Fun and Interactive Ideas for an Alternative Rehearsal Dinner

Kick off your wedding weekend with a fun group activity!

It’s generally assumed that before your wedding day you have a rehearsal dinner with your immediate family and bridal party. But, sitting down for a multiple-course dinner can add up depending on whom you feel obligated to invite. A formal dinner can also keep any mingling to a minimum, with guests only interacting with those seated near them. Instead, opt for a more modern rehearsal soiree that brings your guests together to mix and mingle and share stories, which is the whole point of a rehearsal dinner anyway! We’re always up for a pre-wedding activity that saves money and moves away from the traditional, so check below if you’re looking for a few fun ideas for an alternative rehearsal dinner that will have guests scrambling to make it on time!

Welcome Cocktail Hour

A cocktail hour wasn’t created for just a post-wedding filler. If you can’t afford to host a lot of guests for a meal, a welcome cocktail hour is perfect. You can plan to have it immediately following a dinner you have with your immediate family, asking guests to meet you at your favorite local bar. Serve a few small hors d'oeuvres and if you’re able to, work out getting 1-2 free drink tickets for your guests.

Photography by Jessie Wyman & Christina Anne

If drink tickets are a no-go, depending on the type of bar you choose, offer to pay for the first round of drinks for everyone. This gives your guests a no-pressure environment for getting to know other guests and the ability to head out at their leisure.

Backyard Bash

Make the party more intimate by adding some twinkle lights for post-sunset light and instead of caterers opt for a potluck style feast. For a fun touch, make your own wedding-themed, alcohol-infused ice pops for a midday snack!

Whether you were planning to have your rehearsal the day before your wedding or a few days before, you can never go wrong with a backyard soiree. You can host the bash at your own home or rent out an Airbnb for one night to give your guests a place to crash and make all of your pool party dreams come true.

Picnic in the Park

If you plan to spend the last few nights before your big day getting in bed early for some much needed beauty sleep, opt for a brunch picnic in the park. You can set up a few lawn games and a DIY photobooth to give your guests some fun activities to do throughout the day.

You can even host a competition by creating two teams based on which partner they know and the first team to complete six wins gets a free round of drinks at the wedding. Trust us, you’ll never have seen some of your family members run so quick for a relay!

Bowling Alley Battle

Split your guests up into two teams for a little bit of competition - the first guest to get a strike gets two free drinks or appetizers, winner's choice!

Weddings can often be so formal, so for your rehearsal take it a bit retro! Everyone loves to go bowling, so why not invite some of your guests for a night of bowling at a local alley. They have everything you would need for a good night out - finger foods, a bar, game machines, and of course bowling.