Rehearsal Dinner Rules
The rules for a rehearsal dinner are general and flexible. The main goal of this traditional meal, held following the ceremony rehearsal, is to give everyone a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company before the wedding. All the participants, regardless of how pivotal their roles, are invited, as well as your officiant and families. It is a tradition to invite any out-of-town guests who have arrived early for the ceremony. Those are the only guidelines which need to come into play.What to Serve at the Rehearsal Dinner
There are several menu options to consider once you have your guest list. The easiest is to book reservations at a restaurant and have professionals handle the details. Wildfire, with five locations in Illinois, offers a full menu including appetizers and desserts for a very reasonable price. On-site assistance is available to make your rehearsal dinner as fancy or simple as you desire. Benjamin's, in Galena, offers a varied catering menu to match any budget. You can eat at the establishment or at a venue of your choice. Pizzas or specialty sandwiches are really all you need if you plan a more casual get-together. These types of restaurants offer broad menu choices to keep your budget intact while having fun and enjoying good food.Budget Rescue Ideas
If your cash flow is getting a bit tight as you wrap up your final plans, there is no need to panic. The rehearsal dinner does not have to be expensive or fancy to be traditional. In fact, many times the exact opposite will provide the setting and mood you wish to create for this party. If a friend or family member has a large enough yard or home, the back deck or living room can become the perfect venue. If you plan your rehearsal for early in the afternoon, an appetizer menu is ideal. Pair that with some chilled wine and let everyone relax to great food and music. A build-your-own sub sandwich theme, with meat and cheese trays laid out across the dinning room table, can be a fun and easy way to feed everyone and thank them for their participation in your big day while keeping the costs to a minimum.The rehearsal dinner is where the focus shifts from the bride and groom and turns to the people who have helped you plan your wedding. Sincere appreciation is not about fancy drinks or upscale locations. Laughter and happy guests can be honored in any venue and with any menu as long as your gratitude and love are the main ingredients. The rehearsal dinner is where the family stories will be told and new friendships are started. By creating an atmosphere where everyone can relax, you will be hosting the perfect gathering. The food, location and decorations run a distant second to the happy blending of two families with a bride and groom in the center.
