The Best Summer Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

Modern Summer Attire

If you've planned a summer wedding weekend, you know that the temperature will—most likely—be on the higher side, which is why you'll want to dress accordingly. Take notes from this stylish duo, who were as prepared for their warm-weather celebration as they were stylish. The bride-to-be chose a semi-sheer Rasario dress with a breathable skirt (we like that she went for a pop of black, to contrast the white she'd wear the next day), while her future groom donned a Richard James cream-colored suit and easy loafers from Belgian Shoes NYC.

• More Dresses to Wear to Your Rehearsal Dinner

Pastel Tabletop

Your rehearsal dinner's flowers won't necessarily be as involved as your reception's but there's nothing wrong with adding a bold floral focal point to each tablescape. This multicolored pastel centerpiece, composed of purple delphinium, peach garden roses, creamy Japanese anemone, and pink scabiosa, by Kelly Lenard anchored this party's central table, which was kept otherwise simple with creamy linens and neutral dinnerware from The Top Rentals.

• How to Throw an Unforgettable Rehearsal Dinner

Fruity Seating

If you've decided to assign seats during this pre-wedding party, go for a simple escort card concept that pulls double-duty—and nods to the season. These fruit-filled mini baskets from Etsy, reminiscent of the ones you'd find at a summer farmer's market, were filled with seasonal favorites, like oranges and raspberries. A calligraphed note, courtesy of The Lazy Creative, atop each helped guests find their tables; they also served as yummy snacks.

• More Creative Escort Cards and Seating Displays

Lush Location

Not hosting your rehearsal dinner outside? A glass-enclosed greenhouse is the next best thing. Sezana Botanical Garden, the locale seen here, is a bohemian couple's dream: Filled with potted cacti, crawling air plants, and lush tropical trees, the green-filled space was the perfect backdrop for this duo's boho-chic event. On the tabletop, green vinyl chairs, goblets, and candles tied the setup—curated by Mareli Wedding Planner & Designer—to its surroundings.

Beer Bar

If you're searching for a Champagne alternative for your rehearsal dinner, consider a serve-yourself beer bar. At this event, planned by Tyler Speier, Blair Dugan Floral Design enlisted her father to create a custom craft beer station, which served up the couple's favorites.

• Which Type of Rehearsal Dinner Is Right for You?

Summery Accessory

The sun sets later during the summer, which means you still might need protection from its rays even if you're kicking off this party around dinner time. Copy this bride-to-be and pair a cropped two-piece ensemble (it helped her beat the late-evening heat!) with a wide-brimmed hat; the Free People accessory featured a fun fresh floral component by Natasha Kolenko.

• Unique Ways to Wear a Hat on Your Wedding Day

New Red, White, and Blue

Planning a wedding over the Fourth of July weekend? Reinterpret the holiday's signature red, white, and blue color scheme in a newfangled way for your rehearsal dinner (this is particularly fun if your wedding has a completely different palette). A dusty blue La Tavola tablecloth contrasted the vintage red-and-white patterned dinnerware on this Smith + James Events setup; an ultra-colorful centerpiece, which Kelly Lenard filled with orchids, mums, ranunculus, lilies, sweet peas, and kumquats subtly referenced the shades below.

• Our Favorite Summer Wedding Color Palettes

Complementary Ensembles

Summer is a lush, verdant season; pay homage to its vibrancy by donning rehearsal dinner ensembles that pay homage to one of its more natural shades (green!). Note how this couple's outfits feel intentionally complementary. The bride-to-be choose a colorful, but green-centric ensemble in a summery print, while her groom went for an opaque emerald suit.

Champagne Tower

Love the idea of a Champagne tower, but are nervous about putting together a multi-tiered, complex iteration for your reception's 200 guests? Try out this fun drink setup come the rehearsal dinner, which often entails a much smaller head count (and, therefore, requires less coupes!). Two white floral arrangements by Florésie flanked this tower, arranged by Jennifer Fox Weddings.

• How to Build a Champagne Tower

Gingham Linens

At this rehearsal dinner designed by Heather Minor Events, green-and-white gingham linens from La Tavola embraced the verdant beauty of Sun Valley, Idaho, where the event took place. Natural wooden chargers and simple white blooms, arranged in petite vessels by Two Hands Floral, spoke to the rustic vibe of the celebration.

Beachy

If you're throwing this pre-nuptial party on the beach, take notes from this The Purple Chair celebration. Rattan furniture, sourced from Electra, played into the oceanside locale; the natural wood tones paired well with the sandy backdrop, creating a beachy monochrome effect.

• See More Woven and Rattan Wedding Ideas We Love

Garden Party

Not into the idea of getting hitched by the sea? Consider a romantic on-land option, like a garden venue. Find a sweet nook on the property—this celebration took place near the The Estate at North Mowing's central fountain, which bubbled in the distance—for your rehearsal dinner, like this duo did here. Events By Sorrell crafted the ultimate pre-wedding setup with dusty rose linens, wicker chairs, and dreamy Emily Herzig florals.

Sky Blue

Looking for even more rehearsal dinner outfit for your groom? Make this this handsome gent and draw color inspiration from a bright summer sky when ideating his suit.

Two-Tier

If you choose to serve a cake during your rehearsal dinner, keep it small (leave the over-the-top confection for the main event!). A fun way to make your tiny dessert feel special? Sugar flowers, like the ones on this Sheila Mae cake. Bonus points if they match the fresh florals seen throughout the party.

• Should Your Rehearsal Dinner Be as Formal as Your Wedding?

Hydration Station

Arguably one of the most important things to consider when planning a summer event—especially one hosted outdoors—is hydration. Ensure your rehearsal dinner guests are safe under the blazing setting sun by providing an infused water (or lemonade!) station, like this one by Danae Grace Events; these drinks will supplement all the Champagne going around.

• Non-Alcoholic Hydration Stations Your Wedding Guests Will Appreciate

Fruity Grazing Station

When mapping out your rehearsal dinner menu, consider the heat—and avoid heavy, rich foods, like creamy pasta bars, that might make guests feel bogged down. Serve lighter bites (think salads and lean proteins) instead—and offer a fruity grazing station, filled with seasonal favorites, for dessert. Grupo Dani Garcia set up this colorful food table, complete with fresh plums, grapes, bananas, and more.

The Couple in White

Make the most of weddings' signature color (white!) by wearing the neutral—in tandem—during your pre-wedding celebration, à la this couple (she wore a custom Elie Saab dress, while he donned a bespoke suit from Derby Suit and Tailoring). It's a fun way to foreshadow a major detail of the following day: your wedding dress.

Floral Rosé

Searching for a way to enhance your rehearsal dinner wine? Copy Sparkle & Shine Events and offer your go-to varietal (which, come summer, is often rosé) in chilled coupes (not traditional wine glasses!) and top off all drinks with edible floral garnishes, like these from Bramble & Bee.

• More Creative Ways to Serve Rosé at Your Wedding

Lounge

Draw inspiration from wedding receptions' classic décor elements when brainstorming your rehearsal's design. This duo worked with Ashley Nicole Events to map out a cozy lounge (an idea most often executed during an actual wedding!), complete with rugs and furniture from Yonder Floral & Décor House, for their pre-nuptial party.

• More Lounge Ideas Your Guests Can Cozy Up To

Lawn Games

Encourage your guests to take advantage of your venue's grassy lawn by setting up a few game stations near the dinner setup; a sunset round of croquet is a fun, low-key option.

• Discover More Wedding Games That'll Keep Guests Laughing

Frosé Pops

Now here's another fun way to serve rosé on the night before the wedding. Frozen wine pops are casual and easy to eat—which make them absolutely perfect for your laid-back rehearsal.

A Locale-Ready Dress

Ultimately, your rehearsal dinner dress should speak to the event's overall aesthetic—this obviously involves your location. Take this bride-to-be's Nardos Design ensemble, for example. Loose and flowing, the simple number—complete with mesh sleeves and a breezy sheer lace skirt—felt elegant, but still casual enough for her Jackson Hole party.

Beachfront

If you're already hosting your destination nuptials on the beach, why not throw all of your wedding-weekend's soirées alongside the water, as well? After all, you chose your sandy locale (at least) partly for its epic views. Though your backdrop will do most of the talking, pretty tabletop décor can't hurt, as evidenced by this flower-filled setup by Anna Le Pley Taylor.

• Tips for Hosting a Flawless Bridal Shower on the Beach

Ice Cream

You can't host a summertime rehearsal dinner without ice cream—that's just a fact. Enlist a local creamery to serve up cups of gelato (these were provided by Splendora's) in your favorite flavors. Finish off the treats with personalized stickers, complete with your names and wedding date.

Watermelon Sticks

In need of a healthier dessert option? Wedge lollipop sticks into watermelon triangles and serve them frozen.

Just a Few Blooms

For simplicity's sake, stick to just a few floral varieties as you design your rehearsal dinner centerpieces. As this mostly-greenery peony, garden rose, scabiosa, and ranunculus (all in-season blooms!) garland by Bloomwell & Co. proves, less really is more.

• See More of Our Favorite Summer Wedding Centerpieces

Pantsuit

Take a bold approach to your rehearsal dinner attire and step into a nontraditional pantsuit for the celebration. This bride, for example, wore a strapless Lela Rose top over white wide-legged pants on the big night.