9 Memorable Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

On the lookout for memorable wedding rehearsal dinner ideas? Let us first ask you another question. What would you do if you could have not one, but two wedding days? You don’t have to imagine it, actually — that’s what the rehearsal dinner is for. It’s the mini wedding before the big day.

While weddings usually follow traditions (although they don’t have to!), rehearsal dinners can be much more open to interpretation. Yes, it is a rehearsal for your wedding, but it can also take on unique shapes and styles, appearing completely different than your actual wedding day. Design an unforgettable event with these wedding rehearsal dinner ideas.

1. Host in a unique venue

Weddings are often compared to fairy tales, but wedding venues are usually pretty run-of-the-mill. The common options are wineries, barns, churches, and civic centers, but as you plan your rehearsal dinner, you can let your imagination run wild.

If you’re looking to wow your guests, think beyond restaurants and family backyards. Hosting your rehearsal dinner in a creative space—like an art gallery, rooftop loft, or urban garden—instantly makes the evening feel special. With so many flexible rental platforms out there, it’s now possible to treat venues almost like an Airbnb for dinner parties, choosing a spot that fits your style and vision instead of being limited to what’s at home.

2. Switch it up with casual catering

Your rehearsal dinner guests might expect a plated meal or a buffet at your wedding, but you can opt to keep it casual. Rally some of your favorite local food trucks for dinner, desserts, and even drinks, then have them roll up to your outdoor venue ready to serve guests. This could also give you a chance to offer a variety of cuisine options so that everyone is happy.

3. Ask guests to come in costumes

Save the formal wear for the big day. Let your inner geeks shine with a costumed wedding rehearsal dinner! This way, no one has to stress over finding two outfits, and they can have fun getting creative.

Some costume theme ideas that everyone can get on board with include Disney characters, superheroes (of any universe), Cartoon Network shows, or Tim Burton movies.

4. Host a wedding rehearsal brunch

Who says a wedding rehearsal dinner has to actually be a dinner? Host a brunch party with Bloody Mary drinks and various flavors of mimosas (like orange, mango, pineapple, and grapefruit). For the food, serve light breakfast bites, including egg muffins, quiches, yogurt parfaits, mini muffins, scones, doughnut holes, bagels, croissants, or cronuts (the love child of a doughnut and croissant).

You can also be a little extra (since it is your wedding rehearsal, after all) and set up a mimosa wall (like a donut wall, but better). Among alternative wedding rehearsal ideas, this gives you plenty of time to rest before the actual wedding, so you can exchange vows while looking and feeling your best.

Check out our elegant bridal brunch ideas for more ideas with this theme!

5. Break out the karaoke

You might want more refined entertainment at your actual wedding, but as far as the rehearsal dinner goes, everyone can loosen up and have some fun. Host a karaoke competition or Jimmy Fallon-style lip sync battle.

You can hire a DJ to host the activity or do it yourself if you have access to a wide variety of music and a way to display song lyrics on a screen.

6. Pick a theme

It’s popular for weddings to have color schemes rather than themes, but if a part of you has always wanted a Disney wedding, you don’t have to compromise. With this wedding rehearsal dinner idea, you can pay homage to your favorite things.

Costumes and the catering, venue, and decorations can all be incorporated into a theme. Just remember everything is on a smaller scale than your actual wedding. For inspiration, check out these unique wedding themes featuring all of the biggest movies in pop culture —and even some sports!

7. Skip the dinner

This wedding rehearsal dinner idea simplifies the whole event by taking out the dinner altogether. Just serve your guests plenty of appetizers and sweets, and save the big meal for the wedding. Lay out a table stacked with bite-sized desserts like cupcakes (make mini cupcakes or order perfectly portioned ones from Baked By Melissa), macarons, bundtinis, cake pops, cakesicles, cookies, and brownie bites. Display the treats on cake stands, trays, and elegant plates for an aesthetically pleasing dessert table. You can also decorate the table with banners and confetti that match your theme or color scheme.

For the appetizers, go with finger foods like puff pastry appetizers, meatballs on toothpicks, fruit and veggie trays, or other small bite options, such as bruschetta, cheese plates, tiny pizza slices, or kebabs. It can help to have some wait staff making rounds and serving everything on trays, but you can also set up several appetizer stations.

Still unsure how to plan a rehearsal dinner? Then check out this guide for all the details you need!

8. Make it a cocktail party 

Consider making the rehearsal dinner a cocktail party if you’re hosting an adult-only affair. Serve appetizers and signature cocktails that you and your spouse-to-be have chosen (or created!) yourselves.

If kids are invited, offer some fancy mocktail options so that they feel included. Set up a do-it-yourself cocktail station or a series of drink dispensers, or hire a bartender to serve everyone. Top off the cocktail party with live music. You can hire a band of any genre from GigSalad.

9. Let the games begin

Set up tables with board games and let everyone entertain themselves. This is a great way for guests to get to know each other before the wedding. If your venue has access to a projector or TV that hooks up to the internet, Quiplash is a hilarious online party game that allows you to show off your comedy chops. More traditional games like Apples to Apples, Cards Against Humanity, Headbandz, and charades are also great go-to options.

Wedding rehearsal dinner ideas: conclusion

You don’t usually get to do your wedding twice, but with a wedding rehearsal dinner, you can double up on the festivities and fun. If you are having a hard time choosing between themes, catering options, or color schemes, you don’t have to compromise.

Make your wedding dreams come true with these wedding rehearsal dinner ideas. Combine them with a dreamy Peerspace venue, and you’ll have a night to remember.

Find more wedding rehearsal dinner ideas on Peerspace