THE PERFECT REHEARSAL DINNER: INSPIRATION FOR PLANNING A BACKYARD CELEBRATION
When it comes to wedding planning, the rehearsal dinner can often be overlooked — but it’s one of the best ways to kick off your wedding weekend with warmth, connection, and style.
Whether you envision a cozy evening at a local restaurant, a festive food truck soirée, or a charming backyard rehearsal dinner under the stars, this pre-wedding gathering is a great opportunity to slow down and savour the moment before the main event unfolds. In this guide, we’re sharing ideas and planning tips to help you create the perfect rehearsal dinner with inspiration for planning a backyard celebration that feels both relaxed and unforgettable.
In this edition of the Vineyard Bride Guide, we’re highlighting the charm of non-traditional rehearsal dinners, revisiting a real outdoor celebration, and sharing practical tips for hosting a special evening that feels completely your own.
WHY HOST A BACKYARD REHEARSAL DINNER?
For couples seeking a relaxed, intimate, and meaningful pre-wedding celebration, a backyard rehearsal dinner is a great option.
Hosting in your own backyard, or at a family home, adds a personal touch that’s hard to replicate. It’s a fun way to gather your closest family and friends without the formality of a traditional banquet hall or private dining room.
Other benefits include:
More flexibility with décor, timing, and guest count
Freedom to serve your hometown favorites or local cuisine
The ability to tailor the vibe to your wedding theme or overall vision
A wonderful way to connect with your wedding party members, groom’s family, and out-of-town guests ahead of the big day
And for couples planning on a tight budget, it’s a good option that still feels thoughtful and elevated.
BACKYARD REHEARSAL DINNER INSPIRATION
One of our most beloved examples of a simple wedding rehearsal dinner took place right in the bride’s brother’s backyard, surrounded by lush gardens and those nearest and dearest.
We loved long tables styled with soft linens and greenery, and guests enjoyed lawn games, informal toasts, and a cozy setting that reflected the couple’s love story. It was the perfect time to connect with close friends and immediate family members before the pace of the actual wedding day set in.
Lindsey and Nathan hosted their rehearsal dinner at Lindsey's brother Chris' house for a Greek-inspired soirée — the couple’s honeymoon destination! Fuchsia bougainvillea, eclectic pottery, white and blue place settings, and a Greek-inspired cake all brought the look together. Hosted under a tent, an intimate plated dinner by Jonny Blonde Food Truck. Florals by Gregory Fast, the bride’s brother, and stunning place settings and rentals by Special Event Rentals. The couple’s guest book was an Assouline Greek Island coffee table book, where guests were prompted to pick any page and write a small message for the couple to flip through and read when they would get back from their honeymoon. A night of drinks, dances, and rehearsing had the couple ready for their July 16th wedding!
PLANNING TIPS: HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY HOST A BACKYARD REHEARSAL DINNER
If you’re envisioning a great time outdoors before your special day, here are some helpful steps to get started with planning your own rehearsal dinner.
1. Choose Your Location Thoughtfully
One of the first things to consider is your location:
Your own backyard or a family home
A local park with a pavilion or picnic area (check local permits!)
A friend’s or relative’s property
Some important considerations to be mindful of: the size of your guest list, accessibility, parking, and restroom access.
2. Decide Who to Invite
Your rehearsal dinner guest list typically includes:
The wedding party
Immediate family members
The groom’s family
Anyone involved in the wedding ceremony
Sometimes, out-of-town guests
If your guest list is growing, you can also transform the evening into a welcome party for all guests arriving early.
3. Send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
While a formal invitation isn’t always necessary, it’s important to communicate:
Date and time
Dress code (if any)
Location (with parking tips or rain plan info)
RSVP details
Options include printed invitations, email invites, or including it as part of your wedding weekend itinerary.
4. Plan the Menu and Serving Style
The best way to approach food is to match the style of your setting. Some menu ideas:
A food truck for a fun, casual vibe
Set menu from a local restaurant or caterer
Pizza party or BBQ for a laid-back feel
Grazing boards, passed apps, or interactive stations are great options
Don’t forget dietary preferences, and consider a late-night snack or dessert station as a sweet finish.
5. Create a Rain Plan
Even in summer, weather can be unpredictable. Options include:
Renting a tent with sides and lighting
Using an indoor space as backup
Having umbrellas and cozy blankets on hand for cooler evenings
6. Add Your Personal Touch
This is a beautiful time to reflect your relationship and show gratitude. Consider:
Toasts from sets of parents or the bridal party
A playlist of meaningful songs
A short slideshow of your love story
Custom trivia or board games
Small touches go a long way in making it feel like a special occasion.
FUN REHEARSAL DINNER IDEAS
Whether you’re hosting a small group or a large group, here are some great ideas to bring personality into your night:
Twinkle light picnic with wine tastings and picnic blankets
Pizza party with DIY toppings and outdoor lounge seating
Board game night with customized trivia or table games
Food truck festival featuring tacos, sliders, or gourmet comfort food
Outdoor movie night with a projector and cozy seating
Themed party (garden party, rustic BBQ, wine and cheese, etc.)
Signature cocktails inspired by your favourite date nights
Keep the tone different from your main event, and consider ways to echo your wedding theme with subtle nods.
WHY A BACKYARD REHEARSAL DINNER IS THE BEST IDEA
It’s easy to think of the rehearsal dinner as just one more thing to plan—but it’s actually one of the best things you can do to make your wedding events feel personal and memorable.
Why it’s worth it:
An outdoor wedding rehearsal dinner creates space to truly connect before the busyness of the wedding day
It allows close family members and friends to bond
It sets the tone for a relaxed, joyful weekend
It adds dimension to your celebration, making the main event feel even more special
Even simple, summer rehearsal dinner ideas like a backyard meal with picnic tables and wine can make a lasting impression.
THE PERFECT REHEARSAL DINNER: MAKING IT YOURS
There’s no “right” way to host a rehearsal dinner — only what feels true to you. Whether it’s formal or casual, hosted at a private dining room or under the stars in your own backyard, the most important thing is that it feels intentional. It’s a great opportunity to slow down, share stories, and gather with the people who helped bring your vision to life.
For couples working with a wedding planner, the care of the rehearsal dinner often gets folded into the broader scope of wedding celebrations — but even if you’re planning this portion yourself, it doesn’t have to feel like a burden. A simple wedding rehearsal dinner held in a great place, like your own backyard or a nearby local park, can feel just as meaningful as one hosted in a traditional restaurant. Whether you're creating a sit-down meal for a smaller group or a festive outdoor rehearsal dinner complete with games and music, it's a great way to honour your journey, welcome guests, and celebrate your happy couple status. As the last thing before the pace of the main event picks up, it offers a great deal of joy and connection — and stands out as one of those truly special occasions.
As you move through the final stages of wedding planning, remember: the rehearsal dinner isn’t just a logistical warm-up. It’s a special evening to pause, celebrate your love story, and step into your wedding weekend surrounded by joy.
VENDOR CREDITS
Interested in connecting with one of the wedding professionals that was part of this day, connect with them below.
Photography: Mango Studios
Planning + Styling: Bride, Lindsey Narciso
Venue: Private Residence
Florist: Gregory Fast
Gown: Zara
Decor + Rentals: Special Event Rentals
Catering: Jonny Blonde Food Truck