What is a Rehearsal Dinner?

Rehearsal dinners are a time for friends and family to come together before a wedding to plan how everything will work, shake off jitters, and get the party started by honoring the bride’s closest and most distinguished guests and groom.

The Matthews House is a fantastic place to consider if you are looking for a serene rehearsal dinner venue in Cary, North Carolina. Conveniently located in the center of Downtown Cary, we offer a tranquil platform with plenty of space to host your picturesque rehearsal dinner or wedding party. Find the ultimate guide to planning and hosting a memorable event with us. 

What Is a Rehearsal Dinner?

A rehearsal dinner lets the guests and families connect and celebrate before the wedding event, where they may not get a chance to talk much about everything happening. Although rehearsal dinners are part of the wedding weekend, they have their own set of etiquette requirements.

FAQs

Who Throws the Rehearsal Dinner?

Traditionally, it is the groom’s parents that host the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. Couples must communicate and plan how and what they want to spend for their wedding. However, today anyone can host a dinner in this day and age! That means that anyone from the wedding party can throw the rehearsal dinner.

Pick a Unique Location & Choose a Fun Theme

You certainly have choices, whether you choose a beloved family restaurant or rehearsal dinner venue with personal meaning to the couple. Incorporating a fun theme into your rehearsal dinner is a great way to start the wedding weekend. You can create a celebratory theme around your heritage or the wedding place.

The Matthews House offers our Grand Ballroom, a garden oasis, and a versatile indoor/outdoor space coupled with concierge service that values flexible ease, vendor choice, and professionalism forevents like weddings and rehearsal dinners.

How Do I Invite Guests to the Rehearsal Dinner?

A rehearsal dinner invitation does not have to be formal. An online invitation via email or a phone call would be great for a rehearsal dinner.

Create a Guest List

The rehearsal dinner guest list generally consists of immediate family members, the wedding party participants, and spouses or dates. It is also courteous to invite out-of-town friends to the celebration.

When Do You Send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations?

It’s best to inform your guests of the rehearsal dinner four to six weeks in advance. This gives folks enough time to arrange their schedule and make any necessary travel arrangements.

Who Gets Invited to the Rehearsal Dinner?

It would be best if you invited immediate family members, the wedding party, friends, and sometimes out-of-town visitors who have come far.

Remaining Planning Tips

Here are more tips for planning a fantastic rehearsal dinner.

Consider Timing

Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is held the evening before the wedding, gathering everyone together before the big day. Typically, the ceremony rehearsal starts in the early evening and lasts between 30 and 45 minutes.

Plan out your Menu

Planning out the menu for the wedding party may be complex due to people’s dietary restrictions or preferences. However, it would be best if you didn’t worry because The Matthews House offers an inclusive event with multiple vendors that our guests can select to meet their requirements.

Take Care of Any Last-Minute Reminders

Take time before the conclusion of the dinner to make any wedding-related announcements. Verify that everyone in the wedding party knows what they are expected to bring and when and where they should come to get ready.

Experience a Memorable Rehearsal Dinner at The Matthews House

Rehearsal dinners are a fantastic way to connect with friends and family before the wedding weekend. The Matthews House offers a serene indoor and outdoor space with gardens if you need a rehearsal dinner venue in North Carolina.

Contact us for more information, and we will make your time worthwhile.

Want One Venue for Your Whole Wedding Experience?

Are you looking for a rehearsal dinner venue? Check out The Matthews House in Downtown Cary, central to Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill’s Triangle area in North Carolina, for an intimate wedding venue. We invite you to enjoy our serene mansion for your dream wedding.

Contact us or call (919) 341-2126 for an event that will create memories that last a lifetime.

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