Eat, Drink, And Be Merry

By Angela Ash

What could be more important than your wedding day, the day that you have dreamed of since you saw the prince awaken Sleeping Beauty with a kiss?

Well, the rehearsal of your special day, of course! Do major sports teams practice before their big game? Do you think Nickelback did a bit of a walk-through before their last tour? Think of the days of rehearsal before your high school graduation. The most special day of your life should be no different.

However, while this is a day to plan everything to a “t”, get all of the wrinkles ironed out, and make sure that the flower girl remembers to throw the petals on the ground and not on the guests, this is also a time to reward the ones who have assisted you in this grand occasion. And what better way to reward them than with FOOD?

Selecting the place to hold this affair will be your major decision. While there are many different places and ways to hold a rehearsal dinner, the most important is that you hold it somewhere that your guests will feel welcome, feel close to home but without having to do the dishes, and will actually LIKE the food.

Now, many banquet halls and meeting rooms will host a rehearsal dinner, and will provide catering or will allow you to select a caterer. This is an excellent plan, especially if you have a very large wedding party. Another choice is to have the dinner at a favorite restaurant. Many restaurants have separate areas where you will have privacy, and this is something that I would strongly suggest that you take FULL advantage of. You surely won’t want to be discussing the lace on your bridal gown while the people at the next table are planning their next hunting trip.

The menu choice can be simple, extravagant, or something in between. Just keep in mind that this food will fuel you for the night ahead, so ensure that you select something that will agree with everyone’s taste. Alcohol can or can not be included. The choice is up to you, but it is a nice gesture, and nothing you will have to get a second mortgage on the house you just signed the first mortgage on to pay for.

This is more than likely the last time you will have everyone assembled together before your wedding day, so make the best of it! Go over the plans until they are imprinted eternally in everyone’s mind, and don’t forget to have fun! If all goes as planned, you will only do this ONCE!