The wedding planning process can seem daunting and overwhelming, making it easy to let some things slip through the cracks. What you may not recognize is the influence that your rehearsal dinner has on the success of the overall ceremony. Not sure where to begin? Seabrook Island Weddings has compiled a shortlist of things to say “I do” and “I don’t” to when planning your rehearsal dinner.
Say I do to…
Picking a menu that differs from the wedding menu.
With the wedding ceremony only a few hours away, you want the reception meal that you’ve carefully curated to be noteworthy. Pick a menu for the rehearsal dinner that you and your guests will enjoy without stealing the thunder from the meal on your big day.
Keeping things budget-friendly.
Weddings can be pricey, but there are ways to avoid blowing your whole budget on the rehearsal dinner. Finding ways to cut costs like serving beer and wine instead of a full bar or finding a discount on your venue can make all the difference in your budget.
Seabrook Island Club offers a 50% discount on rehearsal dinner space when booked in conjunction with your Charleston, SC, wedding!
Booking a site close to your actual venue.
Finding the wedding venue can be rather challenging for your guests and bridal party. Consider booking your rehearsal space in the same general area as your wedding venue. That way, guests and bridal party members can familiarize themselves with the area, reducing the likelihood of getting lost on your big day.
Inviting the right people.
You’ll want to confirm that you’ve invited all the people you’ll need to make sure that the day goes off without a hitch. Wedding etiquette suggests the invitees include all members of the wedding party, the immediate family of the couple, the officiant, and the younger members of your wedding, such as flower girls and ring bearers and their parents.
Say I don’t to…
Overdoing it.
Don’t forget: the rehearsal dinner is not the main event, so don’t go overboard on the night — save the extravagance for the wedding. You don’t want to run the risk of spending too much money, or having the rehearsal dinner outshine the ceremony and reception that you’ve spent months or maybe even years planning. A simple dinner with those closest to you will be perfectly memorable for guests.
Forgetting about the kids.
If there are children at your Charleston, SC, wedding, you’ll also need them at the rehearsal. Following the event, they’ll probably need entertainment. Ensure that your venue has something that will occupy the kids so that you can give your full attention to the bride and groom.
At Seabrook, you’ll have no problem keeping the kids engaged with the plethora of beach space and activities available.
Skipping out on the gifts.
Being at the wedding party is not a simple task, so a basic gift to thank members of the party is a nice gesture of thanks. The rehearsal dinner is a great time to give gifts of appreciation to those that will be standing by your side on your big day.
Did you forget to snag these gifts in the chaos of the wedding planning? Don’t worry! Located just outside of downtown Charleston, it’ll be easy to swing by King Street and grab the perfect gifts for everyone. Not looking to travel? Seabrook Island Shoppe has you covered.
