Things You'll Need:
- Cookbooks or an online recipe database
- A planner or notebook
- A few volunteers
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Step 1
Create a budget and stick to it. Chances are other wedding expenses have already claimed a substantial portion of your bank account. As party planning begins and creativity flows, costs can accumulate rapidly. Save yourself a lot of grief and set reasonable boundaries on your spending. This may cause momentary disappointment, but you’ll thank yourself when the credit card bills roll in at the end of the month.
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Step 2
Establish a guest list. You already know the bridal party will be attending, but there could be other special people you wish to invite to the rehearsal dinner. Depending on the number of extra people, you might want to send invitations, but oftentimes a phone call is all that is necessary. Remember to add your guests' dates, spouses and children and also the photographers and musicians into your final head count.
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Step 3
Find a convenient location. It’s important to cater your rehearsal dinner close to the wedding site. Gas isn’t free and your guests will be hungry. If you are getting married in a church, catering your meal in the church’s dining hall is often a good option. Nearby hotels might also offer banquet rooms. If you want an outdoor party, check with gardens or parks. You could even use your own backyard. If you decide on an outdoor location, be sure to have either a large tent or a backup location in case of bad weather. Whatever location you choose, be aware that it will effect what type of food you can prepare. It’s easier to cater an elaborate hot meal if you have access to a commercial kitchen. Outdoor rehearsal dinners are better suited to simple entrees or food served cold.
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Step 4
Pick a theme. Your theme can be as simple as tea candles and flowers with dishes to match. Or you can orchestrate a Hawaiian luau complete with leis and tiki torches. You're the bride and the caterer; it's up to you. But be aware that a theme may affect your menu. For example, you wouldn't serve barbecued ribs at a Mexican fiesta.
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Step 5
Plan your menu. Flip through cookbooks or search online recipe databases to plan your perfect meal. Remember to consider your guests’ tastes as well as your own. You may love Thai food, but if it makes the groom’s family ill, you might want to go with your second choice. Also take into account your experience in the kitchen. If cooking is second nature, feel free to explore more complicated options. If you’re moderately skilled, try something tasty, but simple. If you choose a recipe you've never tried before, it's wise to sample it first. Make a small amount a week or two in advance and have friends and family try the dish. If they enjoy it, forge ahead. If it's not a winner you don't have four pans of something no one will eat.
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Step 6
Estimate the amount of food you’ll need to prepare. It is always better to round up. If you have too much food, you can always send it home with friends and relations. Take note of how many servings a recipe makes. You may have to double, triple or quadruple the ingredients. See Resources for more information.
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Step 7
Work ahead. Several days in advance make sure you have all necessary dishes and decorations for your rehearsal dinner. If you are missing items, check with your local party rental store. They can be counted on for décor galore, but also practical items like serving and chafing dishes. Go over each recipe on your menu and make a shopping list. Save extra trips to the store by making sure you purchase enough of each item the first time. Remember you're catering to a crowd. One box or bag of something may not be enough. Begin cooking in advance; just make sure the food remains fresh. For example, foods like homemade lasagna can be layered, frozen and baked later. Undressed salads can be tossed the night before if they are stored in an airtight container. If you are making garlic bread, combine the herbs, garlic and butter ahead of time and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Also try time-savers like chopping all the onions or grating all the cheese you'll need for the meal ahead of time. Make a "dinner preparation time line" showing when tasks should begin and end so the meal can be served on time. Take note of when foods should go in and out of the oven or refrigerator, when the punch should be mixed, when the candles should be lit and what time guests will arrive. If you stick to your schedule, everything should run smoothly and dinner will be ready for your guests at the proposed time.
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Step 8
Ask for volunteers. Many hands make light work. Catering is a difficult solo act. Get a few good friends to help you decorate your location ahead of time. Ask a parent, a sibling or your spouse-to-be if he or she would assist you in preparing or serving some of the food, cutting the dessert or pitching in for clean up. Since you are the bride and the wedding rehearsal caterer, study your dinner preparation time line for any overlapping. If food needs to come out of the oven before the wedding rehearsal is over, don't hesitate to ask a friend or family member to slip out early. Loved ones usually feel honored when asked to volunteer at a wedding event and the worst they could say is “No.”
