Could this American trend be making its way over to this side of the pond?

When all the wedding planning has been done and the big day draws near, you might want to show appreciation to your relatives and friends for their support with some informal toasts and wholesome meal.

One way to do this could be with a rehearsal dinner and although this tradition may be bigger in the US, it doesn’t mean you cannot hold one as well.

Not sure what this is? About.com’s Nina Callaway explains it is a relaxed, casual meal when family, friends and everyone involved in the occasion can meet, chat and get to know each other before they see their loved ones marry.

As the expert explains, this is a long-standing notion, but that does not mean you cannot do things your own way and make the meal as individual as the wedding itself.

Similarly, weddingvendors.com states that “while the wedding is shrouded in traditions and expectations, the rehearsal dinner is typically a relaxed atmosphere with no set agendas”.

Ms Callaway also explains, it does not have to be an expensive affair. She says that they do not have to be “some grand formal thing, you may want to hold a meal in a local pub with some delicious, homemade dishes”.

The wedding rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to give gifts to bridesmaids and ushers etc, if you don’t want to do this on the morning of the wedding, or if you’ve bought them something like jewellery or cufflinks to wear on the day.

And if you’re still unsure whether or not a rehearsal dinner is for you, perhaps Ms Callaway can convince you with a few final words. She says: “You’re going to need to eat on that night anyway, why not eat with your loved ones?”

Stay & Dine the Night Before the Wedding Package

We are thrilled to offer our couples and guests our Stay & Dine the Night Before the Wedding package.

We welcome couples and guests to arrive the day before, see the venue all set up and run through any last minute preparations with your wedding coordinator. Then you can enjoy our stay & dine experience in our historic inn with their family and friends. 

The night before the wedding stay & dine package includes accommodation night before the wedding, dinner and full English breakfast.

For more information and bookings

Please contact the wedding coordinators on 01732 789 800, Monday to Friday 10am-3pm or email weddings@theglasshousekent.co.uk to check availability and TC's.