10 Ways To Make Your Rehearsal Dinner Extra Meaningful

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Stumped on what to do for your rehearsal dinner? The team from Alison Events shared this real rehearsal dinner at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake and we know it will inspire you. Read on for 10 tips on creating a meaningful rehearsal dinner.

Alison Events' vision was to transform the existing pavilion into a space that felt like an upscale dinner party with amazing lake views. This was accomplished this by installing carpet and having Custom Drape BAM! create draping that elevated the space along with some hanging light pendants. For their escort card display, there was a custom wood wall with oars that had each guest's name attached to a nautical knot. Megan and Jack arrived via the Lodge's boat called Lady of the Lake, which has their custom flag aboard. Elan Artists playing during the event and their family friend even gave a surprise performance with the band. With photos by Mel Barlow and and florals by Natalie Bowen Designs, you won't want to miss this nautical rehearsal dinner. Keep reading for 10 ways to make your rehearsal dinner extra meaningful.

1. Choose a location with meaning

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The bride, Megan grew up going on vacation with her family to Whitefish, which is why they chose the beautiful lakeside location at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake for their Rehearsal Dinner.

2. Create a look

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The mother of the groom wanted a more formal look but the venue was an existing tent on the property so we elevated the look by adding a custom drape and adding these beautiful rattan lights then adding seisel carpet to complete the look.

3. Provide comfortable chairs

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Folding or chiviari chairs are the most commonly used and typically come with a venue but we wanted to add a design element but using upholstered chairs. This couple had really comfortable design savvy chairs that added to the "formal dinner party by the lake" feel of the event.

4. Have a fun seating chart

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Make finding your assigned seat fun by creating something that is in line with where you are! We opted to do these nautical knots since we were on the lake with boating being a big part of the fun.

5. Choose timeless elements

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Linen never goes out of style. This client decided to bring in linen napkins vs the typical cotton poly napkins that often come with a venue. They not only look beautiful but are more comfortable for guests to use.

6. Entertain your guests

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This couple had a band from Elan Artists perform, but to add a personal touch and surprise for the couple, their family friend sang and performed a song along with the band.

7. Add Custom Details

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We had a custom flag printed with their logo to hang and display on the hotel's "Lady of the Lake" custom wooden boat, which the couple arrived to the rehearsal dinner.

8. Get personal with a photo wall

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We had a wooden wall in the tent decorated with current and childhood images of the bride and green and elevated it with touches of greenery.

9. Consider Trivia/Games for fun

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Every guests' menu card had a trivia portion on the back along with a pencil to fill out, which had questions about the bride and groom.

10. Take lots of photos

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Be sure to snap some friend and family portraits. With so much going on during the wedding day, the rehearsal dinner is a great time to get additional photos with friends and family.

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