The Complete Guide to Planning a Rehearsal Dinner in Lake Havasu City
Everything you need to know about hosting the perfect pre-wedding celebration — from guest lists and toasts to timing and menus.
What Is a Rehearsal Dinner?
A rehearsal dinner is the celebration that kicks off your wedding weekend. It happens the night before your big day, right after you and your wedding party run through the ceremony.
Think of it as the calm before the beautiful storm — a chance to gather your closest people, break bread together, and soak in the excitement of what’s about to happen.
Why does it exist?
The tradition started as a practical thing. You needed to practice the ceremony so nobody trips walking down the aisle or forgets where to stand. But over time, it became something more meaningful.
It’s where both families meet for the first time in many cases. Where you thank the people who helped you get to this moment. Where your best friend can tell that embarrassing college story that wouldn’t fly at the formal reception.
About 74% of couples host a rehearsal dinner, and there’s good reason. The wedding day itself moves fast. You’ll barely have time to eat, let alone have real conversations with the people you love most. The rehearsal dinner gives you that gift — unhurried time with your inner circle.
How long does it last?
Plan for 2-3 hours total:
- 30 minutes for arrival and mingling
- 60-90 minutes for the meal
- 30-60 minutes for toasts and winding down
Most rehearsal dinners start around 6:00 or 6:30 PM and wrap up by 9:00 or 9:30 PM. You want everyone well-rested for the main event.
Who to Invite
This is where things can get tricky. The guest list question causes more stress than almost any other part of planning.
Here’s the simple rule: Anyone in the ceremony gets invited, plus their significant other.
The must-invite list:
- Your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man)
- Parents and stepparents
- Grandparents
- Siblings (even if they’re not in the wedding party)
- Flower girls and ring bearers, plus their parents
- Your officiant and their spouse
- Anyone doing a reading or special role in the ceremony
The “it depends” list:
Out-of-town guests — Traditional etiquette says you should invite anyone who traveled for your wedding. Modern practice is more flexible. If your budget allows and you want to welcome everyone who made the trip, go for it. If not, a smaller dinner followed by casual welcome drinks for the wider group is a thoughtful compromise.
Kids — If children are in your wedding party, they’re invited along with their parents. Beyond that, it’s your call. Some couples want an adults-only evening. Others love having kids around. Neither is wrong.
Extended family — Aunts, uncles, and cousins aren’t traditionally included unless they’re in the wedding party. If you have room and budget, you can certainly expand the list. Just be consistent so no one feels singled out.
How to handle the guest list gracefully:
Address invitations specifically — “John Smith” rather than “John Smith and Guest” — so expectations are clear. If someone asks why they weren’t included, a simple “we kept it to the wedding party and immediate family” is all you need.
Who Pays
Traditionally, the groom’s family hosted and paid for the rehearsal dinner. This goes back to when the bride’s family covered the wedding itself, so the rehearsal dinner was the groom’s family’s contribution.
The modern reality:
These days, there’s no single right answer. Some couples pay for it themselves. Some split costs between families. Some stick with tradition. What matters is having the conversation early — ideally six months before the wedding — so everyone’s on the same page.
Questions to sort out upfront:
- Who’s contributing and how much?
- Does the contributing party want input on venue and menu?
- What’s the comfortable budget range?
A direct, honest conversation prevents awkwardness later. Most families appreciate clarity over guessing games.
What’s reasonable to spend?
Expect somewhere between $30-100 per person, depending on venue, service style, and whether you’re doing a full bar. A casual backyard gathering costs far less than a plated dinner at an upscale restaurant. Both can be wonderful — it just depends on what fits your style and budget.
Venue and Timing
Choosing the right spot:
The best rehearsal dinner venues share a few things in common: they’re close to where you’re rehearsing, they can accommodate your group comfortably, and they match the vibe you’re going for.
Restaurant private rooms are popular because they handle everything — food, drinks, service, cleanup. You show up, enjoy the evening, and leave without worrying about logistics.
Other options work too. Backyards for casual gatherings. Wineries or breweries for something more relaxed. Event spaces if you want full control over the details.
Arizona timing considerations:
If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner in Lake Havasu City during the warmer months (May through October), timing matters. Schedule your ceremony rehearsal for late afternoon — around 4:00 or 5:00 PM — and dinner for 6:00 PM or later. The desert cools down as the sun sets, making evening gatherings much more comfortable.
Fall through early spring offers beautiful weather for outdoor options. Those mild Lake Havasu evenings are hard to beat.
Proximity matters:
Keep the dinner venue within 10-15 minutes of your rehearsal location. Your wedding party just ran through the ceremony. They don’t want a 30-minute drive before they can relax and eat.
Book early:
For peak wedding season (September through November and March through May in Arizona), book your venue 6-9 months ahead. Off-season gives you more flexibility, but popular spots fill up regardless.
Menu and Food
Service style options:
Plated dinner — The most formal option. Everyone gets the same courses, served by staff. Works well for upscale venues and smaller groups.
Buffet — Guests serve themselves from stations. Faster, more casual, and often more budget-friendly. Good for larger groups with varied tastes.
Family-style — Large platters come to each table and everyone shares. This is the sweet spot for many rehearsal dinners. It feels warm and communal, encourages conversation, and works beautifully for Mexican cuisine where passing plates of tacos, enchiladas, and sides feels natural.
How formal should the food be?
Less formal than your wedding reception. If your wedding features an elegant multi-course meal, the rehearsal dinner can be comfort food or casual cuisine. Save the “wow” moment for the main event.
Dietary restrictions:
Ask about allergies and dietary needs on your RSVP. Give yourself time to communicate these to the restaurant or caterer — they need advance notice to accommodate properly.
Alcohol:
You have options: open bar, limited bar (beer, wine, and a signature cocktail or two), or no alcohol at all. Whatever you choose, encourage moderation. No one wants the best man hungover during the ceremony.
For the couple specifically: stick to one or two drinks maximum. You want to sleep well and wake up feeling great.
Toasts and Speeches
The rehearsal dinner is where the real toasts happen. It’s more intimate than the reception, which means people can share stories that are personal, funny, and sometimes a little more honest.
Who speaks:
The hosts traditionally toast first — welcoming everyone and setting the tone. After that, the floor opens up. The best man and maid of honor often say a few words. Parents, siblings, and close friends might chime in. The couple usually closes things out with a thank-you to everyone gathered.
How long:
Keep toasts to 2-3 minutes each. That’s shorter than you think — maybe 300-400 words. Practice beforehand with a timer.
What to say:
Share genuine stories. Talk about why this couple works. Be funny if that’s natural for you, but don’t force it. Welcome the new family members joining yours. Thank the people who helped make this wedding happen.
What to avoid:
Skip the ex stories. Don’t make jokes about divorce or cold feet. Avoid anything that would embarrass the couple in front of their grandmother. If you’re not sure whether something’s appropriate, it probably isn’t.
When to do toasts:
During or after the main course works best. Everyone’s settled, fed, and ready to listen. Wrapping up toasts before dessert keeps the evening moving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Running too late. End by 9:30 PM. The couple needs sleep, and so does the wedding party. A late night means tired faces in photos and foggy ceremony memories.
Overcomplicating the guest list. Pick your criteria early and stick to it. Constantly adding “just one more” person leads to budget stress and venue headaches.
Forgetting to coordinate. Make sure your officiant knows the rehearsal time. Confirm the final headcount with the restaurant a week before. Have someone designated to update the venue if the rehearsal runs late.
Letting toasts go off the rails. Give speakers a heads-up about time limits and appropriate content. Have someone ready to gently wrap things up if a toast goes long.
Skipping the backup plan. For outdoor venues, know your rain plan. In Arizona, this is less about rain and more about unexpected heat — have an indoor option available during summer months.
Overserving alcohol. A rehearsal dinner isn’t the night for anyone to overdo it. The wedding is tomorrow. Make sure people can get home safely and wake up feeling good.
Special Situations
Destination weddings:
When everyone has traveled to celebrate with you, it’s thoughtful to invite all guests to the rehearsal dinner — or at least to a welcome gathering afterward. This becomes less “rehearsal dinner” and more “welcome party,” which is perfectly fine. Your guests made the trip. Show them you’re glad they came.
Divorced parents and blended families:
Communication is everything. Talk to both sides about seating, speeches, and hosting duties before the event. If there’s tension, seat people strategically — you don’t need to force anyone into uncomfortable proximity. Give both parents equal recognition in toasts.
Second marriages:
Same etiquette applies, with a few adjustments. Expectations around parental contributions may differ. Gift expectations are typically lower. You might skip some traditions or create new ones. What matters is celebrating this marriage, not replicating a first wedding.
Small weddings:
If your wedding guest list is 25 people, your rehearsal dinner might be 12-15. That’s fine. Intimate gatherings can happen at home, at a small restaurant, or anywhere that fits your group. The formality scales down naturally.
Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner in Lake Havasu City
Lake Havasu City offers something special for rehearsal dinners. You’ve got the desert beauty, the relaxed atmosphere, and venues that understand how to host a celebration.
Whether your guests are locals or traveling in for a destination wedding, they’ll appreciate gathering somewhere with good food, comfortable space, and that warm Lake Havasu hospitality.
What to look for in a venue:
- Private or semi-private space for your group
- Flexible menu options that accommodate different tastes
- A location close to your ceremony rehearsal site
- Staff who understand wedding events and timing
Host Your Rehearsal Dinner at Locos Bar & Cocina
If you’re looking for a rehearsal dinner venue that feels like family, Locos Bar & Cocina on Restaurant Row might be exactly what you need.
Our Swanson Avenue location features a private banquet room that seats up to 36 guests — perfect for wedding parties and close family. The space is elegant without being stuffy: chandeliers, leather chairs, and table settings that feel special but still comfortable.
Why couples choose Locos for rehearsal dinners:
- Family-style Mexican food that’s meant to be shared — passed platters of our signature dishes bring people together
- Handcrafted cocktails like Jesse’s Cadillac and Lisa Lisa’s Paloma for toasting the happy couple
- Recipes passed down for generations — the kind of food that feels like home
- A family-owned restaurant that understands what it means to celebrate the people you love
Jesse and Lisa Marquez opened Locos in 2021 after 30+ years of building their own family here in Lake Havasu. They know what these moments mean.
Ready to plan your rehearsal dinner?
Call us directly to discuss your event. We’ll work with you on menu options, timing, and all the details that make your evening perfect.
Locos Bar & Cocina – Swanson 150 Swanson Ave, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404 (928) 732-0522
Where being a little crazy is OK!