Ultimate Guide to a Chicago Rehearsal Dinner
Photo by @krystalrichmondphoto on instagram
Crafting a memorable and meaningful rehearsal dinner night sets the tone for the entire wedding weekend.
It’s the first official event where your favorite people gather in one space, the night where emotions start to rise, and the moment where it all starts to feel real. So, why not have it be a great opportunity to make the night before just as memorable as your wedding day! Planning any large event is not easy, but your rehearsal dinner can be some of the sweetest moments of the entire weekend. Sharing these moments between close family and friends make for really incredible company and conversation. Not only that, it is a key part to the flow of your wedding day as well!
As wedding coordinators based here in Chicago, we’ve seen dozens of rehearsal dinners for couples from all walks of life. The best part about this is that not one rehearsal dinner is identical to any other one. No two couples are the same, and no two rehearsal dinners should be either. But there are a few key ingredients that make these evenings successful, stress free, and seriously meaningful.
Why does a rehearsal dinner matter?
The wedding rehearsal that typically precedes the dinner is some of the most important moments of the weekend. This is where your wedding party and everyone that goes down your aisle gets to understand the game plan prior to the whirlwind of the real thing. Ultimately, the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner is where you spend time with those closest to you so that you can take a minute to breathe and appreciate everything that has happened and all the excitement to come. It’s a time to share stories, toasts, and soak up all of the emotions that come with getting married.
This is the first time both sides of family and friends are in one room together supporting your union and supporting your love! It’s such a lovely opportunity to weave in friends and family from all walks of life and show them how important they are to your marriage. These moments are a perfect way to add those personal touches and really thank the people that have seen you two for who you are and love you both the way you are too.
photo by @foxandivory on instagram
Who does the hosting?
Traditionally, the groom's side of the family hosts the dinner. However, we've seen finances split so many different ways that this way of thinking is almost uncommon nowadays. In many instances, the couple pays for this dinner themselves or it is split between the two families. These dinners can vary anywhere from potluck-style to a fancy plated dinner. There are plenty of ways that you can show this special group of people that you appreciate their presence during your wedding weekend. There truly is no wrong way of doing a rehearsal dinner!
When thinking of who to invite, there also is no wrong way of choosing who is invited. Most commonly, the rehearsal dinner includes everyone that walks down the aisle, like your immediate family, officiant, and bridal party. It’s also a place for all of those people’s plus-ones! Many couples also choose to invite people coming in from out of town - especially if they have traveled a long way to be there on your wedding day. Whether you're keeping it small or having a larger get-together, as long as it feels true to you and your partner, you're doing it right. The beauty of the rehearsal dinner is that it doesn’t have to follow a script. What matters most is that it brings together the people who mean the most to you in a way that feels authentic.
photo by @foxandivory on instagram
Choosing a Chicago Rehearsal Dinner Venue
The city is full of vibrant, diverse neighborhoods, all offering a unique vibe and venue style. We absolutely love it when couples choose their venue to match their style and vibe of the wedding. It truly sets the tone for the rest of the weekend. Private dining rooms, restaurants with a beautiful view, and historic spaces are all different ways that can make your rehearsal dinner night so special. You can have it at a restaurant or bring in caterers to an event space to really make the night your own. Event spaces are especially great for couples who want to add personal touches like handwritten menus, custom playlists, or personal decor. If your style is more relaxed, don’t feel pressure to do anything overly formal. The most meaningful moments come when you're comfortable, happy, and surrounded by your people.
photo by @alasandraphotgraphy on instagram
Planning the Flow of the Evening
While every rehearsal dinner is different, most follow a fairly simple structure. After your ceremony rehearsal, guests arrive at the dinner location. It’s a good idea to offer drinks or have a bar open upon arrival and allow people to settle in, mingle, and find their seats. Depending on the venue, you might do a plated meal, buffet, or family-style dining. Keep in mind that if you do not have a coordinator working the rehearsal, the flow may not be as timely as you expect. Once everyone’s had a chance to eat, toasts typically begin to happen.
Unlike the reception where speeches are often formal, rehearsal dinners offer a time for more spontaneous, heartfelt sharing. Parents, siblings, best friends, and even the couple themselves often take this opportunity to speak, laugh, cry, and toast the couple and their journey. After dinner and speeches, some couples choose to keep the night going and head to a place to party, or it can lead into a welcome party with more of your incoming guests. With that being said, remember that rest the night before is important and you're gonna want to get all the sleep you can get!
Adding Personal Touches
A rehearsal dinner in Chicago offers so many ways to infuse personality. Having a local favorite restaurant cater or signature cocktails inspired by names of restaurants in the city are the perfect ways to add that Chicago flair to your night. Making a tailored playlist of long songs that remind you of your partner is also a really sweet way of adding a personal touch. Don’t forget to bring in some framed photos as well! Your engagement photos or any throughout the time you have been together is a nice way to remember those memories and cherish them the night before! Make the space feel like yours!
Photo by @mary_rose_photography on instagram
The Wedding Weekend Begins!
A rehearsal dinner is more than just a meal, it's a true reflection of those that love you most! As you look around during this time, take a moment to reflect on all the relationships and love that brought you to this day. It truly is the community you surround yourself with that keeps your relationship flourishing and feeling loved! This night is all about connection and gratitude.
And if you’re looking for someone to help guide you through it and make sure every detail is taken care of, that’s what we are here for. We would love to help make your Chicago wedding weekend as seamless and joyful as it deserves to be.
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