Planning A Gay Wedding Dinner: A Guide For Couples

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can create a memorable celebration that reflects your unique style as a couple. This guide will focus on planning a gay wedding dinner, covering everything from budgeting and guest lists to seating arrangements and rehearsal dinners. We'll also explore ways to personalise your wedding and make it a truly special day for you, your partner, and your loved ones.

Rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is the final event before the wedding day, so it's important to get it right. It should be held after the wedding rehearsal, which is one of the final huge steps before the official day. The wedding rehearsal should include all of your wedding party, officiants and wedding planner, if you have one. You'll want to run through where people will be walking, standing and sitting, as well as going through the timings.

The rehearsal dinner should be held around 1-2 days before the wedding, so that all the details and information are fresh in everyone's minds. It's a good opportunity to mingle and chat with your guests, so consider having the couple head up a table together, with each set of parents at another table, and the same for your honour attendants. This way, more people get to mix and there's no risk of offending anyone with your seating plan.

When planning the rehearsal dinner, it's important to consider your budget and how many people you need to cater for. You may also want to think about whether you want to host the event yourself, or whether you'd like to ask family, the wedding party or friends to host it for you. This can take the pressure off you and your partner.

Seating plans

One option for the seating plan is to have the couple head up a table together, with each set of parents at separate tables and the honour attendants at another. This avoids the traditional top table and gives more people the chance to mingle and chat over dinner. It also avoids any potential issues with offending people with your seating plan.

Another option is to have a more informal seating arrangement, with guests seated at a mix of tables. This can be a good way to encourage guests to mix and mingle, and can be especially useful if you have a lot of guests who don't know each other.

It's also a good idea to have a wedding rehearsal a day or two before the big day. This will give you a chance to run through where people will be sitting and to finalise any last-minute details.

Budgeting

Once you have a rough budget and guest list, you can start thinking about the specific details of your wedding dinner. Will you have a traditional top table, or will you opt for a more modern approach where the couple heads up a table together, with each set of parents and honour attendants at separate tables? This decision may impact the overall cost, as it could require additional tables and decorations.

When it comes to food, there are a few options to consider. You could opt for a traditional sit-down dinner, a buffet, or even a more casual food option like a food truck or picnic-style meal. The cost per person for food can vary greatly, so be sure to get quotes from multiple caterers and consider the type of food you want to serve.

Don't forget to factor in the cost of drinks as well. Will you provide an open bar, or will guests pay for their own drinks? If you choose to provide alcohol, be mindful of the cost per person, as this can quickly add up.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Wedding planners can be a great resource and may even be able to save you money with their industry connections and expertise. They can help you stay within your budget and ensure that your wedding dinner is exactly what you envisioned.

Guest lists

Planning a guest list for a wedding dinner can be a challenging task, especially if you're inviting more than a few people. It's a good idea to start by making a list of everyone you and your partner would want to attend. This will give you a rough idea of how many people you need to cater for and whether it's feasible with your budget.

Once you have a rough guest list, you can decide whether you want to send out "Save the Date" cards, especially if your wedding is during peak season. It's best not to verbally suggest that someone will be invited until the list is final.

You might also want to consider how you will seat your guests. One option is to have the couple head up a table together, with each set of parents at separate tables, and the same for honour attendants. This way, more people can mingle and chat over dinner, and there's less risk of offending anyone with your seating plan.

Finally, your guest list will determine the final count you give to the caterer, which will impact your costs. You can use a spreadsheet to keep track of your guest list and associated costs, and to note who gave you which wedding presents so you can send thank-you notes.

Engagement parties

Planning an engagement party is a great way to announce your engagement to your close friends and family. It's a party where everyone can offer their congratulations.

When planning an engagement party, it's important to consider the guest list. This will give you a rough idea of how many people you need to cater for and whether it's feasible with your budget. You may also want to consider whether you want to throw the party yourself or if you want to ask family, the wedding party or friends to host it for you. This can take the pressure off you and your partner.

If you're planning the party yourself, you may want to hire a planner to help you. They can give you ideas and tips to make sure your party goes off without a hitch.

When it comes to the seating plan, you may want to consider an alternative to the traditional top table. One option is to have the couple head up a table together, give each set of parents another table, and the same for your honour attendants. This way, more people get to mingle and chat over dinner, and there's no risk of offending anyone with your seating plan.

Frequently asked questions