Tips for Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner
6/12/2025
Planning a wedding comes with a whirlwind of details, and one of the most enjoyable pre-wedding events is the rehearsal dinner. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a chance for families to connect, for the couple to relax before the big day, and for loved ones to toast to the journey ahead. If you're hosting your rehearsal dinner at a wedding venue, or you're in the early planning stages, here are some essential tips to make it smooth, meaningful, and unforgettable.
1. Start With the Basics: Date, Time, and Budget
Traditionally held the night before the wedding, the rehearsal dinner usually follows the ceremony run-through. However, with more couples choosing weekend weddings or destination celebrations, some are opting to host the dinner two nights before to keep the night before the wedding more relaxed.
Set your budget early, as it will determine the guest list size, menu, and venue. Decide whether you want a formal dinner, casual buffet, backyard barbecue, or even a food truck experience. The rehearsal dinner sets the tone for the weekend — it can mirror the style of your wedding or contrast it for variety.
2. Hold your Rehearsal Dinner at the Lizton Lodge
The lizton lodge is the perfect spot for a rehearsal dinner too. Built into the package of your wedding is 2 hours beforehand for setting up the venue with your decor, practicing and often people will cater in food for a rehearsal dinner! (You can move these hours to the day of if you want.)
Ask us where you would like to set up for the rehearsal, would you like to do it where you are holding the ceremony or south wing? The south wing is our most popular choice for this because of the size and location. Hosting everything in one location streamlines logistics for out-of-town guests and simplifies transportation.
If the Lodge isn’t what you had in your mind for your rehearsal, consider nearby restaurants, wineries, local Airbnbs or even a private home. Proximity to your ceremony location is key — aim for convenience to reduce stress for you and your guests.
Our South Wing set up for a ceremony, also commonly used for rehersal dinners!
3. Craft a Thoughtful Guest List
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner includes the wedding party, immediate family, and anyone involved in the ceremony. But modern etiquette is flexible. If many guests are traveling from afar, it’s a lovely gesture to include them as well. Just remember that the more you invite, the more coordination (and budget) you’ll need.
Keep the guest list intimate if you envision a more personal atmosphere with heartfelt toasts and relaxed conversation.
4. Plan the Flow of the Evening, But stay Flexible
While the rehearsal dinner is more casual than the wedding day, it still benefits from a little structure. A sample flow might look like this:
A brief toast from the host (traditionally the groom’s family, but this varies)
Dinner is served
Toasts and speeches (optional, but often cherished)
Gift giving (if you’re giving gifts to the wedding party)
Final thoughts or reminders for the wedding day
If you're planning an activity (like a slideshow, trivia game, or live music), keep it brief and fun to maintain a relaxed vibe.
But remember, that in wedding planning flexibility is key, if toasts go on for longer than you expected or if not a lot of people brought gifts (So many people choose to give on Amazon these days) don’t fret, just have another sip and enjoy the night!
5. Don’t Overlook the Details
Even though it’s a more laid-back event, small touches can elevate your rehearsal dinner. Consider custom menus, personalized place cards, or themed décor that reflects your personalities or shared history. This is also a great chance to incorporate colors, traditions, or foods you didn’t include in the wedding itself.
Also, make sure to consider dietary restrictions when planning the menu — just like you would for the wedding.
6. Let the Venue Team Help
When you book with us, lean on us! We have preferred caterers, timeline templates, and vendor contacts that can make the process easier. Plus, are familiar with your wedding plans and can help coordinate flow from rehearsal to dinner seamlessly.
At our venue, for example, we often host both the rehearsal and dinner on-site, making the transition smooth and enjoyable for everyone involved.
7. Capture the Memories
Though the rehearsal dinner is usually more low-key than the wedding, it’s filled with genuine emotion, laughter, and meaningful toasts. Consider having a photographer or videographer capture the evening — even if it’s just for a couple of hours. These are the moments where your closest circle opens their hearts, and you’ll want to remember them.
Looking for a place to host your rehearsal dinner?
Our venue offers warm, welcoming spaces perfect for an intimate pre-wedding gathering. Whether you're envisioning a rustic-chic outdoor meal or a cozy dinner in our private dining space, we’d be honored to help you celebrate. Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about our rehearsal dinner packages.
Thank you for stopping by our wedding venue blog! We’re passionate about highlighting special wedding venues for their exceptional expertise, service, and personal touch. If you're planning your big day, consider us or one of these venues—explore fantastic options with this wedding venue map. And a big shoutout to our partners at weddingvenueowners.com!