Did you know that the average cost of a rehearsal dinner in the US is $1,330? That’s almost as much as some people spend on their entire wedding! But don’t worry because, in this article, you’ll learn how to plan a rehearsal dinner that’s fun, memorable, and doesn’t break the bank. We’ll show you how to pick a venue, make tasty food, serve excellent drinks, entertain your guests, and make your dinner special.
Choosing the Venue
One of the most significant expenses of a rehearsal dinner is the venue. You may think you need to book a fancy restaurant or a hotel ballroom, but that is not the case. Many low-cost venues can host a rehearsal dinner, such as:
Your backyard or a friend’s backyard: You can set up tables, chairs, and a tent and decorate the space with flowers, candles, and lanterns. You can also use a grill or a fire pit to cook your food or hire a caterer to deliver the food.
A park or a picnic area: You can rent a pavilion or a gazebo or find a shady spot under a tree. You can bring your picnic baskets, coolers, and blankets, or order some pizza, sandwiches, or salads. You can also enjoy the natural scenery and the fresh air and play outdoor games or activities.
A community center or a church hall: You can find a local community center or a church hall that offers affordable rental rates and has enough space and facilities for your rehearsal dinner. You can decorate the place with balloons, streamers, and photos, bring food and drinks, or hire a caterer to serve the food.
Another option is to research affordable restaurant options in your area. You can look for restaurants that offer discounts, coupons, or special deals for large groups. Choose restaurants with a casual and cozy atmosphere, such as a pub, a diner, or a pizzeria. You can also opt for restaurants with a buffet, a family-style, or a prix-fixe menu, saving you money and hassle.
Menu Planning
Potluck-style dinners: You can ask your guests to bring a dish to share, such as an appetizer, a salad, a main course, or a dessert. Assign guests a category or a theme or let them choose what they want to bring. This way, you can reduce the cost and the workload of preparing the food and enjoy various dishes and flavors.
DIY catering options: You can also prepare the food yourself or with the help of your friends and family. Choose simple and easy recipes that can feed a crowd, such as pasta, lasagna, chili, tacos, burgers, or chicken. You can also make salads, bread, and dips to accompany the main dishes. You can bake cookies, brownies, or cupcakes for dessert or buy ice cream or cake from the store.
Affordable catering services: If you need more time or the skills to cook the food, you can hire a caterer to deliver the food to your venue. Look for caterers that offer reasonable prices and good quality food, such as local delis, grocery stores, or food trucks.
You can also choose caterers that specialize in specific cuisines, such as Mexican, Italian, or Asian, which can add some flair and diversity to your menu.
Creative menu ideas on a budget: You can also plan a menu based on a theme or concept, making your rehearsal dinner fun and unique. For example, you can have a barbecue, a pizza party, a taco night, a sushi night, or a brunch.
You can also have a regional or a cultural menu, such as a Southern, a Mediterranean, or a Hawaiian menu. You can also have a menu that reflects your wedding theme or personal stories, such as featuring your favorite foods, first-date foods, or honeymoon destination foods.
Beverage Options
BYOB (Bring Your Beverage) policy: You can ask guests to bring their drinks, such as wine, beer, or liquor. You can provide mixers, ice, and glasses and let your guests serve themselves. This way, you can save money and cater to your guests’ preferences and tastes.
Limited alcoholic beverage selection: You can limit the amount and the type of alcoholic drinks you serve, such as wine and beer only or one signature cocktail. You can also set a time or quantity limit for the alcohol service, such as one or two hours or one or two drinks per person. This way, you can reduce the cost and also avoid any potential problems or issues with alcohol consumption.
Non-alcoholic alternatives: You can also offer some non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, soda, juice, tea, or coffee. You can also make some mocktails, lemonade, or punch, which can be refreshing and tasty. You can also add some fruits, herbs, or spices to your drinks, enhancing the flavor and appearance.
Decor and Ambiance
DIY decorations: You can make your decorations, such as centerpieces, banners, signs, or garlands. Materials you already have at home, such as paper, cardboard, fabric, or ribbon.
You can also use items related to your wedding theme or personal story, such as photos, souvenirs, or memorabilia. You can also ask your friends and family to help with crafting and setup.
Utilizing natural surroundings for ambiance: You can also take advantage of the natural surroundings of your venue, such as the trees, the flowers, or the views. You can use them as a backdrop or a focal point for your decor and ambiance. You can add some accents or accessories, such as candles, lanterns, or fairy lights, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere.
Affordable lighting options: You can also use inexpensive and effective lighting options, such as string lights, tea lights, or LED candles. Hang them from the ceiling, the walls, or the trees, or place them on the tables, the floor, or the windows. You can also use different colors, shapes, or patterns, adding interest and variety to your lighting.
You May Be Like:
Entertainment
DIY music playlists: You can create your music playlists using your own devices, such as your phone, laptop, or tablet. Choose songs suitable for the occasion, such as romantic, upbeat, or nostalgic.
You can also select meaningful songs for you and your partner, such as your favorite, first dance, or wedding songs. You can also ask your guests to suggest some songs or let them take turns playing the music.
Incorporating games or activities: You can also include some games or activities that can break the ice and create laughter and fun. You can choose games or activities that are easy and simple, such as trivia, bingo, charades, or cards.
Select games or activities related to your wedding theme or your personal story, such as a quiz, a scavenger hunt, or a slideshow. You can also offer prizes or rewards, such as candy, stickers, or tokens.
Low-cost entertainment options: You can also look for low-cost entertainment options, such as karaoke, backyard games, or board games. You can rent or borrow equipment, such as a karaoke machine, a projector, or a speaker.
Use some items that you already have at home, such as a cornhole set, a croquet set, or a chess set. You can also invite some guests to perform or showcase their talents, such as singing, dancing, or playing an instrument.
Invitations and RSVPs
Digital invitation options: You can send your invitations online using email, social media, or online platforms, such as Evite, Paperless Post, or Minted. You can choose from various designs and templates or create your custom design. Add photos, videos, or links to your invitations, making them more personal and interactive. You can also manage your RSVPs online, saving you time and hassle.
DIY invitation designs: You can also design invitations using your computer, printer, or software. You can use free or low-cost tools like Canva, PicMonkey, or Adobe Spark. Use some materials at home, such as paper, cardstock, or envelopes. You can also add some embellishments, such as stickers, stamps, or ribbons, making your invitations more creative and unique.
RSVP management strategies: You can also use some techniques to manage your RSVPs, which can help you plan your rehearsal dinner more efficiently and effectively. You can set a clear and reasonable deadline for your RSVPs and send a reminder or a follow-up message to your guests who have yet to respond.
Ask your guests to indicate their dietary preferences or restrictions and their plus-ones. You can also keep a spreadsheet or a list of your guests and their RSVP status, which can help you track your attendance and budget.
Transportation and Logistics
Carpooling or rideshare options: You can encourage your guests to carpool or use rideshare services, such as Uber, Lyft, or Ola. Coordinate or facilitate the carpooling or the rideshare arrangements by creating a group chat, a spreadsheet, or a map. Provide incentives or rewards to your guests who volunteer to drive or share their rides, such as gas money, snacks, or drinks.
Public transportation accessibility: You can also choose a venue accessible by public transportation, such as buses, trains, or subways. You can also provide your guests with information and guidance on public transportation, such as schedules, routes, fares, or maps. You can also offer assistance or support, such as picking up or dropping off your guests at the nearest station or stop or providing some tokens or passes.
Planning for parking: You can also prepare for the parking situation at your venue, saving you and your guests some trouble and money. Look for venues that offer free or discounted parking or have enough parking spaces for your guests. You can also research nearby parking lots or garages and compare their prices and availability. You can also reserve or prepay for some parking spots or negotiate for deals or discounts.
Personal Touches
Handmade favors or gifts: You can make your favors or gifts for your guests using your skills, talents, or hobbies. You can make some edible favors, such as cookies, candies, or jams. Make non-edible favors like candles, soaps, or magnets. You can also personalize your favors or gifts by adding some labels, tags, or notes, which can express your gratitude and appreciation.
Incorporating sentimental elements: You can also incorporate some sentimental elements into your rehearsal dinner, making it more emotional and memorable. You can include photos, videos, or slideshows to showcase your relationship journey, wedding planning process, or wedding party and guests. Include speeches, toasts, or roasts, which can share stories, jokes, or compliments. You can also have some dances, songs, or performances to celebrate your love and happiness.
Involving friends and family in the planning process: You can also affect your friends and family in the planning process. Making your rehearsal dinner more personal and collaborative. You can ask your friends and family to help with cooking, decorating, or entertaining tasks. Ask your friends and family to contribute ideas, suggestions, or opinions reflecting your personality and style. You can also thank your friends and family for their help and support, which can show your respect and affection.
Conclusion
Planning a budget-friendly rehearsal dinner can be easy and exciting. You can still have a marvelous and unforgettable rehearsal dinner without breaking the bank or compromising your vision.
You need to be creative, resourceful, and flexible and use some tips and ideas we shared in this article. Remember, the most important thing is not how much you spend but how much you enjoy and cherish the moment with your loved ones. So, go ahead and plan your budget-friendly rehearsal dinner, and have a blast!
Also Read:
- Barista Fire: Your Guide To Financial Freedom
- Budgeting Made Easy: 50 30 20 Budget Rule
- Living Stingy: Save More Today with Practical Frugality Tips
