Soccer season is upon us, and if there’s one thing everyone loves about a soccer game, it’s the back door parties. Even if you never make it inside to watch the game, there is something so great about the spirit and fun of a tailgate. Why not use it as a unique theme for a rehearsal dinner on a fall afternoon?
Fall is a great time. The air is cool, the leaves rustle, and people feel refreshed after the summer heat has passed. It’s a perfect time to plan a wedding, and for those brides who are lucky enough to get married in the fall, it’s a great idea to have a rehearsal dinner based on one of the best fall rituals – the tailgate party.
It’s best to have a tailgate-themed rehearsal dinner outside, such as in a backyard (having the party in a parking lot would probably take the theme too far!). If your dinner is to be in the evening, it would be great to light up an outdoor space with informal lanterns in the trees. You can also line hallways with battery-operated lights.
For inspiration, check out some of the great tailgate traditions in our country. One of the classics is the annual Harvard-Yale football game. This is a great starting point if you want to have a slightly more upscale back door rehearsal dinner. Think of thoughts like plaid blankets and thermos filled with warm kids as your inspiration. The bride should wear something quite casual and timeless, like a tartan skirt with pearl wedding jewelry. The groom could get away with a pair of fancy laces and a cashmere sweater.
At every back door party, food is key. The type of food served will depend on the back door customs you have chosen as the inspiration for your rehearsal dinner. For example, in places like Kansas City or Texas, hatchback means bar-b-que, especially ribs. Serve with all the trimmings like coleslaw and cookies. For a sticky and messy dinner like ribs, it would be a good idea to place wet towel baskets on the tables, not to mention a lot of napkins! The bride should wear something that she doesn’t mind putting a little sauce on, but it should still make her look pretty. A good idea would be a simple cotton dress with sterling silver jewelry that you can reuse after the wedding.
In some parts of the country, back doors are about things like hamburgers, brats, and wings. If that’s your idea of the perfect tailgate, set up your reception with lots of grills to keep the food coming. Side dishes like potato salad and even French fries could be perfect for this more casual type of party. To make your rehearsal dinner feel like a back door party, and not just a picnic, use soccer-themed decorations, like your favorite team’s flags or pennants. You could even install a large TV to show clips of classic games (your guests would love this!).
Even if you are having a very formal wedding, you can still decide to have a fun and informal rehearsal dinner. It can be a good way for all your guests to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Choosing a fun theme like a tailgate party for your rehearsal dinner is also a great way to share some of your personality with your guests.