If going to a formal, sit-down restaurant the night before your wedding isn’t your idea of a good time, these creative wedding rehearsal dinner ideas are sure you get you jazzed. Whether your pre-wedding festivities are going to be an intimate affair with close family and your wedding party or a big hoopla with all of your out-of-town guests, it needs to be one thing – FUN! This event is a time to relax, enjoy those final hours of being engaged, and spend some quality time with those who are there to celebrate with you. Unfortunately, when it comes to planning, the rehearsal dinner usually doesn’t receive as much attention as it deserves. It’s one of the last details to take care of in the planning process, when you’re pressed for both time and money. Because of this, most couples book a local restaurant and forget about it. It’s a great no muss, no fuss option for that couple who wants straight-forward planning with simple execution. However, if you’re looking for something a little more outside the box, we challenge you to try one of these unique wedding rehearsal dinner ideas your guests won’t soon forget.
Food Truck Round Up
These mobile restaurants are hot and Pittsburgh has a plethora of them. Rent a pretty pavilion in a park, hire a few food trucks to do take care of the edibles, and let your guests indulge. From tacos to BBQ to entire menus dedicated to thinks like lobster rolls or mac and cheese, there is something to suit just about every tastebud. You can even find dessert trucks to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings after a big meal. What could be more fun than a casual outdoor get together with an array of food providers on wheels?!
Kennywood Park
Potato Patch fries for everyone! Head to the park and spend the evening riding coasters, chowing down on amusement park food, and spending time in a Pittsburgh landmark. Out-of-towners and Pittsburgh natives alike will love this youthful way to kick off your wedding weekend. You can keep things super casual and let your guests explore the park on their own, or you can rent one of Kennywood’s pavilions for a private meal before taking in the park. Either way, we highly recommend being extra nostalgic and totally Pittsburgh and having matching t-shirts made for your guests. How else will someone find you if they’re lost?!
Bowling Alley
Meadow Lanes, inside the Meadows Casino, houses an awesome VIP room, complete with private bowling lanes, a private bar, and plenty of room to mingle and have a blast. Choose from a wide array of items to create a killer buffet dinner. Make use of the existing LED screens by playing a slideshow of photos of you and your fiance and pump your favorite playlist through the speakers. Keep things competitive with prizes available for things like highest score, most strikes in a row, and most creative throw. Plus, you can always cap the night off by trying your luck at the slots…maybe you’ll win some honeymoon spending money!
Pirates Game
Head to the ballpark and take in a night game. PNC Park has a number of more formal event spaces, where you can set up catering services and view the game from a private space. But the Pirates Deck is a great option for casual parties and cocktail receptions. It overlooks the field and North Shore, is partially covered, and includes a loaded card good for concessions and merchandise throughout the park. Or join the All You Can Eat Seats, where guests can enjoy all the burgers, dogs, peanuts, ice cream, etc. they can handle, while overlooking the outfield. Treat your guests to matching baseball hats to commemorate the occasion!
Backyard Pig Roast
If you haven’t been to a pig roast, you haven’t lived (sorry to our vegetarian and vegan friends!). Talk about delicious. A number of caterers in the area will deliver a fully roasted pig to your backyard barbecue, along with all sorts of yummy picnic side dishes. If you really want to wow your guests, have the caterer roast the pig on-site while your guests enjoy cool drinks and lawn games. We can’t think of a more relaxing way to spend your last night as a soonly-wed!
We want to hear about your extraordinary rehearsal dinner plans! Comment below and tell us what you’re doing or upload a photo and tag @burghbrides and use #burghbrides so we can see how you celebrated the evening before your I dos!
