Ideas & Trends

Before I get to the fun and original rehearsal dinner themes, I think it’s important to point out that while traditionally the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the Groom’s family, it is still a good idea to consult with the Happy Couple regarding their wishes here. Some may prefer a more traditional dinner, and therefore might be unpleasantly surprised to find out that the event had been turned into (for example) a cowboy-themed hoedown parody –oops, I meant party – without their consent. I speak from experience here, believe you me, partner. However, for those who like to mix it up a little bit, here are a few creative ideas to get you started. Giddyup!

1. Hoe Down
I thought we’d start here, because it actually is a great idea if the bride and groom are down with wearing chaps and cowboy hats to their rehearsal dinner. If so, don’t forget to include line dancing in the festivities! This is the best part, and gets everyone into the spirit of the party.

2. Casino Night
This is a great way to get people to mix and mingle. Set up different gaming stations around the venue, (or hold it at an actual casino if there’s one in your area) and provide a buffet dinner for the guests. Whether you’re getting married in Vegas or Cleveland, casino night is money, baby!

3. Bowling
Rent out a local bowling alley, and enjoy a little friendly competition over pitchers of beer. The bride and groom should definitely have custom made tacky bowling shirts if you go with this option. Crowd-pleasing fare such as pizza and nachos are perfect for bowling night - which makes this a fun and affordable party! Double whammy!

4. Honeymoon Theme
If the Mr. and Mrs. are going somewhere exotic on their honeymoon, this is a way to give guests a preview of the flavors and ambience that await them. For example, if they’re going to get leid in the Hawaiian Islands (had to do it, sorry), throw a rehearsal dinner luau complete with hula dancers and traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

5. Softball
This is another active and affordable option. Throw the rehearsal dinner party at a local park with baseball fields. Divide up teams any way you like (for example, Groom’s side vs. Bride’s, or Guys vs. Girls) and play a couple of innings before enjoying a barbecue or other easy, park-friendly fare. Batter up!

6. Clambake
If you’re getting married in a shellfish-producing locale, this is a great way to celebrate the flavor of the region. It’s also a laid-back affair, and as an added bonus, it’s the only situation (don’t argue with me here) where it’s ok for guys to wear man-capris.

7. Pool Party
This is obviously a seasonal option, and you have to be pretty sure that your weather will cooperate if you decide to have a pool party rehearsal dinner. But if these factors align, your single groomsmen will be forever grateful to you for throwing a party where the bridesmaids are encouraged to wear bikinis. Although I’d suggest avoiding the idea of water polo at all cost. We all remember that scene in “Meet the Parents.” Not pretty!

8. Bottoms up
Nothing gets a party rolling like a little social lubricant…so why not make it the focal point of the evening? I usually do. Anyway, take the group on a tour or wine tasting at a local vineyard, which most provides beautiful ambience as well. Often small tasting menus or hors d’oeuvres are offered for tour groups, or you can find out about having it catered.

9. Let the games begin
In my family, we often have a “game day” during family reunion weekends. I like to call this the ‘Special Olympics’, for reasons that would be obvious if you saw my brothers try to keep a hula hoop afloat on their hips. Anyway, organizing an evening around different family-friendly competitions such as horseshoes, sack races, etc. is a nice alternative to the traditional rehearsal dinner formality, and lends itself nicely to casual cuisine such as grilled burgers or a spaghetti feed.

10. Take a ride
If you’re going to be near a body of water, a dinner or sunset cruise is a great way to show off the area to out of town guests. If you’re landlocked, there are dinner trains available in many cities around the country that also provide unique group dining experiences.

Bon Voyage!