Image by Beth Mickalonis Photo, Table Settings and florals by Takk housE / Meadowlark catering

If you’ve planned your wedding day and now find yourself asking, “What do you do at the rehearsal dinner?” – you’re not alone!

The rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect with your closest friends and family before the big day. It's a time to celebrate with the people who will be standing by your side during the ceremony and kick off your wedding weekend in style!

At The Maples Estate, we believe your rehearsal dinner (and any events surrounding it) should reflect your personal style and preferences. Whether you envision a formal sit-down dinner or a casual get-together, there are endless ways to make this evening meaningful and fun!

What Can You Do at the Rehearsal Dinner?

Casual Cocktails or Dinner: Think of a relaxed vibe where your guests can mingle and enjoy snacks, cocktails, or a simple meal. It could be a casual cookout, a cozy dinner with close family, or even an ice cream social under the stars!
Glam Party for Farmhouse Guests: Looking for something a bit more glamorous? Host an intimate gathering for your farmhouse guests with fun activities, music, and a touch of luxury.
Game Night or Movie Screening: You could even opt for a relaxed, low-key night with board games, music, and a movie projected onto the pavilion. Make it your own!

Remember, this is YOUR weekend. How you spend time with your loved ones is entirely up to you!

The Maples Estate Coordination Service

As part of your wedding package, we’ll handle the rehearsal ceremony to ensure it runs smoothly. This takes the pressure off and ensures you, your family, and your wedding party feel comfortable with the ceremony details. You’re also welcome to host your rehearsal dinner and/or welcome event at The Maples Estate — just add your favorite vendors to bring your vision to life!

Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner: Things to Consider

Guest List: Who do you want to spend this quality time with? Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner includes those involved in the ceremony (wedding party, officiant, and close family). At The Maples Estate, this often means about 20 to 30 guests. You might also invite guests staying in the farmhouse to join the fun.
The Welcome Party: Some couples choose to host a “welcome party” for a larger group, especially if guests are traveling far to attend. This can be a fun, relaxed event to greet everyone before the wedding. Consider your energy levels — do you want to party two nights in a row, or would you prefer something quieter and more intimate?
Event Style: Do you envision a formal dinner or a casual hangout? Will you want to share stories over a cozy meal, or host a lively event with games and dancing? Your venue choice (The Maples Estate has a variety of stunning locations like the veranda or cocktail lawn) can help set the tone for the evening.
Vendor Support: What vendors will you need to help execute your vision? Think about food options — do you want a catered meal, a food truck, or a private chef? Maybe you’re planning a relaxed BBQ and need minimal vendor support. Be sure to line up vendors who can help make your vision a reality!
Food & Drinks: What kind of food best fits your style and guest count? Would you like a formal plated meal or something more casual? Choose your catering options based on the atmosphere you want to create.
RSVP: Don’t forget to ask your guests to RSVP! This will help with planning food, seating, and the overall flow of the event.

Final Touches

Setting Expectations: Ensure your guests know what to expect from the rehearsal dinner. If you’re hosting a casual event but they expect something formal, it might lead to confusion. Share the vibe of your evening ahead of time!
Start Time: Keep in mind that setting a start time will ensure your guests arrive on time and the fun starts right away. This is especially important if you have a lot going on the next day!

When planning your rehearsal dinner or welcome event, focus on the experience you want to create and the quality time you want to spend with your loved ones. At The Maples Estate, we’re here to help you make your vision come to life, from the event’s vibe to the guest list and logistics.

Are you a full-planning or coaching client? Let’s connect and chat through your rehearsal dinner vision during one of our monthly Zoom calls! And don’t forget to check out our catering and vendor guides to help you pick the best options for your rehearsal celebration.

Looking forward to helping you create a memorable wedding weekend! 🌿

Find additional planning support in our inspiration blog and learn more about our wedding packages to host your own wedding here!

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