March 23, 2023

How to Host a Beautiful Rehearsal Dinner | Rancho Valencia

Hosting a rehearsal dinner is a great way to begin the wedding weekend and to show your love for your closest family and friends who have supported you throughout your lives. It’s an opportunity to relax, enjoy wonderful company, and relax with delicious food and drinks. If you’re wondering how to host a beautiful rehearsal dinner your guests will adore, here are some tips on how to make it an unforgettable event.

Choose a Stunning Rehearsal Dinner Venue

First and foremost, choose a beautiful venue that will wow your guests. A stunning location like Rancho Valencia in San Diego can set the tone for an elegant and memorable evening. With its gorgeous tile work and serene surroundings, Rancho Valencia provides a stunning backdrop for your rehearsal dinner.

Beautiful wedding venue that is perfect for a rehearsal dinner in San Diego - luxury wedding venue

Gorgeous tile stairs at a Spanish style property in San Diego - Rancho Valencia

Serve Delicious Appetizers

Serving delicious tray-pass appetizers before the official dinner. This will give your guests a chance to mingle and socialize while enjoying savory bites. You can choose from a variety of options, from classic hors d’oeuvres to more creative and innovative dishes.

A tray of delicious Miniature Beef Wellington with Sauce Bearnaise, presented at a rehearsal dinner at Rancho Valencia. The crispy appetizers are arranged beautifully on the wooden tray and are ready to be enjoyed by guests. Cavin Elizabeth Photography. — Miniature Beef Wellington with Sauce Bearnaise

A tray of mouth watering fried appetizers topped with a dish of Hamachi Sashimi, Jalapeno, Cucumber, Yuzu, presented at a rehearsal dinner at Rancho Valencia. The appetizers are carefully arranged on the tray and have a beautiful presentation.

A tray of succulent shrimp with a side of Horseradish cocktail sauce for dipping. The shrimp are beautifully arranged on the tray and look tempting. This appetizer could be a great addition to your rehearsal dinner menu if you are wondering how to host a beautiful rehearsal dinner with a touch of simplicity.

A tray of white wine being passed around for guests to enjoy at a wedding at Rancho Valencia. The tray is filled with glasses of chilled white wine, ready to be savored by guests. Cavin Elizabeth Photography.

Flowers!

An absolute must for those who love decor, hire a florist to go all out with lush flowers. Not only are flowers such a beautiful focal point, they can truly breath life into a space. Choose arrangements that complement the color scheme and of your wedding and know they don’t have to be the exact same colors as the wedding day. If you’re planning to include your rehearsal dinner photos in a printed album with your wedding photos, the flowers won’t be jarring as long as the colors are all complementary to each other.
A signature cocktail menu placed on a blush linen table next to a beautiful flower arrangement made from white hydrangea and blush roses. The menu lists vodka and tequila drinks with Her Choice and His Choice names. The flower arrangement is carefully arranged with white hydrangea and blush roses, providing a soft and elegant touch to the setting.

A rehearsal dinner setting at Rancho Valencia with beautiful flower arrangements made from white hydrangea and blush roses. The arrangements are placed in tall and low vases that are spread throughout the room. The tables are set with candles that provide a warm and romantic glow. Wooden crossback chairs line the long table.

An event setting at Rancho Valencia with beautiful flower arrangements made from white hydrangea and blush roses. The arrangements are placed in tall and low vases that are spread throughout the room. The tables are set with candles that provide a warm and romantic glow. Wooden crossback chairs line the long table. How to host a beautiful rehearsal dinner from Cavin Elizabeth.

A wedding setting at Rancho Valencia with beautiful flower arrangements made from white hydrangea and blush roses. The arrangements are placed in vases that are spread throughout the room. Neutral chargers with a beautiful rustic pattern. The tables are set with candles that provide a warm and romantic glow. Cavin Elizabeth.

Live Music

Finally, consider hiring a live musician to play relaxing music during the dinner. Whether it’s a solo guitarist, a jazz quartet, or a string quartet, live music can create a wonderful ambiance and add to the overall experience. It can also serve as a backdrop to conversations and make the evening more enjoyable for everyone. And that’s how you host a beautiful rehearsal dinner that your guests will truly adore and enjoy! For more tips on rehearsal dinners, check out my video on everything you need to know about them.