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Things to know about a Welcome/Rehearsal Dinner

A welcome dinner table set-up at The River Cafe, New York City. Image by Jenny Fu Studio

What is a welcome dinner? What happens during a welcome dinner? When and where do couples usually celebrate it? Are you currently planning your wedding, and do you think you need to include it in your wedding package? Here are some things you should know about a welcome dinner to help you in your decision.

The wedding couple is enjoying the outdoors with their guests at The Ausable Club, NY. Image by Jenny Fu Studio

What is a Welcome/Rehearsal Dinner?

A welcome dinner is a unique and memorable event that usually happens before the day of the wedding. It gives couples a chance to thank their guests for attending the big day and enjoying a special meal together. It’s a beautiful way to ensure the wedding truly celebrates love and friendship.

The welcome dinner typically takes place the evening before the wedding day. Couples do it in a restaurant, hotel, resort, or private venue. It is usually an intimate affair with just the closest family and friends attending. It’s a great way to kick off the festivities and get everyone in the mood for the wedding.

Guests are chatting at a welcome dinner in The Ausable Club. Image by Jenny Fu Studio
A rehearsal dinner menu is placed on a plate with cutlery at The Ausable Club, NY. Image by Jenny Fu Studio
The bride and groom-to-be  are laughing in a welcome dinner at The Ausable Club NY. Image by Jenny Fu Studio
The bride-to-be is teary-eyed as her groom-to-be gives a speech at a rehearsal dinner in The Ausable Club NY. Image by Jenny Fu Studio
Guests are chatting with each other at a welcome dinner in The Ausable Club NY. Image by Jenny Fu Studio
A chocolate soft-serve ice cream at a rehearsal dinner in The Ausable Club NY. Image by Jenny Fu Studio

What Happens in this Event?

At the welcome dinner, the bride and groom can spend time with each other and their guests, get to know each other better, and share stories. The bride and groom can also use this opportunity to thank their guests for coming and for the gifts they have brought. It’s also a great chance for the bride and groom to take some laid-back photos with their guests while wearing comfortable clothes before the wedding day, wherein they need to be in their formal wedding attire, which kind of limits their movements.

When it comes to food, couples can opt for a buffet or sit-down meal, depending on their budget. If a buffet is chosen, couples may want to include some of their favorite dishes as well as a selection of traditional dishes. If a sit-down meal is chosen, couples can ask their caterers to design a special menu that reflects their tastes and preferences.

Couples can also make the welcome dinner more special by adding extra touches. They can decorate the venue with flowers, balloons, streamers, and other decorations that match the wedding theme. Couples can also hire a photographer to take photos during the event and a DJ or live band to provide entertainment.

Of course, the essential part of the welcome dinner is the speeches. The bride and groom can take the opportunity to thank their guests and share stories. They can also thank the bridal party and their family for all their hard work and support.

Canapes are served at a rehearsal dinner in The River Cafe NYC. Image by Jenny Fu Studio
The bride and groom to be are happily hugging each other at a rehearsal dinner in The River Cafe NYC. Image by Jenny Fu Studio

In conclusion, a welcome dinner is a beautiful way to kick off the wedding celebrations and to thank your guests for attending. It’s an excellent opportunity to get to know each other better and to enjoy a meal together. Couples can make the event special by adding decorations, a photographer, and music. And, of course, the bride and groom can take the opportunity to thank their guests and share stories.