy light bites, conversation and drinks at your favorite spot.
Restaurant Crawl
Who said you need to have your rehearsal dinner at one place only? This new fun trend planners are seeing allows for guests to come and go as they please, grabbing a round of drinks and bites at one spot before hopping to the next. Couples have even split up the crawl by kicking it off with a meeting spot for drinks and appetizers where they can give a quick welcome speech before continuing to mingle with guests and move onto the next destination.
Grown-up Playground
If shuffleboard, darts, pinball, bowling, ping pong, bocce, billiards or virtual reality are right up your alley, then give your guests an interactive experience where there’s something for everyone! Group activities are the perfect way to bring people together that may not know each other already. Places such as Flight Club, Punch Bowl Social, Replay or Game Room have a little of everything and can accommodate any size group.
Boozy Brunch
Brunch is always a good idea (try to convince me otherwise)! There is always so much going on days before your wedding and gathering during the daytime gives you the freedom to do or prepare whatever you need the night before your wedding day. Plus, there’s something about a delicious brunch spread topped off with a mimosa or bloody mary bar that makes everyone happy. You simply can’t go wrong!
Food Truck Party
This is a newer concept, but as weddings become more and more focused on the guest experience, food trucks have the spotlight. Typically one food truck can accommodate groups of 100-150. If you’re looking to give guests options, consider more than one. Another idea is to opt for one food truck and one tap truck/ mobile bar to cover all your bases.
Bethany Walker Photos
Remember, this is your celebration as a couple. If a traditional rehearsal dinner doesn’t call to you, get creative and think outside the box! You can always ask your planner for their recommendations or thoughts too, we love sharing unique ideas and are here to help you select the perfect option.