Rehearsal Dinners

You are probably saying, "Why is she talking to me about a rehearsal dinner, when I have so many other things to think about!!" Correct, but in the forefront of stating who will be responsible for what and number of guests to invite, there are some quirky concerns as you work on your budget and speak with your future in-laws. So lets consider them and you can add your questions or ideas right here on the Blog. 1. Financial and Planning Responsibility for the Rehearsal Dinner has historically fallen on the family of the groom. Leaving those concerns out of the bride and groom's worry area. It is vital to communicate in early planning WHO will be responsible for this event.  It is also vital the couple communicate the number of guests to the host of the rehearsal dinner - so they may look for a site. Also, we are seeing some changes in this area as many couples are paying for their weddings and take on this in their scope of planning. 2. The guest list has historically been just the immediate wedding party (groomsmen, bridesmaid, officiant, parents and siblings of each side and the coordinator plus their one guest).  We do see changes in the destination wedding group as they ask many of those who traveled in early for the wedding to join them at the rehearsal dinner. This can get pricey and should be discussed completely with the host/hostess of the dinner. 3. Reason to set the number of guests is because some restaurants do not have room for a larger group than anticipated.  Many rehearsals fall on Friday nights and it is a task to gain a restaurant that wants to serve a group. Friday is one of their best commercial nights. If the final number is less, that is so much better than more.   Crab Feeds and Beach Parties Are Fun  4. Even tho there are children in the wedding, remember a babysitter is an asset as they will be a happier child/children on the wedding day if they go to bed on time.   5. Some times the groom's family cannot afford to pick up the tab on an entire rehearsal dinner.  They may be able to provide a portion and require support from the couple. This is a time where we bring understanding to a situation. Also, couples deal sometimes with the rehearsal dinner being more grand than the wedding day celebration.  Again flexibility is needed and open discussion is necessary. Awesome Picnic Areas You Can Reserve 6. Consider some different ideas for Rehearsal Dinners. Evening picnics in parks or beach parties with games  Art Gallery, Museum or Aquarium dining with a caterer to serve Roof Garden Restaurants overlooking a city Out on the bay in one of the exciting tour ships Backyard swim party Pizza Parlor (at a favorite) Wine country - cave dining or picnic ground use Hotel where most of the out-of-town guests are staying If you have rented a house or a condo in the wedding area, plan the dinner there. Caterers, chefs or potlucks work well, as do pizza take home and salads. A Historic Restaurant In Your Area You will find hundreds of ideas for pre-wedding parties and rehearsal dinners or your date nights on www.WeddingLinks.com.  Photos by JR Moore

Ten TIPS on Selecting Your Wedding Venue From San Francisco to Atlantic City.

          Love to have your input, ideas and questions on this Blog - Join In The Conversation

Because wedding venues come with or without many different inclusions and extras it is difficult to understand their exact value when comparing them one to another.
There are several things you need to know before shopping for a wedding venue:
1. Please know your overall budget - Get a great budget sheet when you sign up for the free wedding planning book on WeddingLinks.co/best-style-e-magazine
2. Add up the number of guests - and if you want the ceremony and reception at the same venue.
3. Whether you want a catered site or one you can bring in your own caterer.
4. Type of ambiance or theme - gardens, vineyards, ranches, hotel ballrooms, yachts, beach or Victorian.

                                                          Photo by DUPhotography.com
5. Determine the type of ambiance/theme you want and select 3 to 5 sites on the web or from a magazine before you personally go to review them and compare. Understand most venues & services can be closed on Mondays. The wedding and event industry works all weekends.

                                                   Photo by Hughes-Photography.com
Understand your budget and what you can afford prior to shopping. It is very hard on you to fall in love with a venue and not be able to afford it...or not have it the correct size for your guests.
6. Understand that many locations can come with their own caterer and recommended vendors list....so do not hire these prior to looking for your venue.
7. Anytime you can gain the tables, chairs and/or linens in the rental, it will be an asset only if they are in good condition and you like them. We can spend a great deal covering up chairs and adding linens.
8. WeddingLinks.co  This mobile and PC website offer local and destination wedding venues & services9. A destination wedding is best completed with a person in the area where you are planning your wedding. And a professional wedding planner, a friend or family member is very helpful.
9. Some venues require you to have a wedding planner/coordinator or hire their own recommendation.
10. In order to hold the date for you, a 50% deposit is required from most venues.

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Copyright © Judith Rivers-Moore, JRPublications 2013-14-15, Santa Rosa, California, UA-36897602-8