How to Host a Playful Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

A wedding rehearsal dinner is a lovely occasion for any soon-to-be couple. It is a perfect way to bring together both families, to celebrate the special people in both the bride and groom's life, and also the final celebration before the couple is married. A wedding rehearsal dinner was traditionally hosted by the groom's parents, but this has now become an occasion that can be hosted by either set of parents, both sets of parents, or even the couple themselves. Your rehearsal dinner can be as formal as you like, but a playful wedding rehearsal is one theme many couples embrace. For tips on hosting your own playful wedding rehearsal dinner, see below.

Invitations. For a playful invitation to your wedding rehearsal dinner, have your engagement photo made into a large puzzle and mail one piece in each invitation. As guests enter the dinner that night, have them fit their puzzle pieces together. Click here for some adorable ideas, including a heart-shaped puzzle. Another playful invitation idea is to send riddle with your invitation, with guests who attend and answer their riddle correctly winning a prize.

Décor. Try using brightly colored plates, napkins, etc. against white tablecloths. Primary colors - red, blue and yellow, are especially fun, but a bright violet, green or orange can also be very playful. Mix and match your colors for an even more playful touch to your wedding rehearsal dinner.

Flowers. Use fun, colorful flowers to coordinate with or complement the colors you have chosen for your décor. Tulips, snapdragons, sunflowers and daisies can all be found in bright colors that will look beautiful in your playful wedding rehearsal dinner arrangements. Roses come in almost any color imaginable, as do carnations. Texas Bluebonnets can be found in a striking blue color that will complement almost any bright color scheme. And don't forget lilies, which come in many vibrant, playful colors and will also add fragrance to your arrangements.

Menu. What's more playful than fondue? Have two fondue pots at each table for dinner, as well as two for dessert. Serve plates of carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, and peppers, along with strips of chicken, beef and shrimp. Sauces should include dill, honey, horseradish and barbecue. Serve salad and a bread basket to accompany this playful wedding rehearsal meal. For dessert, serve chocolate fondue with cookies and biscotti for dipping.

Favors. Try using M&Ms or jelly beans that coordinate with the colors you are using for décor - put them in a tiny champagne glass or little ceramic bowl. If you used the puzzle for an invitation, you can have miniature puzzles made of your engagement photo for a favor, a very playful touch to your rehearsal dinner.

Source list:

Personal experience
Hosting Wedding Parties, created by Publishing International