In the past Rehearsal dinners were traditionally small, intimate events the night before a wedding that only the wedding party and immediate family of the bride and groom were invited to. This is no longer no longer the case; trends are headed toward more unique and laid-back rehearsal dinners. Here are a few ideas to make help make your rehearsal more personal, memorable and fun:

1.) Choose a familiar place;this could be the first restaurant you dined at with your fiancee, your parent’s backyard, your favorite cozy cafe or anywhere else that means something special to you.

2.) Capture the memories by hiring a professional photographer: this will be the night before one of the biggest days of your life. With all the excitement and emotion swirling in the air taking quality pics may be the last thing on any of your guests’ minds. By hiring a pro you are sure to get some great shots, and if you make these plans early on you may be able to negotiate a good rate with your wedding photographer since he or she will already be working with you and your fiancee.

3.) Keep it low key. There are several ways to keep your rehearsal dinner informal and fun. Start of by inviting whomever you want. Break tradition by inviting long term family friends, a close neighbor or anyone else you’d like to include. Another way is do a ‘pot-luck’ or a BBQ. Just make sure nobody near and dear gets stuck cooking or cleaning up all night.

4.) Make a toast to your guests; at your wedding you and your fiancee be the guests of honor. Many people will say lovely things about you and your union. At the rehearsal dinner take the opportunity to acknowledge the friends and family that helped you work toward the big day, tell ‘em what they mean to you.