5 Fantastic Rehearsal Dinner Themes

Without a doubt, the wedding is the big event that drives all wedding planning. But a far less discussed yet equally important event is the day before: the rehearsal dinner. Traditionally held the night before the wedding, the rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity for the two families to spend time together before the wedding day in a less hectic setting. It’s a a time to greet traveling guests who have taken the time to arrive early. It can take many shapes, from a simple celebration in a comfortable setting, a chance to give guests a taste of what’s to come, and a wonderful opportunity to be a good host. It’s an opportunity also to do something a little different, and we’ve shared some unique rehearsal dinner themes below.

Tropical

Palm prints. Flamingos. Pineapples and more. Tropical decor is hot, Hot, HOT! Tropical is certainly the opposite of a classic white wedding and tons of fun.

Pro tip: those luscious and large monstera leaves can double as chargers or even more whimsically as table numbers or place “cards”.

Photo by Meredith Campbell

Nautical

Preppy more your vibe? Well you can’t go wrong with lanterns, stripes, and a festive pop of color. Pro tip: Host that nautical event outside or under a tent? Have to be indoors? Look no further that our very own Sequoia restaurant on the Georgetown waterfront.

Photo by George Street Photography

Fiesta

Everyone loves tacos, right? Well you can’t go wrong with vibrant colors, vintage tins, and even cactus plants for a fiesta themed dinner.

Barbeque

Sometimes it feels like DC has transformed into the perfect mecca for barbecue. What would be better than checkerboard linens, casual pots or mason jars of sunflowers and a vibe that yells “celebrate!”.

Photo by Linda Wallace

Vintage Garden Party

Lush garden blooms and lots of greenery is the perfect choice for the couple who wants their rehearsal dinner to be detailed but approachable.

Photo by Jodi & Kurt Photography

Photo by Jodi & Kurt Photography

Photo by Documentary Associates

Pool Party

Need we say more? Welcome your guests by the pool, especially on a summer day, and have some whimsical floating flower garden to embrace a beautiful the playful nature of the location.

Brandon Templar Photography

Like these rehearsal dinner themes? Maybe thinking of something else? Find even more inspiration for your event by searing our site for more.

One of my favorite moments at every St. Francis Hall wedding is right before the ceremony begins. The room fills with that quiet anticipation as guests take their seats and the flowers finally become part of the scene they were designed for.⁣
⁣
For Alexandra & Sam’s ceremony, the stage was framed with a lush, deconstructed arch, creating a focal point against the hall’s burgundy proscenium drape. As the music began and Alexandra walked down the aisle, everything came together in that way it only does once. The architecture, the flowers, the lighting, and two people about to start their marriage. It is always a privilege to help shape that moment.⁣
⁣
📍@stfrancishall⁣
📷 @leighannebraderphotography
🍽 @ridgewells⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @theplannery

22 2

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17935883277392853

One of my favorite moments at every St. Francis Hall wedding is right before the ceremony begins. The room fills with that quiet anticipation as guests take their seats and the flowers finally become part of the scene they were designed for.⁣
⁣
For Alexandra & Sam’s ceremony, the stage was framed with a lush, deconstructed arch, creating a focal point against the hall’s burgundy proscenium drape. As the music began and Alexandra walked down the aisle, everything came together in that way it only does once. The architecture, the flowers, the lighting, and two people about to start their marriage. It is always a privilege to help shape that moment.⁣
⁣
📍@stfrancishall⁣
📷 @leighannebraderphotography
🍽 @ridgewells⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @theplannery

A tented reception. Ceremony urns overflowing with white hydrangea and gladiola. Centerpieces that looked like they were plucked straight from an English country garden. Rachael and Scott`s Woodlawn wedding was everything. 🤍 This is exactly why we love what we do, taking a venue`s natural beauty and letting the flowers just... amplify it. Historic, romantic, and completely unforgettable. 🌿✨⁣
⁣
📍@woodlawnandpopeleighey⁣
📷 sincereli_ _⁣
🍽 @maineventcaterersdc⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @allthedaintydetails

14 0

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 17966087280176218

A tented reception. Ceremony urns overflowing with white hydrangea and gladiola. Centerpieces that looked like they were plucked straight from an English country garden. Rachael and Scott's Woodlawn wedding was everything. 🤍 This is exactly why we love what we do, taking a venue's natural beauty and letting the flowers just... amplify it. Historic, romantic, and completely unforgettable. 🌿✨⁣
⁣
📍@woodlawnandpopeleighey⁣
📷 sincereli_ _⁣
🍽 @maineventcaterersdc⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @allthedaintydetails

Theres something about September that always feels like a turning point. The days are still warm, but the morning is a bit cooler. School is back in session. The light starts to change. And after a long DC summer, you do all get that first day when you can open the door and think, yes, fall really is coming. 🍁

For me fall has always been tied to the rhythm of the school year. Kids going back to school and calendars filling up. Pulling sweaters out of the back of the closet, and thinking about Halloween before you’re quite ready to admit summer is over.

In the studio, autumn has another rhythm. September and October weddings - arguably our busiest time of the year - paired with all sorts of fun things. Pods, berries, grasses and all sorts of funky things.

I think there’s a reason fall weddings always feel so right. It’s a season built around change. The landscape shifts, the light softens, the year begins winding down… and in the midst of that, two people choose to begin something.

Maybe that’s what I love about this time of year. Autumn can feel nostalgic and hopeful at the same time. So here’s to another fall wedding season, changing leaves, cooler nights (no mosquitoes), celebrations and all the new beginnings still ahead.

17 5

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18015641051938981

Theres something about September that always feels like a turning point. The days are still warm, but the morning is a bit cooler. School is back in session. The light starts to change. And after a long DC summer, you do all get that first day when you can open the door and think, yes, fall really is coming. 🍁

For me fall has always been tied to the rhythm of the school year. Kids going back to school and calendars filling up. Pulling sweaters out of the back of the closet, and thinking about Halloween before you’re quite ready to admit summer is over.

In the studio, autumn has another rhythm. September and October weddings - arguably our busiest time of the year - paired with all sorts of fun things. Pods, berries, grasses and all sorts of funky things.

I think there’s a reason fall weddings always feel so right. It’s a season built around change. The landscape shifts, the light softens, the year begins winding down… and in the midst of that, two people choose to begin something.

Maybe that’s what I love about this time of year. Autumn can feel nostalgic and hopeful at the same time. So here’s to another fall wedding season, changing leaves, cooler nights (no mosquitoes), celebrations and all the new beginnings still ahead.

Amy & Reuben’s wedding photos are here, and I forgot how much I loved this palette! White flowers, loads of green, and black woven through just enough to make everything feel a little sharper.⁣
⁣
We used anemones, ranunculus, roses, sweet pea and stock, with big, loose greenery moments throughout the room. It was springy without being pastel, classic without feeling too traditional, and so much fun to see all together at the Park Hyatt.⁣
⁣
Also, that bouquet. 🤍🖤⁣
⁣
📍@parkhyattdc⁣
📷 @roephoto⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @cityandterrace

20 2

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18137085772542480

Amy & Reuben’s wedding photos are here, and I forgot how much I loved this palette! White flowers, loads of green, and black woven through just enough to make everything feel a little sharper.⁣
⁣
We used anemones, ranunculus, roses, sweet pea and stock, with big, loose greenery moments throughout the room. It was springy without being pastel, classic without feeling too traditional, and so much fun to see all together at the Park Hyatt.⁣
⁣
Also, that bouquet. 🤍🖤⁣
⁣
📍@parkhyattdc⁣
📷 @roephoto⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @cityandterrace

Classic roses. Ethereal baby’s breath. And bleached ruscus for some fashion forward style. Classic with an edge.

📍 @nmwaspecialevents
🍽️ @corcorancaterers
📷 @maddywilliamsphotography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @glowweddingsandevents

10 0

Open post by petalsedgedc with ID 18071243930729803