When my daughter got
engaged, I knew that we would also help our future son-in-law with the
Rehearsal Dinner.
Rehearsal dinners
have taken on a whole new aspect. No longer is the dinner just the groom’s
parents, bride’s parents and bridal party. The dinner has become a sweet time
with the above but also many out of town guests, relatives and close friends.
My son-in-law and I
spent time planning what he wanted. My favorite idea was a party in our
backyard where friends and family could enjoy each other’s company without the
hecticness of a restaurant on a Friday night. Since both families would be
meeting for the first time. Our backyard offered the casualness and relaxing atmosphere
we wanted.
We reserved a big
tent for the possibility of rain and off we went.
The colors of the
wedding were blue and gray so we found Chinese Lanterns, decorated the tent,
due to a chance of rain, with these lanterns. We bought these larger strings of
lights for the tent and once the son went down, it made the tent a magical
place.
Simple hydrangeas
arrangements were placed on each table, her wedding flower of choice. These
flower arrangements were the easiest centerpieces you can make, three
hydrangeas in a glass vase, done.
I decided that I
would make a great Southern BBQ for our northern friends. The BBQ not only is
an inexpensive meal to fix for 70 people but can easily be made ahead of time
and frozen for the day of the party.
We started with 5
full Pork Loins, rubbed with a combination of salt, pepper, cayenne pepper,
garlic powder and onion powder. Wrapped tightly in foil and cooked at 250
degrees for 6 hours. The pork fell apart. Mixed with some BBQ sauce, the pork
was perfect for BBQ sandwiches.
The day before the
Rehearsal dinner, I whipped together my favorite Orzo Pasta Salad, my
son-in-law purchased some potato salad and cole slaw. The day of the dinner my
friend brought some wonderful beans for the dinner. My sister-in-law made
several desserts and we made a trip to Sam’s for blue and white cupcakes.
The bride and her awesome shoes!!
But my favorite part
of the dinner, we rented a hot dog stand. My family is crazy for hot dogs. The
hot dog stand was a huge hit. The ladies brought hot dogs, chips and drinks.
They set up and cleaned up. What a treat.
Buckets filled with
wine and beer bottles.
We had a wonderful
time. Who knew my driveway could look so pretty!!!
Hi, This is awesome! Such a great article on how to host a successful rehearsal dinner at home. I love the use of the paper lanterns and the best, the HOT DOG STAND! The bride looks beautiful too. Question: Did she purposely dress in blue to wear the colors of the evening? Might blog on this idea one day and curious if brides are doing this ~ What a lucky couple to have had a wonderful eve of the wedding! Elaine owner, www.RehearsalDinnerGuide.com
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