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.

Lucy & Jack’s summer wedding at St. Francis Hall was filled with soft pastels, graceful chinoiserie, and long tables designed for gathering. Towering arrangements of huck foliage added height and movement, while delicate blooms kept everything light and romantic.

A beautiful celebration for Lucy, the third daughter in a family we’ve been honored to flower. 💕

📍 @stfrancishall
🍽️ @corcorancaterers
📷 @bradleyburckelphotography
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @celebrateslowly

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From timeless to joyful. 🤍🍋

Alessandra and David began their wedding day in the Crystal Room at the Willard beneath our new gold chuppah, where an all white floral design let the beauty of the space and the significance of the ceremony take center stage.

Then the celebration took a turn. Guests were greeted by three sculptural lemon displays at the escort table before entering the Willard Room, where lush color blocked floral centerpieces alternated with tables filled with candlelight. Fresh lemons tucked among the candles added the perfect finishing touch, bringing warmth, color, and a playful nod to the couple’s vision.

Some weddings tell one story. This one unfolded beautifully in two acts. ✨

📍 @willard_intercontinentaldc
📷 @brigittereneephoto
💐 @petalsedgedc
📋 @smevents

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Something B L U E!

📍 @eventsdar
📷 @raemarshall
🎥 @paperboysweddings
🍽️ @tastefulaffairscatering
💐 @petalsedgedc
🎶 @dangoldmanevents
📋 @coordinateddetails

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White roses are classic for a reason. Refined, effortless, always right. But tucked among the blooms in this bride`s bouquet? Pale blue tweedia. 😍 Just a whisper of color, just enough to tell you something about who she is. That`s the detail that makes a bouquet hers. ⁣
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Every choice we make is intentional, and it all starts with listening to you. If you`re planning a wedding at Hotel Monaco DC, or anywhere in Washington, we`d love to be part of it. Link in bio to get in touch.⁣
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📍@monacodc⁣
📷 @paigeelizaethphoto⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc⁣
📋 @gretadavidevents

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The only blues here are dresses, flowers and vases! Alexandra & Kevin’s wedding was truly magical. From the church ceremony in Old Town Alexandria to the swanky city rooftop reception. And boy did this group dance! 💃🏻 🕺

📍 @riggshotel
📷 @ryanzarichnakphotography
💐 & 📋 @petalsedgedc
🎶 @bryangeorgemusic
🪑 @snlavie

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One of the things I love about designing weddings at St. Francis Hall is how beautifully the space supports different color palettes. The stone walls act almost like a canvas, allowing the flowers to bring personality and energy into the room.⁣
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For Lilly & Ryan’s wedding, color played a big role in their celebration. Their ceremony began in the garden at St. Francis Hall before the party continued inside the Hall, and we designed the flowers to feel vibrant and expressive against the historic architecture. Seeing the profusion of blooms come to life in a space with so much history is always a reminder that no two weddings here ever feel the same.⁣
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We are so excited to be back this week with a fresh and exciting palette!⁣
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📍@stfrancishall⁣
🍽 @puttingontheritz⁣
📷 @birdsofafeatherphotography⁣
💐 @petalsedgedc

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