An Easy + Delicious DIY Rehearsal Dinner

Sponsored with love by Evite ® + Olive Garden

You know the one thing ever couple leaves until the last minute? The rehearsal dinner. I did it and pretty much every couple does too so you are definitely not alone on this.

I mean, I get it. You’re in the midst of planning a huge event, the biggest day of your life thus far, so of course you don’t have the time to plan another event on the side. Plus it means cutting that budget close -- if you have any left over.

In our eyes, a rehearsal dinner should be meaningful and full of delicious food. It’s a celebration of the two of you with those who have helped you this far, it’s a way to start off the weekend festivities and it’s a way to spend some fun and cherished memories together with your wedding party and family. It’s your way of opening up this momentous weekend of fun and welcoming everyone into your new family together.

You don’t want the hassle of all DIY and you don’t want to spend a fortune, so we’ve teamed up with Olive Garden + Evite to find the perfect happy medium:

An easy and delicious DIY rehearsal dinner that won’t break the bank but will still be a lovely evening full of yummy food, endless stories and contagious laughter.

Take a scroll down to see the gorgeous set up you could easily achieve for your own rehearsal dinner and click on the link below to take a peek at all of the details that will make your evening so perfect and special!

Styled Shoot // A Timeless Kansas City Rehearsal Dinner at Loose Mansion

We believe that the last moonrise as miss and mister should be a grandly-celebrated affair. This “twist on timeless” styled rehearsal dinner takes place in the very heart of Kansas City. Loose Mansion’s historic ballroom is no stranger to authentic 1920’s events, and serves as the perfect location for this contemporary juxtaposition of modern whimsy with a vintage vibe. These gorgeous flapper-esque details were handpicked specifically to inspire couples to dream out loud in all aspects of their wedding weekend.

This beautifully styled shoot embodies the balance of including a couple’s favorite hometown mementos with an elegant editorial feel. We are obsessed over the masculine details, including the vintage Rolls Royce provided by Pech Limo, and our groom’s stylish leather boots. We are awe-struck with the romantic scene set by dripping pearls and soft floating candlelight, accompanied by details to grand for one day, including an over-sized bridal bouquet and a petite wedding cake and cupcakes.

The timeless beauty of Loose Mansion is the perfect setting inside and out for those with a deep appreciation for Kansas City’s history and well-designed events. This shoot should inspire couples to enjoy their last eve before the big vow exchange in a way that showcases them as individuals, and celebrates their hometown and love for each other. Our gorgeous bride-to-be is styled in simple yet stunning cocktail dresses with trendy accessories from Altar Bridal that are sure to have any gal glowing. Our groom sets the mood throughout the evening with his dapper vibe whether wearing his perfectly tailored suit, or his favorite Charlie Hustle tee.

Tables are adorned with Loose Mansion’s vintage flatware and glassware, and over-flowing blooms from Good Earth Floral. Hues of purple and pink among gorgeous greenery are the perfect complement to this space’s warmer aesthetic. The speakeasy style bar was designed in a way that would provide pops of our couple’s signature details while still being functional for thirsty friends and family. Complete with multiple lounge areas showcasing vintage pieces found among the mansion’s treasures, this ideal rehearsal dinner provides a relaxed atmosphere without taking away from the beauty of a traditional sit-down meal with loved ones.

From Loose Mansion, who provided the Venue and Style Coordination:

“Thank you to our team of Kansas City wedding professionals who helped bring this vision to life! As we’ve seen over and over again through the years, it is simply magic that occurs when a group of creative people get together and build on each others ideas! Couples who allow their vendors to collaborate and be creative with each other get the best results!"

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Mary Beth at epagaFOTO | Photography
Loose Mansion | Venue, Coordination + Rentals
Good Earth Floral | Floral Design
Rebekah Foster Cake Artist | Cake Design
Altar Bridal | Bridal Gown + Accessories
Posh KC Blow Dry | Hair + Makeup
Pech Limousine | Transportation

Rules of the Rehearsal Dinner

Your wedding day plans are almost complete and with only a couple of DIY items left to create. You feel a sigh of relief in knowing that you will never have to plan a wedding again...EVER AGAIN! Isn't that just the greatest feeling?

You are your maid of honor sit down for a quick celebratory drink and right then and there, it comes to you. You have yet another event to plan in addition to the wedding day. The rehearsal dinner!.

"Planning my rehearsal dinner is going to be the same thing all of again," you think to yourself.  The guest list, the food choices, centerpieces, decor, venue, attire, timelines and you are ready to pull your hair out once again! No matter the size of the event, all of the same little details need to be meticulously chosen and planned. You immediately remember the disagreements you had with your fiance over choosing colors that aren't too girly, the shouting matches with your mom over which dress flatters your figure best, the back-and-forth emails with dad over who would be invited, and the almost-falling out with your best friend over something as small as what jewelry the bridesmaids would be wearing. And before you are even able to take a sip of your celebratory drink, that incredible overwhelming wedding planning feeling sinks in, yet again.

Oftentimes, brides don't realize that no matter how large or how small the event, all of the exact same details, vendors, and items go into planning. So when it comes to the rehearsal dinner, I understand why so many of you get stressed out! But what if I told you that the whole planning experience could be calm, affordable, and stress-free? Would you follow my advice? Well I think you should :)

This isn't a wedding the night before your wedding.

No matter what your wedding-day theme is, the price tag on your wedding day, or the formality of the day following, your rehearsal dinner is not meant to be a wedding the day before your wedding. You don't have to stick to the same theme, the event doesn't have to be up-scale and extravagant, and you absolutely don't need to invite everyone.

Your rehearsal dinner is a quick gathering after your ceremony rehearsal to not only thank those who have been by your side throughout planning, but a thank you for their participation in your wedding day and just a fun time for everyone to relax before the wedding-day craziness begins.

Just because they flew in for the wedding, doesn't mean they need to be there.

I hear bride after bride after bride telling me that they have a lot of guests who flew in for their wedding so they feel bad not inviting them to the rehearsal dinner. And this is what I say to you: When your guests booked their flight and hotel, did they even know about a rehearsal dinner? Most likely, the answer is no! Don't feel obligated to invite everyone. This is an event for your wedding party and just because a family is spending some money to attend your wedding day, doesn't mean you are obligated to invite them to every single activity and event that happens throughout the weekend. Are you going to feel bad not inviting them to your romantic breakfast with your husband the following morning??

This is a "thank you" to those involved.

I have a very simple formula for determining who should be invited to the rehearsal dinner and here it is:

Anyone who will be participating in the ceremony (aka whoever is at the rehearsal) should be invited.

This includes your bridesmaids, your groomsmen, your parents, your grandparents and great-grandparents, your officiant, your flower girl, and your ring bearer, and your coordinator.

Guest List Continued - Who gets a plus one?

Now this is where is always gets tricky. Again, we are trying to stick to a budget so adding a plus one for everyone involved is not always necessary.

Those who should ALWAYS get a plus one (or plus two):
- Flower Girl (yes, invite both of her parents)
- Ring Bearer (yes, both of his parents are invited)
- Officiant (let him or her invite their spouse/significant other)

Those who may or may not get a guest:
When it comes to your bridal party, this is where is gets the most tricky. If a majority of your bridesmaids have spouses/boyfriends who are groomsmen, then there really isn't any problem for you. However, if no spouses/significant others are in the bridal party, then this is something you are going to have to determine yourself. I wish I could give you a formula for this but unfortunately, it is always circumstance-based.

- If you have room in the budget, then it may be a nice to touch to invite them.
- If you are extremely tight on budget, don't even think about inviting spouses.

Remember, this is going to be one event and will last about an hour. I think everyone will survive without their boyfriend or wife for one hour...don't you agree?

This isn't a royal ball.

The rehearsal dinner in no way, shape, or form has to be an extravagant event. If you have time, are not stressed by the thought of planning a second wedding, and have plenty of budget remaining, then be my guest and host a wedding the day before your wedding! But in my eyes, this event should be relaxing and fun for everyone involved.

You don't need a 5-course meal and on that note, you don't need a meal at all! Serve appetizers at your favorite restaurant and allow your guests to purchase drinks if they would like! There is no rule that says you have to serve dinner. Start your rehearsal later in the evening and everyone will have eaten anyways. As long as your guests know what to expect and know what or what not to eat beforehand, your event will turn out exactly as it should be!