Making the Most of Your Rehearsal Dinner: Tips to Engage and Entertain Your Guests
SETTING THE STAGE
Rehearsal dinners are a fantastic opportunity to kick off your wedding celebrations on a high note. Yet, they often become an afterthought, and so your guests (and their plus ones) might be looking for something to do. Have no fear! Even if you are last-minute planning, you can turn your rehearsal dinner into a memorable and engaging event that sets the tone for your whole weekend of festivities. Here are some tips and ideas to help you make the most of your rehearsal dinner.
1. Engaging Activities & Games
Keeping guests entertained is crucial. Here are some activities to consider:
Lawn Games: Classic lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, bocce ball, and croquet can provide hours of entertainment. They are perfect for guests of all ages and encourage mingling and friendly competition.
Trivia Quiz: Host a trivia quiz about the couple. This can be a fun way for guests to learn more about your love story and background.
Cards & Table Games: If there’s significant time for mingling, invite guests to sit and play a board game or card game. There’s something for everyone!
2. Interactive Guest Books or Booths
Guest books are a classic wedding staple, but you can elevate them with modern twists and make sure that guests have time to leave a thoughtful response.
Video Guest Book: Set up a video guest book where guests can leave personal messages and well wishes. This can serve as a reality TV-style confessional video booth, getting out those pre-wedding thoughts, creating a fun and hilarious video to watch back later.
Audio Guest Book: Provide a vintage telephone where guests can pick up the receiver and record heartfelt or humorous messages. This nostalgic touch will make the guest book experience unique and memorable.
Photo Booth: Often the photo booth gets forgotten with all the hubbub on your wedding day, so why not set it up the night before and invite guests to snap a photo with you beforehand?
Storytelling: Invite guests to share stories about the couple. This can be heartfelt, funny, and a great way to hear different perspectives on your relationship. You can invite people to do so from the mic at the front, in a video booth, or write their favorite memory on a note card.
3. Personal Touches
Adding personal touches can make your rehearsal dinner feel special and intimate:
Sharing Photos: Create a slide show of your journey together, from dating to engagement. Share it during the dinner to give guests a glimpse into your relationship or print our photos from your relationship and use them as decor.
Custom Playlists: Curate a playlist of your favorite songs or ones that have special meaning to you both. Music can set the tone and keep the atmosphere lively!
4. Food and Drink
Make sure the food and drink reflect your style and preferences:
Signature Drinks: Share signature beverages that represent you as a couple. Provide a menu with fun names and descriptions to tell guests why you picked it – even if it’s the beer you were sipping on when you met, or the wine from your favorite local winery. Need inspiration? Try this signature cocktail generator.
Interactive Food Stations: Consider interactive food stations like a taco bar, sushi station, or DIY dessert bar. This allows guests to customize their meals and adds a fun twist to the dining experience, which can be a little more casual than the actual wedding.
Conclusion
Your rehearsal dinner doesn't have to be an afterthought. By incorporating a few interactive elements, and some thoughtfulness beforehand, you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. Remember, the goal is to set the tone for the wedding festivities and make everyone feel involved and excited. With these tips, your rehearsal dinner can become a highlight of your wedding celebration!
For more, check out our E-Book, No More Boring Weddings, to see how you can engage your guests at different points throughout your big day and make sure your people are the most important part of your day.
