The first step to planning a wedding rehearsal dinner in Las Vegas is to think about the overall vibe for the event. Do you want your rehearsal dinner to be a family-friendly group dining event, or would you prefer it to be adults-only for a more intimate atmosphere? Is your ideal wedding rehearsal dinner fun and casual?  Or a more formal, fancier affair? Knowing what vibe you are going for will help you narrow the field of restaurants to a more manageable list of options.  Other things to consider are ample parking for your attendees, ease of getting in and out of the building, and how hard it is for other people to find the restaurant location.

Once you know your overall vibe, the event can start to take shape. Consider your budget, time of day and number of guests.  While rehearsal “dinners” are most traditional, there’s no reason not to choose a different time or meal that works better with the rehearsal schedule, especially if guests have traveled from other places to be a part of your big day. Is your wedding rehearsal scheduled for mid-day in a chapel? Morning at a church? If a rehearsal brunch or lunch makes more sense, go for it. There’s no better place to buck the rules and do things your way than in Las Vegas!

With the vibe and timing solidified, you can start to build out the flow of the event and your food and drink menu. Do you need to accommodate any special dietary needs of your guests, such as vegetarian dishes, gluten-free options or allergy concerns? Will you serve guests via a buffet, or is family style more your style?  Will you have heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, or a more formal plated meal?  You’ll also need to think about whether you’ll have a la carte alcoholic beverages, an open bar, or perhaps skip the drinks altogether.

With food, drinks and location out of the way, it’s time to move into other details. Do you want to be secluded from other patrons of the restaurant? Ask if the restaurant offers semi-private or private dining rooms that can accommodate a group of your size.

Will you have toasts or speeches that require a microphone? Will you need a television or screen  to show a video highlighting the courtship of the happy couple or photos of the families? Be sure to ask your host or dining specialist about audio video needs before you finalize your plans, and make sure to let them know about any special set ups, such as a table to display wedding party gifts before it’s time to pass them out. Lastly, don’t forget about decorations to make your day shine. Ask your private dining host about decoration particulars, such as if you can decorate the room and with what decor items.

Consider the extras that will make this pre-wedding event that much more special. Now that you have the essential planning items checked off of your list, you should consider any additional features that will bump your special event up a notch. Special touches like dishes, menus, or cocktails that are meaningful can make the evening memorable.  For the food portion of the event, ask if the chef can prepare a special menu or dish as a nod to the couple. A mixologist can add to the festive mood with a specialty cocktail that represents the union of the families, or the restaurant’s pastry chef might prepare a spectacular family style dessert.

Las Vegas was made for weddings and wedding-related parties. As you’re surrounded by family and friends, make sure you relax, take it all in and enjoy the moment.  The staff will be there to guide you every step of the way. So, sit back, enjoy and have fun!