Rehearsal dinner

That’s going to be a really long day for everyone, which you might want to avoid, but if you’re going to do this, I’d get lunch foods- maybe chick-fil-a or Panera catering.


If most/all your wedding party has been in weddings before, you could also skip a rehearsal. We didn’t rehearse at all and it was fine.

A rehearsal the day of is a thing that some people do. Be aware that it does take time to get ready for the ceremony so you can have a quick run through. But it is not for the traditionalists. If you are the type who doesn’t want to see the groom at all from the evening before until you walk down the aisle, then it’s not for you.


What time is your rehearsal? If you are having brunch food at night (when does reception start?), what do you want to serve in the morning? You don’t need to serve a regular rehearsal meal because you’re already going so untraditional. Just have food on hand for men and women getting ready together.

Depending on how many people you have in your wedding, you could definitely just do the rehearsal in a backyard for 15 minutes sometime before the day of.

I have heard of people doing it morning of, but it makes for an even longer day and if you are doing a first look or want to not see your spouse until the first look/wedding then rehearsing in the morning might not feel right for you.

We did ours the morning of. I had a stand in for me as the bride. It worked out well and we fed our bridal party well, who only had to show up an half hour early. We also hosted a welcome party with a full dinner the night before.
But our ceremony was at 5 and cocktail hour, with apps so heavy some people thought it was dinner, started right at 5:30. I’d be hesitant to do it in your situation with such a late dinner.