A Poolside Rehearsal Dinner

Summer is officially here, and pool season is here now too. When you are looking for the perfect spot to host a laid-back rehearsal dinner, why not think about having your party at a pool? Whether it is a pool at a club or in your own backyard, a poolside rehearsal dinner is sure to be a fun and relaxing way to spend the day before your wedding.

A rehearsal dinner by a pool is a terrific family style party when you will be having all age groups on your guest list. The ideal timing would be to have an early afternoon rehearsal, followed by the dinner starting in the late afternoon. This will give all of your guests plenty of hours to enjoy the sunshine, but it is after the strongest light of the day. When you send out your rehearsal dinner invitations, be sure to mention that there will be swimming, and that anyone interested should bring their swimsuits.

There are a few practical things that you should keep in mind when planning a rehearsal dinner at a pool for your guests’ safety and comfort.

The most important thing is to hire a certified lifeguard, whether you are having the party at your home or at a private club. It is too easy at a large party for everyone to assume that someone else is keeping an eye on the children in the pool, when in fact, no one is. Also, a thoughtful host at a summer event will provide shady areas where guests can relax out of the direct sun. A cabana is a wonderful option if you have one available, or you can set up nice tables with oversized picnic umbrellas. Place a cute beach bucket with travel sized bottles of sunscreen near the entrance to the party.

As for the food, poolside fare is best kept simple. Your guests will be expecting summer favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken on the grill, so give it to them.

There are so many delicious fresh summertime foods available to round out the menu that you may find it hard to narrow it down to just a few. Fresh corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake, and melon salad are some of the biggest crowd pleasers. Other menu additions can include potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, and three bean salad.

Since your rehearsal dinner is more special than a regular party, you want to set the scene accordingly. It is possible to have a very casual gathering that still has some style. Of course, you should not use breakable dishes poolside, but that does not mean that you have to resort to paper plates and napkins. The first tip is to use attractive melamine (plastic) plates rather than paper plates. Get a collection of cloth napkins in festive summery colored solids and stripes. Real utensils are much, much nicer than plastic ones.

Think about your décor, too. If your rehearsal dinner will last into twilight, hang festive paper lanterns to cast a beautiful glow over your party. Lanterns make a wonderful addition to the tables. And the bride should give some thought to her personal style as well. Pick a pretty sundress with beach wedding jewelry for a look that is relaxed and yet very pretty. If you are headed somewhere warm after your wedding, the beach inspired jewelry will also be great to have for your honeymoon.

Rehearsal dinners need not be stuffy or formal, even when the wedding the next day is a formal affair. If you are a summer bride, take advantage of all that the season has to offer when you are planning your rehearsal dinner. A festive and relaxed poolside rehearsal dinner will put everyone in a great mood for the wedding.

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