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Home » Entertainment » Party Tips » Have an Elegant Rehearsal Dinner with Target #TargetWedding

Have an Elegant Rehearsal Dinner with Target #TargetWedding

November 3, 2013 by Diane Hoffmaster 56 Comments

Posts feature partner companies & may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Last Updated on January 22, 2016 by

This rehearsal dinner discussion is sponsored by Target and Social Chorus but all opinions expressed here are my own.

Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our 17 year anniversary.  I seriously cannot believe it has been that long since we got married.  I still remember the stress of planning the wedding, finding a dress, picking a menu, and trying to not spend a fortune.  My husband and I were pretty broke when we got married and while my parents were paying for most of the wedding, they didn't have a lot of money either.  That meant a second hand wedding dress and a photographer that was actually a police crime scene photographer who did weddings on the side!  Don't laugh...he seriously did an awesome job and was very inexpensive! The one thing that was not in the budget at all was a fancy rehearsal dinner.  But, just because we couldn't afford a fancy restaurant didn't mean we didn't have a rehearsal dinner at all.  We decided to invite our friends and family over to the house the night before the wedding and do something low key right from our own kitchen.  The best thing about hosting your rehearsal dinner at your house instead of a fancy restaurant?  If you spend you money on pretty plates and napkins you get to KEEP them for the rest of your lives!  Money spent at a restaurant?  GONE!  With the wonderful array of items in the Target Wedding Catalog, you can deck your house out in beauty and style and enjoy your purchases for years to come.  Here are a few other suggestions for hosting your rehearsal dinner at home:

How to have an Elegant Rehearsal Dinner at Home

rehearsal dinner tips with banner

1.  Keep  the guest list small:  You don't need to invite everyone who is going to your wedding.  Members of the bridal party, a few special out of town guests, and the immediate family of the bride and groom. This will make it easier on you and a more intimate setting for chatting.

2.  You don't have to cook yourself:  Many restaurants will cater your dinner and even grocery store trays of subs work well if you aren't looking for something formal.  Invest in a few elegant dishes, napkins, and candle holders to add a bit of ambiance.  Simple white dishes like the ones I found in the Target Wedding catalog can be elegant for a party but still practical for every day use.  The Threshold 16-piece dinnerware set in white has 4 each of mugs, salad/dessert plates, dinner plates and cereal/salad bowls.  A few sets of these will serve your guests in style and you can use them at your dinner table for years to come.  Invest in table cloths and napkins with simple colors so that if you change your kitchen decor over time, they will still match.

3.  Ask people to bring chairs:  This may seem a bit odd but it is hard to find enough seating sometimes if you don't usually entertain crowds.  This works particularly well if you are making this an indoor/outdoor event.  It isn't easy to stand and eat so make sure you also have a selection of small tables to put things on.

4.  If you prefer to  cook for your own rehearsal dinner, consider making a girlfriend's afternoon of fun.  Have everyone bring over knives, cutting boards and anything else you might need to create a gourmet feast for your rehearsal dinner guests.  Spending some of your hard earned money on high quality knives like the Henckels Premio knife set in the Target Wedding catalog is a great decision.  This set contains every knife you need for your kitchen. There are 13 knives and a set of shears, all made from stainless steel. You will be cooking in style for years after your rehearsal dinner if you invest in a set of Henckels knives.  They also have a great selection of individual specialty knives that come in handy during food preparation.  I loved the Tomodachi 4 inch tomato knife that I purchased from Target. It made creating my Caprese Salad incredibly easy.  This makes an elegant but simple appetizer for your guests.

rehearsal dinner menu

5.  Make sure you have enough containers to store leftovers: One thing I love about rehearsal dinners from home is that you get to keep all the leftover food!  If you have your rehearsal dinner at a restaurant, you throw a lot of food away.  That is a serious waste of money AND perfectly good food.  So, invest in some freezer to table glass storage containers like the ones from Pyrex featured in the Target Wedding catalog and throw all your leftovers in the freezer.  Trust me, you will be happy to have leftovers to dig into when you get back from your honeymoon exhausted and up to your elbows in thank you notes.  The Pyrex 19 Piece Bake and Store Set has everything you need to bake delicious desserts for your guests and store you leftovers after they leave!

 

I absolutely love the rehearsal dinner...it is probably my favorite 'party' of the entire wedding event.  It is a relaxing yet fun time to celebrate your upcoming vows with the people that mean the most to you. A couple months ago I wrote about the Target wedding theme which is Be Yourself, Together. It represents the idea that two unique people can join together while still celebrating their unique individual personalities.  By hosting your rehearsal dinner at home, you BOTH get a say in what your decor and menu will be.  It will represent your own personal tastes, not that of the restaurant you choose to host your party at.  If you are planning a rehearsal dinner, consider looking into the  Target Wedding Registry  and having your special event in your own home for a more personal touch.  If you want more ideas about how Target can help you plan your wedding just follow #TargetWedding on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook!

 

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

The Giveaway

I have been given permission to give one of my readers a $25 Target Gift Card.  This is a Giveaway Tools contest so follow the directions in the form below to enter.

Entry-Form

 

By entering this giveaway, you release this blog and it’s owner from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the giveaway or delivery, mis-delivery or acceptance of any prize.

 This rehearsal dinner discussion is sponsored by Target and Social Chorus but all opinions expressed here are my own.

Diane Hoffmaster

Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician at Good Pill Pharmacy.  She has two college aged kids, one husband and more pets than she will admit to. She earned her BS in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire  but left her career in science to become a stay at home mom. Years of playing with LEGO and coloring with crayons had her craving a more grown up purpose to her life and she began blogging and freelance writing full time.  You can learn more about her HERE.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cheryl F.

    November 04, 2013 at 6:37 am

    My favorite product is the Threshold 16 Piece Barbury Earthenware Dinnerware Set because it's neutral and will go with anything casual or elegant.

    Reply
  2. Mami2jcn

    November 04, 2013 at 2:27 pm

    I like the Sunbeam Panini Maker. It's very practical!

    Reply
  3. Janet W.

    November 04, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    My favorite is the Corelle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set - Sketch because it's very elegant looking.

    Reply
  4. Cynthia G

    November 04, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    Correelle dinner set

    Reply
  5. stephanie

    November 04, 2013 at 6:40 pm

    i would love the Corelle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set

    Reply
  6. Lisa Brown

    November 04, 2013 at 6:43 pm

    I like the Threshold 16 Piece Wellsbridge Dinnerware Set in Aqua because it would look fantastic as a dinner setting.

    Reply
  7. Elena

    November 04, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    I like the Threshold™ 16 Piece Carnigan Field Stoneware Dinnerware Set because it looks nice

    Reply
  8. Angie Agerter

    November 04, 2013 at 10:03 pm

    The Riedel Vivant White Wine Glasses Set of 4 because I think even if you don't have wine in them, just using water or juice adds a whole elegance to a dinner.

    Reply
  9. Natalie

    November 05, 2013 at 1:21 am

    I would love the Corelle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set to use for an elegant dinner

    Reply
  10. Jessie C.

    November 05, 2013 at 4:55 am

    Corelle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set - Sketch would be perfect for a fancy dinner, I like the classic and simple design.

    Reply
  11. Cheryl Abdelnour

    November 05, 2013 at 5:24 am

    I love the Keurig K75 Single Cup Coffee Maker - Platinum. Every dinner party needs a good cup of coffee.

    Reply
  12. Ivana Jankovic

    November 05, 2013 at 11:00 am

    I love Threshold™ Barbury 16 Piece Dinnerware Set - Cream because it's so elegant.

    Reply
  13. tina reynolds

    November 05, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    I love the look of the Corelle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set I also love the kitcenaid mixer to make the preparty treats

    Reply
  14. Cathy Shaw

    November 05, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    The Nespresso Pixie Expresso machine would be superbly elegant for such a dinner!

    Reply
  15. Julie Wood

    November 05, 2013 at 1:56 pm

    I would need to stand mixer to make the cake and make some of the wedding appetizers to save money.

    Reply
  16. Emilie Proctor

    November 05, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    The Keurig K75 Single Cup Coffee Maker - coffee makes everything better!

    Reply
  17. BeckyM

    November 05, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    I like the Corelle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set - Sketch because they look funky and modern.

    Reply
  18. D Schmidt

    November 05, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Visited and I like Riedel Vivant White Wine Glasses Set of 4 because they are such a classic design.

    Reply
  19. Cynthia C

    November 05, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    I would like to serve a fancy dinner on the Threshold™ 16 Piece Dinnerware Set - White

    Reply
  20. Suzanne K

    November 05, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    the Hamilton Beach food processor because it would really make salad prep super easy as well as a bunch of other dishes!

    Reply
  21. livivua

    November 05, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    I like the Riedel Vivant Champagne Flutes

    Reply
  22. Lauren @ Mom Home Guide

    November 05, 2013 at 11:21 pm

    Nice giveaway! I like the Threshold™ 16 Piece Dinnerware Set - White
    $59.99. It could be made fancy or everyday, depending on how you dress it up.

    Reply
  23. Rebecca Graham

    November 06, 2013 at 9:46 am

    The Keurig because everyone likes coffee.

    Reply
  24. latanya

    November 06, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper to help with my food prep

    Reply
  25. Candice

    November 06, 2013 at 8:09 pm

    I love the Keurig K65 Special Edition Home Brewing System because I think it'd be great to brew everyone their favorite beverage.

    Reply
  26. beth shepherd

    November 06, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    Threshold™ 16 Piece Carnigan Field Stoneware Dinnerware Set because it is very nice and something i would have liked

    Reply
  27. christine burd

    November 07, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    I like the corolle 16 piece dinnerware set-sketch because it has an elegant look

    Reply
  28. Cynthia R

    November 07, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    like the Nespresso Pixie Espresso Machine Bundle, great for dinner coffee/desert break

    Reply
  29. Robert

    November 07, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    I like the Henckels Premio Knife Set. They look great, and chances are they'll outlast the marriage.

    Reply
  30. Susan DeVaux

    November 08, 2013 at 6:41 am

    A Keurig!

    Reply
  31. Rita M

    November 09, 2013 at 1:52 am

    Riedel Vivant White Wine Glasses

    Reply
  32. Helga

    November 09, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    I like the Kitchenaid mixer because it has so many uses.

    Reply
  33. kim

    November 09, 2013 at 7:05 pm

    My favorite product for a fancy dinner would be Riedel Vivant Red Wine Glasses Set of 4

    Reply
  34. Michelle Weaver

    November 11, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    keurig maker so we can have coffee

    Reply
  35. Rusti

    November 12, 2013 at 2:06 am

    The Threshold Barbury dinnerware set.

    Reply
  36. Jessamine D.

    November 12, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    I really like the Threshold™ 16 Piece Carnigan Field Stoneware Dinnerware Set. 🙂

    Reply
  37. Jessamine D.

    November 12, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    I like the Threshold™ 16 Piece Carnigan Field Stoneware Dinnerware Set. 🙂

    Reply
  38. Barbara Montag

    November 13, 2013 at 3:45 am

    Fancy dinner - I like the Oneida Jo Ann 45 Piece Set Silver.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  39. Jessica Snow

    November 15, 2013 at 12:54 am

    I think the Sodastream White Source Soda Maker.
    Thanks for the giveaway! =)

    Reply
  40. rebecca boster

    November 16, 2013 at 7:35 pm

    I absolutely love this dining set! fun buy classy 🙂 Threshold™ 16 Piece Carnigan Field Stoneware Dinnerware Set

    thanks, bekki

    Reply
  41. Daniel M

    November 21, 2013 at 12:26 am

    the kitchenaid mixer

    Reply
  42. Jill Myrick

    November 21, 2013 at 2:31 am

    My favorite is the Threshold 16 Piece Wellsbridge Dinnerware Set in Brick.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply
  43. Susan Smith

    November 21, 2013 at 2:43 am

    I like the Threshold™ 16 Piece Carnigan Field Stoneware Dinnerware Set

    Reply
  44. Valerie S

    November 21, 2013 at 5:05 am

    The Corelle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set is very nice looking.

    Reply
  45. Priscilla S.

    November 21, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    I like the Threshold 16 Piece Wellsbridge Dinnerware Set.

    Reply
  46. Jennifer Reed

    November 21, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    From Target's Wedding Catalog I like the Riedel Vivant Champagne Flutes for a fancy party.

    Reply
  47. Lisa Garner

    November 21, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    I like the Threshold™ Barbury 16 Piece Dinnerware Set - Cream set because it makes for a elegant but non tradition table setting for a special rehearsal dinner.

    Reply
  48. Rebecca Peters

    November 21, 2013 at 10:27 pm

    I like the kitchenaid mixer

    Reply
  49. Amanda Sakovitz

    November 22, 2013 at 5:00 pm

    i like the Oneida Jo Ann 45 Piece Set

    Reply
  50. Mya Murphy

    November 22, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    Personally, I don't do elegant dinners, but I would choose the Threshold™ 16 Piece Carnigan Field Stoneware Dinnerware Set.. looks wonderful!!

    Reply
  51. Tom Lester

    November 22, 2013 at 7:19 pm

    I want the Keurig coffee maker so I can make coffee for all my guests

    Reply
  52. Tanya White

    November 22, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    I choose the Hamilton Beach Bowl Scraper Food Processor

    Reply
  53. Roxann

    November 22, 2013 at 8:41 pm

    I like the Corelle 16 Piece Round Dinnerware Set - Roses because I think they look classy.

    Reply
  54. Thomas Murphy

    November 22, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    I like the Tiered Pedestal Serving Plates - Set of 3 for serving desserts.

    Reply
  55. laurie

    November 23, 2013 at 12:15 am

    I like the Sunbeam Heritage Series Stand Mixer

    Reply
  56. CharityS

    November 23, 2013 at 3:13 am

    KitchenAid Stainless Steel Blade Coffee Grinder - 4-oz.

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Diane! I'm a busy Atlanta area mom of two college kids trying to stay sane in the chaos of suburban life. I love cooking, gardening, reading and motorcycle rides with my husband.

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