BEFORE THEY WED
You've spent months planning the big day, but don't overlook the details of the days leading up to it. Set the tone of your wedding weekend with a stylish rehearsal dinner and welcome reception.
Held the night before the wedding, this is the perfect opportunity for family and friends to gather in a not-so-hectic setting. It's typically a more relaxed evening full of excitement and anticipation.
Traditionally planned by the groom's family, it's becoming more common for either both sets of parents to share the responsibility or for couples to step in themselves.
Follow our five tips when planning the perfect rehearsal dinner!
1. Pick a unique venue.
Don't feel obligated to go the restaurant route. Especially if you're going traditional with your wedding the following day, the rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to get creative. We love to impress out-of-town guests and ensure they have a true Nashville experience. Picking a venue that showcases the city and its unique history is a great way to introduce your guests to Nashville.
Betsy + David spoiled their guests at their elegant rehearsal dinner with an unparalleled view of Music City at The Bridge Building.
Photos by Melanie Grady & SheHeWe
2. Keep it casual.
You don't want your rehearsal dinner to outshine the wedding. Incorporate your style, but keep it casual. From the attire to the speeches, a more casual rehearsal dinner will encourage mixing and mingling and ensure everyone is comfortable, especially those who may be meeting for the first time.
Photo by Eden Ingle Photo
3. Choose a fun theme.
Whether it's inspired by a location, a color palette or one or your passions, incorporating a theme is a fun way to kick off the wedding weekend.
This sweet couple moved to Italy after their nuptials, so they began their wedding weekend with an Italian-inspired rehearsal dinner at The Quarter. Printed linens, Italian sodas, and fun centerpieces brought this theme to life.
Photos by Sara Bill Photography
4. Think about the food.
Let the food shine! It can either complement your wedding day menu or it can be completely different, so get creative with it! If you're opting for a formal plated dinner on the wedding day, give your guests a taste of Nashville for the rehearsal with a fun build-your-own BBQ station.
Lindsay + Brian's Southern-inspired menu included baby back ribs and buttermilk fried chicken, plus hot chicken sliders as a late night bite.
Photos by Sara Bill Photography
5. Plan some icebreaker activities.
The rehearsal dinner is a great time to introduce close family and friends to each other who may not have met yet. Whether it's board games, casino games, or cornhole, there's nothing like a game night to keep spirits high and ensure everyone feels part of the group.
Photos by SheHeWe & Caley Newberry
