| The rehearsal dinner which follows the wedding | | | | cupcakes. This can be one of the easiest rehearsal |
| rehearsal is an important part of wedding tradition, but | | | | dinners of all to coordinate, as long as the host is not |
| that does not mean that it must be a traditional formal | | | | the type to go crazy about remaking the garden to |
| party. In fact, the rehearsal dinner can be as laid back | | | | get it "perfect" before the party. |
| as you like, which also means that you can throw a | | | | Family style Italian restaurant. Everyone loves Italian |
| great party without a huge budget. These are some | | | | food, and it is great for feeding a crowd. An Italian |
| fun and affordable rehearsal dinner ideas. | | | | restaurant is a terrific rehearsal dinner idea when you |
| Cookout on the beach. A top pick for summer | | | | want to have a more traditional type of rehearsal |
| rehearsal dinners, find a beach that allows you to grill, | | | | dinner, but still want one that is going to be relaxed and |
| and host a relaxed cookout. Beach food is at its best | | | | inexpensive. Many restaurants have private rooms |
| when it is simple, so think hot dogs and hamburgers, | | | | which are perfect for hosting parties. The most |
| that sort of thing. Best of all, if your party runs into the | | | | affordable option is to order large platters of food to |
| evening hours, you can have a bonfire and make | | | | pass or to have a buffet style dinner. |
| s'mores. Way more fun than doing your rehearsal | | | | If your local Italian restaurant only offers the regular |
| dinner in a stuffy hotel and really affordable. Just be | | | | type of service where guests order off a menu, ask if |
| sure to check about any permits needed for the | | | | you can create a limited menu of starters and entrees |
| bonfire. Wear a sundress and maybe one piece of | | | | especially for your rehearsal dinner. This will allow you |
| your wedding jewelry, such as a classic tin cup | | | | to keep costs under control by selecting entrees within |
| necklace. A cardigan or wrap for the late night hours | | | | your price range, and it should make it easier for the |
| would also be a good idea. | | | | restaurant to get the dinner out more quickly and |
| Bowling. Yes, bowling. This is one of those ideas that is | | | | efficiently. Order bottles of white and red wine for the |
| so out there it is almost trendy. A bowling alley | | | | table, rather than having guests order wine by the |
| rehearsal dinner is great for families who know how to | | | | glass as another cost cutting measure. For an indoor |
| relax and have a good time together. Bowling a few | | | | rehearsal dinner, you can feel free to dress up a little |
| frames will also help to relieve the last minute wedding | | | | more. A pretty dress worn with a great pair of shoes |
| stress. To make it even more fun, get vintage bowling | | | | and jewelry like your wedding earrings will be just right. |
| shirts for the wedding party or make up mock bowling | | | | When it comes to planning an affordable and |
| league shirts that say "bride" and "groom". Memorable | | | | enjoyable rehearsal dinner, let your creativity be your |
| and fun! | | | | guide. The party can be as offbeat as you like. The |
| Backyard bash. If you or your parents have a | | | | point of a rehearsal dinner is to bring the bride and |
| spacious backyard, why not have your rehearsal | | | | groom's families and attendants together before the |
| dinner there? Keep the menu easy, and serve the | | | | wedding, not to have a fancy or upscale evening. As |
| same types of things that you would for any summer | | | | long as the conversation is flowing, spirits will be high |
| barbeque: grilled chicken and burgers, macaroni and | | | | and everyone will have a great time! |
| potato salad, fresh fruit, and a sweet treat like | | | | |