Your rehearsal dinner is more than just a practice run – it’s the official kickoff to your wedding festivities! Choosing a fun and thoughtful theme can set the tone for the whole weekend and create unforgettable memories with your closest family and friends. Whether you’re planning something casual, elegant, or somewhere in between, here are 10 rehearsal dinner themes to inspire you.
1. Backyard Garden Party
Embrace the beauty of nature with a backyard garden party. Think string lights overhead, floral table runners, cozy lounge areas, and signature cocktails. Perfect for a spring or summer wedding!
2. Golf Club Gathering
Ideal for golf lovers, this theme pairs a classic country club setting with fun extras like putting contests, polos and sundresses for attire, and a menu of upscale casual favorites. As an alternative for golf lovers, you can host the dinner at a golf simulator space or a place such as Top Golf! We’ve got the perfect invite for this kind of par-tee!
3. Coastal Chic Dinner
Bring seaside vibes to your dinner, whether or not you’re near the ocean. Use nautical colors, fresh seafood stations, driftwood accents, and breezy linens to create a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
4. Vintage Italian Trattoria
Create a cozy, romantic setting with rustic wood tables, Chianti bottle centerpieces, checkered linens, and family-style Italian dishes. Bonus points for accordion music or a gelato cart! I’m also envisioning sunflowers and string lights.
5. Modern Rooftop Soiree
For a city-chic vibe, host your dinner on a rooftop with skyline views. Opt for sleek décor, minimalistic centerpieces, trendy cocktails, and an elevated small-plates menu.
6. Western BBQ Bash
Channel a laid-back, fun energy with a Western BBQ. Decorate with hay bales, bandanas, and mason jar centerpieces. Serve up barbecue favorites and maybe even add a line-dancing lesson! *Hot Tip: Catering BBQ is typically less expensive than other cuisines!
7. Wine Country Picnic
Whether at a vineyard or styled like one, this theme features wine tastings, charcuterie boards, picnic blankets, and gorgeous countryside views. Perfect for a rustic yet elegant celebration.
8. Classic Steakhouse Dinner
Host your dinner at a timeless steakhouse or recreate the feel at your venue. Dark woods, white tablecloths, martinis, and hearty steaks will never go out of style.
9. Tropical Luau
Transport your guests to paradise with a luau-inspired dinner. Think tiki torches, tropical cocktails, colorful florals, and a Hawaiian BBQ spread. This would be a lot of fun in particular if you are hosting a destination wedding in Hawaii! If you are, I’d love to score an invite 😛
10. Retro Diner Party
Have some fun with a 1950s diner theme. Serve burgers, fries, and milkshakes with checkered floor details, a jukebox playlist, and plenty of neon.
Are you considering a theme for your rehearsal dinner? If so, what are you thinking? Let me know in the comments!
Whatever theme you choose, set the tone early with custom rehearsal dinner invitations that match your vision. Browse our collection of fully customizable designs to make the first event of your wedding weekend truly unforgettable!
