Delicious finger foods: check. Adorable, whimsical decorations: check. An afternoon booked at the city’s most trendy venue: check. One stressed out, tired, hungry bride with a million things to do: check.
As if getting married were not stressful enough, your rehearsal dinner is tomorrow afternoon. A million different things are on your to do list, from slicing up cheese and crackers for 40 people to finding an outfit that makes you look cute and radiant in that special bridal way. You are praying that there is nothing that you forgot for the big day and, if there is, that it is not anything that will ruin the festivities, from the liquor for wedding to a table to serve your food on.
Here are the most important things to check off your list sooner rather than later; if forgotten, they could pose some serious challenges for your rehearsal dinner.
Party tent. If you are planning on having your rehearsal dinner outside, whether it be in a lawn, a park or a courtyard, you absolutely want to have a plan in case of inclement weather. For one, you do not want your guests to be miserable, and for two, you do not want expensive gifts or rented equipment to get ruined. Some women choose to make a backup reservation in an indoor venue; however, to avoid this double unnecessary cost, simply rent a party tent. A high quality tent can protect your special day from rain, annoying winds, and uncomfortable sunlight. If you choose a thick tent with curtains to serve as walls, make sure the tent either has some kind of ventilation system, or have fans in place to keep the air inside moving.
Party equipment. Your needs will vary depending on your party. Do you need a cooler to store beverages? Do you need an outdoor dance floor? Do you need linens or table cloths? Do not catch yourself off guard the day of your rehearsal dinner by forgetting to have all of the equipment you need ready.
Party furniture. How much of a disaster would it be if it were the morning of your party and you realize that you have completely forgotten about the rehearsal dinner chair rental? Usually, the longer you wait to reserve your party furniture, including chairs, tables, and others, the more expensive it is.
Party booze. A wedding party is not truly a wedding party until it has plenty of alcohol. As much as you want to let the beer games commence, make sure that you or your venue has all the proper certifications and licensures in order to serve liquor for wedding. Double checking your wedding liquor list, make sure you have multiple types of wine and types of beer, and decide whether you want to charge your guests for their wine and spirits or have an open bar liquor for wedding.