Utah Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party Inspiration

What Is a Rehearsal Dinner and Why Do I Need One?

Happy Magazine Monday! Today we’re diving into Utah rehearsal dinners and why you need one for your wedding. Typically, the night before a wedding, a couple and their families host a rehearsal dinner as a way to honor their wedding party and practice for the big day. A rehearsal dinner is usually a more casual or informal version of your wedding, but it can really be anything you want it to be, just like your wedding day.

It’s an opportunity to not only rehearse your ceremony procession and other events with your wedding party, but also to introduce both sides of the families and parties to one another before your big day. It’s a great way to get to know each other and allow for toasts and speeches; it’s also typically where the couple will give gifts to their wedding party as a thank you for being in the wedding.

Who is Invited?

A rehearsal dinner usually includes the couple’s wedding party and immediate family members. Out-of-town guests are also commonly included. But guess what? It’s your wedding, so that means you get to invite anyone who you feel is important to be there with you in this moment.

What Else Do We Do Besides Eat?

After you gather at your venue with your wedding party and planner to practice the order of events, the rehearsal dinner will follow; but it’s not just dinner. Starting with cocktails or mocktails and toasts from important people is a great way to kick off the celebration!

This is a great time to incorporate speeches from parents, the bridal party, and more. And of course, the best way to bond with your guests and them with each other is to enjoy a good meal together. It’s a moment to bask in the excitement. It’s all finally happening!

After the speeches, or after dinner, this is a great opportunity to give your bridal party gifts if you’re planning on it. It’s a more intimate and less chaotic moment to truly thank them and enjoy spending time with them.

How Formal Does it Need to Be?

The level of formality you want your Utah rehearsal dinner to have will be entirely up to you and your fiancé. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, beachside seafood boil, or a reservation at a fancy steakhouse, this is a chance to embrace what you love, and what you love to eat!

These stunning photos from Meredith and Reese’s Utah rehearsal dinner are a great example of leaning into the cute details of your love story. The golf-inspired favors and citrus decor made the event fancy and fun, beyond the sentiment and excitement of teeing up their wedding celebrations.

And when you’re deciding what to wear, well, what bride doesn’t love an excuse to wear white? Whether it’s a darling dress like Meredith’s, a perfect pantsuit, or cowgirl boots and jeans, don’t be afraid to make a dress code! Everyone loves an excuse to dress up, especially if your rehearsal dinner has a fun theme.

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What Does a Rehearsal Dinner in Utah Look Like?

For weddings in Utah, a rehearsal dinner can look like a wedding breakfast the morning of, a luncheon between your LDS temple ceremony and ring ceremony, and more. When you’re planning your rehearsal dinner, or whatever rehearsal dinner-like event you may want, embrace the chance to relax and connect with your family and friends!

What is a Welcome Party?

While a rehearsal dinner is a more intimate gathering for the bridal party and families, a welcome party is a broader event for more guests and a more casual vibe. They can be one and the same, or two separate events, depending on what you’d prefer.

A welcome party is typically open to all guests as a way to say hi to the couple before the big day, and it’s very popular for out-of-town guests or destination weddings. Plan for fun activities, slide shows, games with the couple, or whatever it is you want to do to kick off your Utah wedding weekend!

UVB Wedding Planning Tip: Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts the rehearsal dinner. But these days, the host can be anyone, including the couple themselves!