How to Decorate for a Wedding Rehearsal

Celebrate with family in an intimate setting

By Cynthia Myers

Photo by Michael Graham Photography

Unlike the big party the next day, the wedding rehearsal is a more intimate get-together for the wedding party and the immediate family of the bride and groom. This is a last opportunity for the engaged couple to spend time together with the people who mean the most to them. Decorations should encourage a cozy, romantic feeling and foster intimacy and conversation.

• What You Need to Know
• Rehearsal dinner attendees should be able to converse and interact easily.
• The focus of the event is celebrating family and the couple.

Step 1:

Try to use one or two long tables to make it easier for people to see each other as they eat, as well as mingle with other attendees. Arrange centerpieces so that they don't block guests' views of one another or inhibit conversation. Use low arrangements such as bowls filled with floating candles, or high arrangements, such as bouquets of balloons that can float above the table.

Step 2:

Create a comfortable atmosphere by using soft lighting. Switch off fluorescent lights and hang strings of small white lights overhead. Use lots of candles, both tea lights and pillar candles on tables. Set shaded lamps around the perimeter of the room. If you're having the gathering at a restaurant tell them what kind of lighting you want.

Step 3:

Place photos of the bride and groom as children, and wedding photos from family members and friends, around the room. You can enlarge photos on a computer and print them on a laser printer and hang them on the wall, or display in frames on tables. This will encourage family and friends to reminisce and share stories of their happy days with the bride and groom.

Step 4:

if you're having the event in a rented out room or at a friend or relative's home, get creative to make the room comfortable. Shrink a large room with swags of fabric or even screens to block off part of the room. Lower a tall ceiling by filling it with balloons. Or hang fabric from rafters.

Step 5:

Shrink a large room with swags of fabric or even screens to block off part of the room. Lower a tall ceiling by filling it with balloons. Or hang fabric from rafters.

• Tips & Warnings
• Flowers or even wedding party gifts can be used as centerpieces.
• Candles, white lights and balloons all lend a festive yet intimate feel wedding rehearsals.
• Family photos spark conversation and enhance the family feel of the evening.
• Use table cloths, napkins and floral centerpieces that match the wedding colors.
• Save money by reusing flower arrangements at the reception the next day.
• Decorate side tables with a single floral arrangement, and stack wrapped bridal party gift packages in an attractive display.