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.

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When Annemarie described her vision, we knew exactly the world we wanted to build around her. This September, she and Cooper were wed at the stunning Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House in Alexandria, surrounded by lush greens, white blossoms, and the warmth of copper and gold woven throughout every detail.⁣
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Designing flowers for St. Francis Hall always begins with scale. The ceilings are high, the stone walls are bold, and delicate arrangements can quickly disappear if they are not designed with the room in mind.⁣
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For Monica & Dave’s wedding, we leaned into that height with tall arrangements that lifted the eye upward while still keeping the tables welcoming for guests. Soft white and green flowers created a romantic feeling against the historic architecture, while the elevated designs helped the entire room feel balanced. When the proportions are right, the flowers do not fight the space. They belong in it.⁣
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Is there anything that says summer quite like al fresco dining.⁣
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Summer weddings, especially under a tent, beg for a gardensque feel. Loose and organic blooms that still remain somewhat controlled creates that perfectly summer feel.⁣
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Never underestimate the power of color and texture to make a big statement.

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