Articles & Resources
« Back to Article ListThe Rehearsal Dinner Tradition
Tradition is not to be taken lightly. It should be honored and revered. Protected and upheld.
Take weddings, for example. Or, to be more precise for the purposes of this article, the rehearsal dinner.
But, when it comes to weddings and traditions, this is where tradition is traditionally given a little leeway. For in truth, a rehearsal dinner means different things to different couples.
Traditionally, rehearsal dinners (or groom's dinners, if you prefer) are held the night before the wedding, after a brief practice run at the site of your pending nuptials. Traditionally, those directly involved in the ceremony, as well as other immediate family members and the significant-others of your wedding party, are invited. Traditionally, the groom's parents pick up the tab.
Traditionally.
But many couples choose not to stick to tradition, choosing instead to hold the rehearsal dinner two nights before the ceremony. Or, they invite a larger group to the dinner. Or the bride and groom pick up the tab, instead of the groom's parents.
Or, they just stay home. (more on that in later)
Either way, keep in mind that you want this night to be relaxed, casual... and above all, fun.
Here are some tips:
1. Find an establishment that offers a casual environment, but with elegant food menu selections. Your guests will feel relaxed, but will enjoy a terrific meal.
2. An establishment with a liquor license would be helpful, since there are bound to be toasts given (and received!). But, please-- don't overdo it... let's not forget you're getting married tomorrow!
3. Remember to plan for those in your party with special dietary needs.
4. If you want to keep your party small, plan an early dinner then invite others, such as out-of-town guests, to join you for a post-dinner gathering (maybe offer some light appetizers for those who haven't eaten).
5. If you have small children participating in the wedding, you might consider inviting their parents to the rehearsal dinner. (inviting the children is optional)
6. Stay home! That's right, throw on a pair of shorts, bug-spray the backyard, set up some tables... and order in a delicious meal to serve your guests.
To start your search for the perfect rehearsal dinner spot, try Carino's Italian Grill, 2310 S. Louise Ave., where you can go with the traditional "dine-in" option, or the non-traditional "throw on some shorts and flip-flops and order curbside-to-go" route. Either way, you and your guests are in for a treat.
"When we're working with a rehearsal dinner party, our goal is to make it a comfortable event, not as stuffy as a wedding reception," says Carino's owner Bill Nadon. "This is your chance to really unwind, relax and enjoy those people who are most important in your lives before the most important day in your lives."
As an example, Nadon points out that the restaurant's Wine Room seats 45 people and is the perfect setting for a traditional "dine-in" option.
So whether you choose that more traditional approach, or you like to throw caution to the wind, the choice is yours. Just remember to video tape it for those great impromptu moments!
Johnny Carino's
2310 S Louise Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
(605) 361-7222
www.carionos.com
