January 25, 2024

5 Easy Steps to a Stress-Free Rehearsal Dinner

Many wedding venues in NH offer the opportunity to host a rehearsal dinner before the main event. The tradition of the rehearsal dinner began in the days when traveling to a wedding was an arduous, time-consuming journey.

On the night before the wedding, the wedding house would packed with guests, all of whom would need to be fed. Over time, more traditions were added; for example, the noisy party was said to drive away evil spirits before the wedding day.

Once everyone is on the scene, modern wedding couples take the opportunity to rehearse the order of events on the big day. This ensures everyone knows where they need to be and everything runs smoothly. Perhaps more importantly, it’s an opportunity for the bride and groom to spend some quality time with their families and close friends.

Overall, a good rehearsal dinner is effortless, a moment of rest and celebration before the stress of the wedding day. Here are our top tips for making it so.

#1 Start Planning Early

Obviously, the wedding will (and should) take most of your focus and time but don’t leave planning the rehearsal dinner to the last minute. Make a list of everything you’ll need to organize for it, from the venue all the way to gifts for guests, and incorporate that into your overall planning.

The earlier you decide what you want your rehearsal dinner to look like, the easier it will be to confirm your ideal venue, menu, and so on. When looking at locations, consider having your rehearsal dinner in New Hampshire. The Bedford Village Inn specializes in weddings and other related events to simplify the process for you.

#2 Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

The event should not be a source of stress or frustration for anyone, especially not the bride, groom, or their family. So, don’t be afraid to assign tasks to trusted friends and family to spread the load.

Some tasks, like creating or coordinating decor, can even be shared among a few people if need be. Make a master list of who is in charge of what, and then all you have to do is check in with them occasionally to make sure it’s all on track. Consider checking in with the wedding venues in NH and its surrounds – as many of them can offer to do the decor and many of the tasks for you instead.

It’s easy to get carried away, inviting everyone to your rehearsal dinner. Resist the urge to add everyone you can think of to the guest list. Paring it down to only close family and the bridal party is not just a cost-saving exercise.

You’ll have a chance to see and spend time with everyone else at the wedding. In fact, the bride and groom will probably never be as in-demand as on the big day. The rehearsal dinner is a time to cherish with the people who matter most. It’s also an opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the wedding, whether financially or otherwise. Since it’s a personal event, you can save the group gathering catch-ups for the wedding day instead.

#3 Keep It Simple & Intimate

The rehearsal dinner theme usually references the wedding theme but in a more understated way. For some, this dinner is a casual affair; for others, it’s a little more formal, in line with what they have planned for the wedding. Striking the right tone starts with picking the venue. Many venues allow you to add a second, smaller venue to your booking for this gathering.

When planning a rehearsal dinner in New Hampshire, the Bedford Village Inn offers a beautiful setting and delicious menu options all in one place. If you’re using an external caterer for the wedding, they may offer you the rehearsal dinner as part of a package, but often, it is easier, more affordable, and less stressful to find a venue that can whip up a feast on-site. Keep the menu simple and enjoyable – everyone will be able to tuck into the more exotic fare at the wedding.

At the Bedford Village Inn, we have several smaller, more intimate event rooms that are perfect for a cozy, just-family dinner. We also have bigger spaces for a larger welcome reception. Our curated menus make planning the meal a breeze, and you can be sure that everyone will be delighted and satisfied.

#4 Get Your Venue & Menu

For some families, the meal is the main event here. There’s certainly a charm to simply enjoying each other’s company over a meal. However, adding activities is always a nice touch, especially if your rehearsal dinner guest list is on the longer side. Activities are a wonderful opportunity for families on both sides of the aisle to break the ice and get to know each other.

Resist the urge to go elaborate – save that energy for the wedding. If you’re having a daytime event, lawn games can be a pleasant addition to the proceedings. Ensure you get fun and memorable photos of all your favorite people by creating a photo op and providing props if that’s your thing.

#5 Plan Fun & Low-Key Activities

Enjoy a Joyful Prelude to the Big Day

A well-planned rehearsal dinner can be just the relaxing, positive evening you need before your big day. Keeping things simple and involving your friends and family will help you enjoy the moment and focus on this special time with your nearest and dearest.

As one of the premier wedding venues in NH, the Bedford Village Inn is committed to making every part of your wedding journey as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Our expert wedding team will help you plan every detail and coordinate with you at every step to make your vision a reality.

Get in touch with us to find out more about our rehearsal dinner and wedding packages.

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5 Easy Steps to a Stress-Free Rehearsal Dinner

#1 Start Planning Early

#2 Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

#3 Keep It Simple & Intimate

#4 Get Your Venue & Menu

#5 Plan Fun & Low-Key Activities

Enjoy a Joyful Prelude to the Big Day

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS & SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER

FOUR-COURSE PRE-FIXE DINNER

AMUSE-BOUCHE

CHEF’S SELECTION

APPETIZER

OYSTER FLIGHT FOR TWO

LOBSTER & PEA RISOTTO

WAGYU BEEF CARPACCIO

SESAME CRUSTED SEARED TUNA

DUNK'S MUSHROOM BISQUE

SALAD

BOSTON BIBB

RED WATERCRESS & RADICCHIO

ENTRÉE

GRILLED FILET MIGNON

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPS

DUNK'S MUSHROOM & SPINACH CANNELLONI

LEMON & WHITE WINE POACHED NOVA SCOTIA HALIBUT

CHICKEN FRICASSÉE

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN

DESSERT

BLACK FOREST TART

LEMON CHEESECAKE

GRAND MARNIER SEMIFREDDO

STRAWBERRY SORBET GF/DF

DESSERT FOR SHARING

CREAM PUFF DUO

SWEETHEART CHOCOLATE BAG

NEW YEAR’S EVE

FOUR-COURSE PRE-FIXE DINNER

AMUSE-BOUCHE

CHEF’S SELECTION

APPETIZER

SMOKED SALMON MOUSSE

WAGYU BEEF CARPACCIO

LOCAL CHEESE BOARD

OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER

ROASTED SQUASH RISOTTO

DUNK'S MUSHROOM BISQUE

SALAD

BABY SPINACH

WATERCRESS & SORREL

ENTRÉE

GRILLED FILET MIGNON

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPS

CIDER BRAISED VOLCANO PORK SHANK

NOVA SCOTIA HALIBUT

LONG ISLAND DUCK BREAST

VEGETABLE LASAGNA

DESSERTS

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE TORTE

Gluten-Free

TOFFEE BREAD PUDDING

VANILLA BEAN CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Gluten-Free Upon Request (Omit Shortbread)

HIBISCUS GRAPEFRUIT GRANITA

Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free

TIRAMISU CREAM PUFF

CHRISTMAS EVE

FOUR-COURSE PRE-FIXE DINNER

AMUSE-BOUCHE

CHEF’S SELECTION

APPETIZERS

DUNK'S MUSHROOM TOAST

PROSCIUTTO & PEA RISOTTO

TEMPURA OCTOPUS

BLUE HUBBARD SQUASH BISQUE

HUDSON VALLEY DUCK PASTRAMI

BLACK GARLIC FRENCH ONION SOUP

SALADS

BABY ROMAINE SALAD

ARUGULA & FRISÉE