Your wedding (and everything leading up to it) is a major turning point in life. Each aspect should become a treasured memory for the years to come. Choosing a proper venue is important and what could be better than a yacht rehearsal dinner with the New York City skyline as a rolling backdrop for your pictures and selfies? Take a look at some of the happy couples preceding you in our photo albums.
What Is a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
Erin Davies, wedding planning expert and founder of Erin Davies Consultancy, defines the wedding rehearsal dinner as traditionally being the meal following the wedding rehearsal. Big surprise, right? Usually, although not always, this occurs the day prior to the wedding itself.
“It’s meant to be a time for the wedding party and close family members [from both sides] to come together in a more intimate setting before the larger wedding celebration the following day,” says Davies.
What Happens at a Rehearsal Dinner?
Even though it is far less formal than the rehearsal itself, the two events often occur with little to no break between them. The priority during the rehearsal dinner is for the bride and groom to spend time with their loved ones before the mad rush of the actual wedding.
Martha Stewart reminds us that although this is traditionally a time for toasts and speeches, one should keep them short and sweet. For this reason, it is best to write them in advance to ensure that you don’t get carried away. As she puts it, “don’t let it turn into Open Mic Night.”
Who Should Be Invited to a Rehearsal Dinner?
Whether you are aiming for a small, traditional guest list or something larger and more lavish, the Skyline Princess has the facilities to host you in style. Not only that, but our professional party planners and in-house chefs can help you craft the precise event you want – with options available for most budgets. After all, what better prelude to your nuptials than watching Ellis Island, the South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty roll past your dinner table while you celebrate?
In terms of whom to invite to a rehearsal dinner, Martha Stewart weighs in, noting that the traditional invitation list is limited to the people participating in the rehearsal.
- The bride and groom
- The parents of the bride and groom
- The Officiant
- The wedding party
- Readers
- Any child attendants
- Spouses or dates of the above
Of course, modern weddings often expand on this list – including friends and extended family. It is also quite common these days to invite any guests to the rehearsal dinner that have traveled from out-of-town.
The Perfect Date is Easy with Skyline Cruises
Your evening should be focused on friends and family, not juggling more details. You already have enough of those to handle with the wedding itself. Allow our team of party planners to shoulder that burden so you can focus on your celebratory evening. Let them know your desires and budget. You will be surprised at the options available. Contact Skyline Cruises today and let’s plan the rehearsal dinner cruise you and your soon-to-be spouse deserve!
