Rehersal Dinner

Lyn --

Can briefly describe one that seemed like "understated elegance" to me.

Earlier this summer, the couple hosted not only the wedding party & immediate family members, but also some other relatives, friends, & neighbors at a rehearsal dinner at their home. All in all, about 30-40 people. They hired a caterer to cook out of their own kitchen & minimally to wait on guests (the meal itself was buffet).

When we arrived, appetizers were being served by the catering staff on an outside patio, w/ a bar there also tended by staff. Invitations had suggested "Hawaiian" or casual dress, since the couple would be honeymooning there; & sure enough, flowery shirts popped up here & there among the guests.

As the officiants, about 45 minutes after arriving, & after checking with the couple, we did 2 run-throughs of the processional, along w/ some discussion re other details of the wedding & recessional ... & then just told everyone not to worry about remembering any of it (since we`d cue them every step of the way).

Meanwhile, the buffet had been set up on a back deck, with a number of small round tables for guests. Everyone sat wherever they wished.

After dinner, some toasts were made & stories told by parents & siblings, then the couple themselves. If music played, it played softly & unmemorably. No dancing. No wildness. Some cats wandering around. Overall, just a warm sense of kinship & friendship among these people. We left early: about 3-1/2 hours into the celebrations.

Hope this offers some basic ideas ...

-- Bon

I think since you have a pool, I`d use floating candles. I think candles can make something so elegant! Use them on tables and everywhere, very big, but simple statement!